The Glove Woodworking Mallet

Step by step process on how I make my thumb-slot woodworking mallet for fine detail work. This how to video shows how to make a basic woodworking mallet, and then turn it into a comfortable detail mallet for intricate work.
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Some items used in this video and others:
Power carving burrs: amzn.to/37PeaLf
Micro Mesh pads: amzn.to/2SjO1hC
Titebond 3 wood glue: amzn.to/2Y3TuOJ
Makita belt sander: amzn.to/2Slu9KR
Festool Sander: amzn.to/2JP5kDp
Glue tray and brush: amzn.to/2XWoCff
CA glue and activator: amzn.to/2JOppJN
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[@markdmaker3173]

Nicely done. I am a woodcarver and I see great value in this.

[@BlacktailStudio]

That’s awesome to hear!

[@glebprokudin2000]

Looks great, but why rounded woking plane though? You just made it harder for yourself to hit the chisel, cuz if you're not hitting dead center, the mallet will slip

[@GlobalProsperityGroup]

@@glebprokudin2000 If you watch him use it, it is slipping a bunch. I was thinking the same thing. It is rounded a bit too much.

[@kz.irudimen]

@@glebprokudin2000 Dovetailing mallet are often entirely round, they're not hammers to hit nails. You don't have to hit dead center, at all.

[@josephbrauer2573]

This kind of innovation is why I still go through KZbin videos . Thanks for sharing this one . excellent Idea .

[@gerribrousseau8620]

This is a valuable addition to my woodwork collection kzbin.infoUgkxbnOKZBE4evMO5V2vroHeCjq6d_MV6wJO I still will rate this woodwork plan as the best in my reference library. It always seem to stand out from the rest whenever you go through the library. This is a masterpiece.

[@BlacktailStudio]

2x4x9, pt for the base plate

[@MichaelMantion]

Really great video, I liked the voice over instead of the annoying background music so many creators are adding to videos.

[@BlacktailStudio]

Oh thanks. I hate that music too.

[@Perspari]

Strongly agree :)

[@justin1911]

Clicked because of the beautiful mallet in the thumbnail, stayed (and replayed) for the straightforward informative tips and shoptalk.

[@BlacktailStudio]

I appreciate that Justin!

[@christofix]

this mallet is just awsome. the details on it, the colors, everything is just perfect! well done man

[@BlacktailStudio]

Oh thanks man!

[@christofix]

@@BlacktailStudio you are welcome, again congratulations on this one!

[@ferenchackfelner8784]

Wonderful..I would never dare to beat with it some rough thing...

[@chrisweigand1817]

I am blown away at how much knowledge you have about woodworking. Mallets are amazing!

[@petermccuskey1832]

Beautiful craftmanship , as a custom gunsmith I really appreciate the amount of hand work involved in this process.

[@5k37ch0]

A sander in a vice? Mindblowing

[@chriskeeble]

Apologies if others have suggested this already (hundreds of comments to check) - but if you created mallet faces on both sides of the head, you could swivel the mallet and use it with or without the thumb stock grip, depending on the angle of use. Love this project - definitely going to take some of your tips and techniques and have a go. Thank you for the video.

[@stephanjuvik6266]

To add to this I've seen mallets with an angled face, which might be used for the down chiseling. I'm not a woodworker, so I'm not sure, but I imagine that could help on the ergonomics.

[@Tammc09]

I feel like he could just hold it normally too if working vertically, no need to swivel.

[@seanlathbury5410]

I’ve got my great grandfather’s mallet….round and made from Lignumvitae. Great feel and sentimental too :)

[@Timber2Toothpicks]

I know I am outside the lines… I watched your mallet video. Back in the day when I was in carpenter school I was grinding out thumb notches in my framing hammers. The OGs made fun of me. Then I bought two of them top of the line Vaughan hammers. I hogged out flat spots where their thumbs went. Then I glued it larger pieces of wood. Then I used my chisels and an old Craftsman drill with a heavy grit paper on a dowel that I made. I finished it off using leather stamp/punches for texture. They LOVED it. The thumb notch controlled where the strike was going to fall. It kept the hammer from rolling in a sweaty palm. You also did not need to grip your hammer as tightly.This is when a journeyman carpenter had to drive a #16 Green CC Sinker in three strikes. I was thrilled to see someone still using a trick of the trade. This was after the dinosaurs…..

