How to make a Joiners Mallet (part 1) | Paul Sellers

(Episode 1/3) Paul sellers shows you how to make a wooden mallet while practicing your mortice and tenons as well as shaping skills. After completing this project you will have a useful handmade tool for years to come.
In this episode, Paul discusses the features that make a good mallet, including choice of wood. The stock is then cut to shape using a few different methods including splitting with an axe, cutting the tapers with the bow saw and handsaw and creating reference faces with the smoothing plane.

[@Paul.Sellers]

To find out more about Paul Sellers and the projects he is involved with visit paulsellers.com For more project videos, visit: woodworkingmasterclasses.com/video-library/

[@dannysisk9458]

Hello Mr Sellers. I am finally getting into wood working. I have been in construction for ten years. I build homes etc..but I have always been interested in fine wood work. My question is what type of chisels do you use? I like the handles on the one shown on this video. I like your videos very much. I appreciate your time and wisdom as well as skills. Thank you in advance for your assistance.

[@edwinspray7328]

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[@Greyotterstudio]

Paul sellers and Rex Kreuger are the reason I felt confident enough to get into woodworking, they always make it seem accessible to us all. No matter our experience or tool collection. I just made a laminated ash and sapele mallet entirely with a hand saw and a hand plane, and I don't think I would of even had the confidence to try without these guys, so thank you for all the lovely content you make.

[@krisskinner2809]

Have you seen wood by wright ??? Also rob Crossman

[@GavinNatur]

And have you seen eoin reardon

[@Goodnews4man]

I'm watching this from Texas. Imagine my joy when I hear your preference of a native wood. Time to go on a walk!

[@promugg]

Are you going to cedar elms on your walk?

[@scottjohnson396]

Can I get some of that native Texas wood sent to me here in Minnesota? :D

[@tims.3950]

Texan here, too.

[@WesleyBrace]

I have both Cedar Elms AND Bois D'Arc trees on my property. Time to take a branch! (In Texas)

[@HeathBlair]

‘Nother Texan here poppin’ in to say Howdy

[@christophercastor6666]

“This is a technique; watch this…. How do you put this in a book!?!”-Paul Sellers describing the Quarter Corner Chisel Chipping Technique This is the 3rd or 4th time I have sought out this video over the years. This time because I fell into a nice chunk of cherry that’s begging to become my new mallet. I split it today with a hatchet and removed the pith, but I couldn’t remember the dimensions, angle, or handle taper exactly. Thank you for the inspiration to look at a piece of wood and let it tell me what it should become. I am a massive fan of your educational material, your lifestyle descriptions, and your thoughts on listening to the wood and it’s vibrations. You have taught me more than I can ever hope to use. Thank you as always, -CY Castor

[@davidryle1164]

For me, this remains the definitive video of classic woodworkers mallet construction. Great job Paul.

[@cianmerne7961]

I use a wooden mallet that belonged to my great grandfather and still gets the job done after 4 generations of use. Maybe time to make my own and retire the old one as a family heirloom.

[@user-ug5vw2ny9o]

When I watch videos like this, what impresses me is the ease with which Mr. Sellers uses the various tools. I know this comes from experience and familiarity with the different tools and what can be done with them and how to do it. Thank you so much for sharing all of these videos.

[@pivotalpigeon2914]

Paul sellers is great. He uses all hand tools, even for ripping cuts, and he doesn't use a bunch of things most people don't have, like jointers and thickness planes

[@daltonking625]

Love when he said the rays are glistening and smiling back at him (:

[@samboslc]

Had to watch E01 again to realize that my fear of making a mistake was holding me back from completing this project for myself for many months. I will be able to complete it now. Thanks Paul for your symplicity in explaining this beautiful project.

[@threesonsrestorations4043]

Did you make your mallet? How did it go? Any challenges you overcame?

[@bobbrewer5759]

I have a mallet like this that you gave me I guess 15 or 20 years ago in Texas. I'm still using it and it really doesn't look any older than the day you gave it to me. Thanks again.

[@ironmantooltime]

You paid for it no? 👍

[@bobbrewer5759]

@Paul Yes he did.

[@ShelljetA1]

Fair exchange is no robbery. You gave him the wood, he gave you a mallet.

[@hmscatman]

I still have a mallet I made in 1979. Now that I'm getting back into woodworking it will be very useful.