[@thomaskila3801]

I appreciate when craftsmen make their tools their own! Great job and beautiful mallet!

[@robboss1839]

That doesn’t look like it’ll break your thumb. Beautiful craftsmanship and looks like it offers lovely control over that fine work.

[@mkbcoolman]

Absolute work of art. I've been planning to make a few more mallets in the near future. I built my first one a while back just using some scraps of oak and walnut. I laminated the handle so the walnut is running down the center of the handle, then I also used walnut for the wedges. It's not the prettiest thing ever, but man has it held up really well even if it hasn't been the greatest of designs. It will always have a spot in my shop for simple nostalgia. My local hardwood store had a few scraps of wenge last time I was in there...I wish I had picked it up. Hopefully they'll still have some next time I stop by...that would make for a great mallet with some hard maple I already have.

[@ericb547]

Yup...This mallet is now on my "to do" list! : ) I love your artistry in this piece.

[@d.k.1394]

It is lovely though I feel the copper pipe could of been the next size smaller.

[@pmdinaz]

So glad i found your channel last week. Different perspectives and design with intent and purpose. Using the different finishes helps build the mental library of what can be used on different species of wood. Also, finding different species. I was a flooring contractor full time for 12 years and really loved installing hardwood flooring. It too exposed me to multiple different woods that i carry in my beginning hobby as a wood worker some years later. Thanks again for sharing.

[@BlacktailStudio]

Awesome, thanks!

[@mnemonyss]

I think that wood you made the mallet with is gorgeous! I really love the design touches!

[@timwhitemedic]

Brilliant sir. I am left handed myself and I plan on making my own custom mallet using your video as inspiration. Thank you very much. Excellent work.

[@matthewrollins9719]

Love the design and the details of the build! Making my first mallet out of Cedar Elm from my backyard.

[@tjkoker]

Outstanding video. Very informative. I was able to create the mallet in about a week. You made it very easy. Thank you again.

[@Taugeshtu]

+1 and a heartfelt "thank you" for showing off different grits of micromesh!

[@ehengle]

For no particular reason, I like your design. Nicely done!

[@edboggs4066]

Very nice work, now I will need to make at least one. I will try using Iron wood for the mallet and Walnut for the handle. Love your video's , you have shown me some new tricks.

[@Bootes1]

Wow, now that is some mallet. I've just finish making a carving mallet. I can't afford any fancy machines, lathe, belt-sander etc, no fancy wood just some scrapes of oak I found laying around at the back of my shed/workshop, so it was just rasps and sand-paper. I think it turned out ok because I made it. Love watching your Tubes, you make some incredible items.

[@sjsmith801]

I think that wood is superb looking. Great job.

[@busterturner8702]

The " thumb part" is genius

[@hurricaneidaclips7928]

Hey brother @BlacktailStudio. You do some amazing work! I learned so much from watching your videos. I'm not new to woodworking but new to fine finishing. Everything is so in depth and thorough. I haven't had the chance to apply it yet but very soon I will. Thanks for the quality videos. Keep'em coming my man. Be safe.

[@heidibundy8906]

That mallet is a work of art! I would suggest a ridged mini tubing cutter would make that copper a little less prickly and might even allow for a more precise length.

[@samuelroberts334]

Very beautiful Mallet! Great job!

[@dawabbitt3079]

One of the best videos I've seen on hand-crafting a woodworking tool!

[@BlacktailStudio]

Oh wow, thanks for saying so !

[@dawabbitt3079]

@@BlacktailStudio - You're welcome! The (many) reasons 'why' I think it's one of the best (if not 'THE' best) is because (1) Your voice isn't annoying to listen to. Some KZbinrs are just WAY too animated. Some struggle with basic speech. Some just have an annoying tone. (2) You not only walk us through the build process, but you explain 'WHY' you are doing things a certain way. (3) Through your narration and sometimes through your videography, you tell / show us the dimensions / angles you cut the blanks to before glue-up. (4) Speaking of videography, I'd give yours (on a scale of 1-10) a definite '10' ! - The lighting , clarity and close-ups were REALLY good. Anyway - Your video was not only exceptionally well done, but it was also 'therapeutic', not only to watch, but to listen to, as well... I subscribed to your channel after watching only this one video AND rang that bell, for notifications. Please keep up the great work, as I look forward to watching more of your builds. EDIT: Typos

[@BlacktailStudio]

Da Wabbitt man, I appreciate the feedback! It’s all done on my iPhone, but working on stepping up to the DSLR game though. And I try and keep it tolerable. I’m not a fan of the too animated hosts either.

[@rodw]

Very nicely done !! I'm brand new to woodworking and this was Great to watch. I have the confidence now to make a basic one. I look forward to making a more advanced one as I gain experience. Thanks for sharing your talent and videos, Rodney

[@BlacktailStudio]

Awesome!

[@petergamache5368]

Watching you sand isn't like watching paint dry. Sanding is relaxing - doing or watching. I'm a woodworker because it's fun... :) Thanks for sharing this!

[@BlacktailStudio]

Thanks Peter!

[@lorencing]

Beautiful piece of tooling and amazing choice of wood.

[@MultiTom1956]

Beautiful mallet, beautiful tools and beautifully explained 😊Thank you for the tutorial.

[@BlacktailStudio]

My pleasure!

[@fernandochavez4312]

Beautiful work of art to make art with.👍

[@TheCiricote]

I live in Yucatán and here tje katalox Is very common, nice work I a fan of your work

[@stevenromero3750]

Hey Cam, great inspiration. I made my first yesterday, happy to report it didn’t fall apart! Love the circle brass inlays you have on your other designs and wondering how you did those... keep up the good work!

[@mikehomner4724]

Beautiful work, in a word superb!

[@KeithChastain-YouGotKeith]

That's fantastic! Exactly the kind of mallet I was looking for but didn't know it. And I love that wood I think it's beautiful

[@carlf4275]

Awesome design and excellent work. I really like that copper inlay as well.

[@mikecalhoun8497]

I love the shape of the handle, and as I'm getting arthritics in my thumbs I'm going to have to make on of these. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@BlacktailStudio]

Excellent!

[@markhedquist9597]

Wow! That is a beautiful mallet!

[@alexdroban4312]

Very nice. I really like this unique design. I’m going to try this for my own use. Beautiful. 👍🏻

[@MeenakshiRaman1]

Incredible work Sam 👏🏽

[@davehernandez4177]

Wow bro! What a beautiful and motivating video. I’m so inspired to make one for myself Thank you

[@freomoodfly]

It’s a work of art, who would have thought that a piece of equipment as egalitarian as a mallet could be so beautiful!

[@BlacktailStudio]

Really appreciate that!

[@hypnolobster]

Katalox is such a cool wood. Love seeing more people use it.

[@johngrigsby5905]

Awesome mallet, sir! I'm in TN and made one (not nearly as amazing as yours) out of white oak from an old 1700's barn...needless to say, it was so hard that I had to sharpen every blade I used afterwards. Oak is not the most exotic looking wood out there, but old barns are much easier to come by down here than a Goby store ;)

[@brandonpatton4776]

White oak can be beautiful depends on the grain. I made my sister a cake Turner out of some and it had a burl look to it. I sanded it to a high grit and a fee coats of beeswax turned out beautiful

[@jasonnmoore12]

Glad you made this video. Saw one of these on your Instagram and have been wanting to make one. Great video

[@nathancarr1690]

Great work .. and I love the wedges. It is a cool accent and great way to tighten rather than fitting it perfectly in the hole it goes in (the mallet head).