[@gazpal]

I recall being taught how to make mallet by an old timer (Must be approaching 48 years ago) who worked in the estate workshops where I spent so much time during my youth. I'd mentioned needing a mallet and he told me to return to the workshop in a few days time. This I did and discovered he'd been sorting through the scrap wood pile for something suitable. In essence, an off-cut of elm. He split this bole of elm to use and my god he was good.... Split using a froe, then roughed out to shape using rasp and chisel, before mortising the head making the haft and refining to finish shape. I still have one of the mallets he made and none of the ones I've produced since then has ever matched the quality he produced that afternoon and using such basic hand tools. :-) Nicely done Paul :-)

[@slimjim227]

One of the tips from my time as a joiner was to have a tennon saw and a panel saw with the same set on the teeth, so that you could start a deep cut more precisely with the tennon saw and finish it with the hand saw without any binding in the cut. We also used the linseed oil pad that Paul is using to lubricate the plane bottom, except where the oil might spoil the surface for any clear finish that was to follow, then we’d use candle wax which didn’t sink into the surface.

[@salemswagger]

I love hearing experts like Paul talk about wood grain and all the things to consider when using hand tools.

[@evilgenius3646]

"Nothing laminated seems to last 50 years or more" You know dude is a legend when he expects everything he makes to last >50 years

[@kcjones679]

I'll delaminate before my mallet.

[@ironmantooltime]

@@kcjones679 my kitchen shelves haven't moved in 15 years, my work is good for 50 😎

[@bighands69]

@@ironmantooltime He is talking about the theoretical time for a lamination to last. But it depends on what you are using it for. A stable laminated countertop or table top will last a long time but a mallet that is impacting a chisel every day is going to last a fraction of that.

[@codelicious6590]

Regarding hand-sawing that block of three inch Oak- "You could still do it- there's nothing wrong with wanting to pursue it" -That somehow had me laughing my head off!

[@MegaFlyinggoose]

hi Paul being disabled i cannot try some of the things you show but just hearing you describe the ins and outs of tools and joints is really good to hear, any young lad wanting to take up joinery would do well watching your videos and taking in your every word; keep making your videos and i will keep watching them. regards mike

[@rafavidal2735]

I like the way of working and teaching of Paul Sellers, he is the best!!..

[@joergwiesmann4261]

Mr. Sellers !!! YOU are a soooo kind und top professonal Tipman !!! Thank YOU soooooo much !!! kinde regards from Switzerland !!!!

[@russelmcarthur2597]

I've watched a lot of how-to videos on KZbin regarding the making of a wooden mallet and Mr. Sellars is far and away the best instructor. The same can be said for any of his videos I've had the good fortune to watch. Thank you sir!

[@sethwarner2540]

Wow, that hand plane is SHARP!

[@jeffreylombardo782]

What a great explanation of the strength of an area around a knot in the wood! Been woodworking for 40 plus years and never heard that! Shame on me! Good Show Paul!!!!

[@ashleykitson1300]

So, as a carpenter, I use a hammer and steel capped short chisels (made by Stanley in the UK, but until relatively recently, only available in the US.) I get massive force through them, making for quick work and limited tool change. For the workshop I've always used a sculptors mallet (round, not flat.) I make mine on the lathe from logs of beech or birch. I like the fact that as the surface is always curved, I can apply precise force from the smallest 'sweet spot' on the mallet. Making them is so easy, you can knock up a range of sizes (dependent on what logs you have,) in a few hours. Given the nature of fresh(ish) wood, make a few. Time will give you the keepers. That said, as always, Paul's instruction on a Joiner's or Carpenter's mallet is as always, a joy to watch.

[@davidtraugot1405]

Dear Paul, I do so much love watching your videos, not the least because you validate so many things I have discovered through being forced to use the tools available at any moment for whatever job I'm doing: planing across the grain; slicing at a skewed angle with the corner of a chisel; cutting with whatever power or hand saw was on site (scribing a wavy edge with a circular saw if I have no coping saw or block plane to hand) etc. Your most reliable tools are still your hands, eyes, and brain, working together. Bless you and thank you for all you teach us; what a marvellous gift!