[@MintStiles]

Whao!!! That's actually... Brilliant. Who'd thought to improve an age old tool with ingenuity that may be arguably timeless!

[@kcoolworld]

I bought that Japanese carving knife. Love it. Great for tracing a stencil. Every video I watch it see another tool I need.

[@BlacktailStudio]

I’ll keep em coming!

[@funnyriverred2501]

turned out awesome, unique and functional!

[@rahamtullahmansuri7665]

I loved the colour of the wood

[@chriscmoor]

Beautiful work and an absolutely gorgeous tool. My preferred woods for mallet heads are persimmon and hop hornbeam (sometimes called musclewood or ironwood). Both are wicked hard, so make sure your tools are nice and sharp. For handles, I like either hickory or ash. No particular reason, just what I grew up using. BTW, persimmon takes aniline dyes really well and can be dyed jet black to mimic African ebony. The hornbeam might, too, but I just like its natural creamy color, especially when finished with beeswax.

[@th3m4dj4ck]

Man I just made a key for my china hutch today and I definitely feel the "woodworker who attempts metalwork" comment

[@PaPaJ77]

That's one beautiful mallet.

[@michaelwong1908]

Man, you have a lot of fun doing what you like!

[@gadjodilo22]

that dark colour wood looks beautiful

[@nonparticipant4671]

Beautiful job. Really like to see inspiring work like this!

[@BlacktailStudio]

Thanks so much!

[@glen1arthur]

That is a great mallet. any Woodworker, mason, or fellowcraft would be proud to make one and use it. Any F&AM would be proud to own one. ; )

[@shawngummoe195]

Damn brother, I've made a few mallets well, and I actually love the process. Or processes. There are so many ways to make them and it's so awesome that you threw in the thumb gouge. I've thought about doing that to mine as well. Beautiful job brother, very well done, as is all your work! God bless!!

[@augustingarnier4625]

It's gorgeous! Bravo!

[@johnwoods6296]

Brilliant, love the look and finish

[@Blueboy9055]

This mallet is a Thing of Beauty!!

[@BlacktailStudio]

Oh thanks!

[@sheldondillon]

I like your mallets and as a fellow wood worker I am very envious of your toys LOL

[@BlacktailStudio]

They’re pretty good!

[@johnjude2685]

Great DIY Sir Love not having the saw on super Loud unlike too many videos of shop videos of which needs , Yeah you did great work with the audio and information and a nice build. I did build a long handle oak malded that much as yours and holding up well and I did love yours and I do some chisel work with wood and the stort handle would give more control than any other. Thanks for teaching Sir

[@marksandford1522]

Amazing work and a great idea. Well done. I’ll make one of these for sculpting.

[@QuercusMcFercus]

Really beautiful. Thank you for posting this.

[@BlacktailStudio]

Thanks for saying so Patrick!

[@PPMOCRG]

That’s a beautiful mallet! I love the ergonomic design. My last mallet was made of Osage Orange with Red Oak handle.

[@BlacktailStudio]

That’s some hard wood!

[@JidoAZ]

Enjoyed it very much … good job!

[@cedricburg8374]

a work of art. Beautiful.

[@patrickwills3291]

Beautiful work

[@ReaghNetwork]

Watched this video three times. like a favorite episode of family guy or something. Except it’s super cool woodworking

[@BlacktailStudio]

I’d have preferred Simpson’s. But thanks 😊

[@orkpotatolord7039]

A little late to the party here on making mallets but I’m working on making a dove tail mallet out of ebony right now this video actually helped a lot because I’m trying to figure out the best way to bind these 2 pieces of ebony together the best.

[@sanramondublin]

liked your mallet greetings from California.

[@lorenzodelacruz1887]

Great show. Thanks for the info and the beautiful mallet. I might hang it on the wall, but it is obviously functional. The thumb slot must help stabilize your strikes.

[@mrwoodwork5097]

Beautiful design! I made my mallet out of wenge and maple, and I love the way it came out

[@BlacktailStudio]

That’s a good combo right there

[@randygust3423]

Curious if after some use, if you found wenge to be hard enough for a mallet?

[@nickgreenwood2854]

I turned a mallet from a sycamore log using the same shape for the handle as you have. It was very light and could easily crack in half. So I soaked it in genuine turpentine and linseed oil untill it wouldn't absorb any more, it took over a week. Once it had dried it worked perfectly, great weight, great durability. I have hit stuff so hard with it, lost my temper, that it hurt my shoulder, and it still held up. It was forty years ago that I made it and its still serving me well. The thing is with a round mallet, every time you use it you don’t worry if you have the thing held correctly, with the face lined up, it always is, 360 deg.

[@shanejohnson800]

That’s beautiful I tried something similar yours came out way better

[@BlacktailStudio]

Oh thanks!

[@Nebol]

I really like the darkness of the wood.

[@nicktease8750]

Wow, I just now saw this video for some reason. I love the idea of the thumb hole, I'm going to try that on the one I'm working on now. I like to use purple heart for my mallet heads. It's beautiful and it's extremely hard it's extremely hard. I'm sure you won't read this comment on such an old video but in case you do, I just wanted to say thanks. I love your videos and I always get the best ideas from them. I'm also a self-taught nonconformist lol. Thanks again.

[@BlacktailStudio]

Cheers!

[@167curly]

A great small project, Cam.

[@stewartmcmanus3991]

I made mine, without the thumb slot, in West Australian Jarrah. I used automotive paper to 1400 then wax and it practically glows in the dark !! Thanks for the video.

[@BlacktailStudio]

Nice man!

[@pemtax557]

Impressive process and results. Fun to watch as well ... nicely done! cheers

[@BlacktailStudio]

Cheers friend!

[@scottfortune9016]

Nice looking mallet!

[@kerrywil1]

Very nice video. Thanks for taking the time to make this video

[@BlacktailStudio]

Thanks for taking the time to say so

[@herbwoodworks]

I’ve found my favorite wood for mallets, granted I make joiners mallets, is marblewood. It’s beautiful but also extremely dense and durable. Gives a nice weight to the head of the mallet and holds up to use.

[@marcusthomas2999]

Very nice, it looks incredible

[@extreme.4576]

That's a gorgeous mallet my Brother. I have made one out of Calico Hickory and Black Walnut. The Hickory is a very solid wood for the mallet head. I love your thumbhole. Thinking of trying one like that. Your polishing technic is AWESOME!! Take care and stay healthy

[@BlacktailStudio]

Cheers buddy! stay safe

[@obiknobi8447]

Great video thanks. I made one with Leadwood from northern Mozambique.

[@annezimmerman4262]

Really nice video…looking to make one for my son. ;) thank you!

[@navarroedwards8031]

Man I really love that mallet.

[@ejl74]

Awesome little project. I’m definitely going to Make one of these. I have to agree, routers definitely scare me.

[@donaldadams1644]

Gosh, I have to buy my mallet but I can see great value in your 'detail' mallet. I think I will curve one end of my mallet & add your 'thumb slot'. Brilliant idea Cam & so good to see how you go about making them. If I could buy one here in South Australia I WOULD, without any hesitation. Thanks for sharing it, Don from South Aust.

[@ianthomas3653]

This is so well done, and such a great idea. I use a Maul for my leather working, and you just gave me an awesome idea for a modified version of that. 90% of the time i just hold the barrel of the maul anyways, but why not make one thats ergonomic, and has a shortened handle.

[@scottbarrett3194]

Thanks for a delightful and informative video. I loved how burnished the wood to 12000 grit. Your finished mallet is magnificent...clearly the work of a master craftsman. I subscribed because you taught me several new techniques. Keep up the wonderful work

[@BlacktailStudio]

I appreciate that Scott! Really nice to hear

[@dmitryg3]

Your craftsmanship is on a very high and impressive level. Ever thought of trying a curved or angled handle? Might give a more comfortable angle for vertical work 😊.

[@Phyoomz]

Gorgeous mallet!