[@28gwdavies]

It's so nice to see how I 'should have' done it. A while ago I made a mallet from instructions on youtube that called for the head to be laminated from 3 pieces of wood with a void in the middle where you had to put 'lead' in to weight it, I used .22 air rifle pellets... probably worth more than the cost of a shop bought mallet! Time to get my pellets back and make a real one... thank you, Paul.

[@Peterh450]

You are very correct Paul, when you say, "how do you put this into a book?". Your knowledge and experience is a valuable insight to the old school apprenticeship that people will never read about.

[@christophercastor6666]

After seeing this, I am definitely making a new thumper tomorrow! Thank you Paul!

[@beugzyham]

really appreciate how much detail you include in these videos, never leaves a question unanswered.

[@daleburrell6273]

30:55...well, you AXED for it-!! (get it? get it? get it? snucker-snucker-snucker!!)

[@pinview8519]

Always a joy to watch, whatever you are doing with those hand tools. Thank you, Paul.

[@dholtz3]

Just completed my mallet while watching your videos. Excellent teacher. Thank you.

[@pflores3186]

Thank you Paul for the most excellent videos. They are a real joy to watch.

[@sloanIrrigation]

You should put some mallets up for sale on eBay. Love your videos, sir. I truly believe you're the best tutorial on youtube. your love for your work is plainly evident and contagious.

[@t3golf]

Some trees were knocked down the other week from a bad wind storm we had here in Texas. I figure I'd go around seeing if there was anything good, and a guy says "Sure, take it. But it's just that old scrub wood that pushes up everyone's fences." Turns out to be Cedar Elm...... I was so ecstatic.

[@FelipeDelPapa]

It is such a joy to watch your videos. Great technics! Thanks for share Paul

[@IamtheActionman]

True craftsman! Always a pleasure to watch Paul work

[@brianmiller9365]

Outstanding. Nothing else to say. Except sometimes you crack me up. "Try putting that in a book".

[@aaronjermain]

I am really enjoying this. As always, your videos are wonderful Paul. Thank you!

[@josiahross9383]

Mr. Sellers - You are simply wonderful! I continually enjoy your wonderful perceptions, observations, reflections on the nature of the wood, the beauty of the medullary ray flecks, your chisel tips, and on-and-on. I am surely your biggest and best fan. Please keep up the wonderful work!

[@junkyarddog4411]

This man’s passion is contagious, I really enjoy his videos.

[@johnhealy2092]

Reminds me of my father (cabinet maker) all his life,he only owned one power tool B and D drill with saw attachment ,spent most of my childhood learning how to use and sharpen tools .love to watch his techniques.

[@2shoestoo]

Excellent training and how-to. It’s like a one on one class. Thanks for all your videos Paul.

[@Finewoodworkingofsc194]

Excellent video and instruction, Paul. Love your videos.

[@bolby9485]

Great video, I enjoy watching all of your videos and appreciate all of the techniques that "you won't find in a book."

[@Jesususetheclemster]

Watching you teach in your shop brings me back to when I took an Industrial Arts class in Jr. High School. I'll be watching a lot of your videos. Thanks for sharing your love and knowledge of woodworking.

[@Barkeaters99live]

Just found a No. 4 Bench Plane abandoned in a neighbors garage. First tool I'll be restoring and a new start in wood working for me.

[@327ewok]

that corner of the chisel technique is fire thanks uncle paul

[@ianmills6956]

How I enjoyed watching and learning from your professional tutorial videos. I particularly like how you show that you don't need expensive Hi tech machines. Brilliant

[@jakegevorgian]

It's always a pleasure to watch your videos Sir

[@roamingrichy]

This guy is mesmerising!! I could watch and listen all day!

[@johnzzhu]

Always learning something new from every video. Looking forward to the next part.

[@wjjohns04able]

Great video! Can't wait for part 2!

[@brianinnes3778]

Love watching you work, I'm a jobbing joiner looking to get into woodworking and I wish I served my time with a guy like you!

[@aqcd]

thank you so much for providing these insightful videos.

[@chrischapman2968]

Brilliant video Paul, you make everything look so easy

[@Jcrain0]

Sellers on a bandsaw!? Never thought I'd see the day. Good video. Love your work.

[@ScrapwoodCity]

Awesome tutorial! I love watching you use those beautiful hand tools! I also noticed how rythmically you cut with your handsaws! Almost like an accurate percussionist in a music band! Thanks so much for sharing with us those beautiful tutorials!

[@TimH86]

Funnily enough, if you watch Paul’s videos with auto generated captions on, the algorithm usually shows [music...] when he’s sawing or hammering on a chisel 😆

[@grebdnulyrag]

Another great video Sir Paul.

[@JeffThePoustman]

I am almost wanting to sign in on an alternate account so I can give this an extra thumbs up. So fantastic to see/hear/learn these mastercraftsman tips, like the quarter chisel at the end.

[@memyselfandeye1234]

Pleasure to watch and learn as always. Many Thank to all involved with the making of these videos. "can't find it in a book" ...... Love It!! Peace n Love all Stay safe

[@GnosticJuggernaut.]

I learn so much from watching your videos. Thank you..

[@jolox.]

Nice video! Those mallets you have are beautiful! And it is so helpful to see your techniques. I just got a band-saw for Christmas and used it to chop up an Ash stump into some blocks. Wasn't sure what to do with the wood, but now I'm going to make an Ash Mallet! Thanks for the inspiration!

[@pvieirayt]

Lots of techniques learned during a simple mallet making!

[@salomao1971]

Mesmo não falando inglês,cada video é uma aula,prazerosa.Lamento ter lhe descoberto,só após à morte do meu pai,habilidoso marceneiro,seria muito bom dividir com ele,esses momentos de prazer e aprendizado.Paul você é muito útil à humanidade.

[@agrafes6]

Proper craftsmanship that is.👍🏻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧

[@Twilight_Charger]

Great Teacher, you are leaving life long impressions, even for a 61 year old. Thank you

[@pcroom34]

Love watching this professional woodworker a pleasure to watch a genius, I WANT A BANDSAW LIKE THAT

[@sethwarner2540]

OOOH! I can tell, by the screeching , that wood is tenacious!

[@viscache1]

Thank you for distinguishing between “carpenters” (-those who use a tool infrequently or an amateur) and “craftsman” (-those who spend a lifetime earning a living with the correct use of the correct tool..therefore use tools lasting generations). My mallet of that design is three generations old and has no significant chips or damage. I found a ship builders mallet from the 1800’s that has been poorly treated and has been added as a useable backup in my tools. As lovely as these are i made my own maul set simply because it is such a refined tool for carving, chiseling and working through wild grained woods like many walnuts.

[@bluetoad2001]

Cedar Elm is a scrubby little raggedy tree living a tough life. thus it grows very slow and doesn't get very tall. the wood is excellent as you say for small projects like mallets and such.

[@joeduffy9764]

reworked my shop bought mallet after watching this!! Joe, in Birmingham UK

[@williamtowle30]

I'm so in love with the work that you do. I went on youtube to learn a better way to do a dovetail and that's where i first found one of your videos. I seriously want to make every tool that you teach about. Im a carpenter for a construction management company in canada. I rarely do woodwork like this. but its never too late to start. I just got a really nice set of chisels too. thank you!!

[@Picplosions]

You do amazing videos mate.

[@More-Space-In-Ear]

One of my first tasks when I started my boatbuilding apprenticeship and still in use today...not bad for 40 years..

[@user-et3ch7sn5k]

Best channel on KZbin. Love watching you working you are impressive sir.

[@michaeljking]

Great tutorials as always, Would love to see "how to make a bow saw"

[@tlbeadlegmailcom]

Excellent presentation and a treasure in learning. Thanks!

[@crystalsoulslayer]

Me, going through the Lee Valley site: "Why do they sell axes in the woodworking section?" Me, watching this video: "Oh."

[@javanbybee4822]

axes are very useful tools.

[@DrChattan]

Other than cutting wood, what else do you use an axe for?

[@tylersmith9868]

@@DrChattan beheading foes

[@DrChattan]

@@tylersmith9868 said the man who has never headed anything, let alone a foe. 😂

[@timelyrain]

@@DrChattan an axe is half blade half hammer don't forget that

[@marcelblomme7538]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge! Your video's really helped out to improve my skills

[@commenter4799]

Videos like this make me a prime example of the Dunning-Kruger effect until I try it myself.

[@coldblu357]

I'm going to make these Paul. I love ur videos, Thankyou very much!

[@pacogonfishin]

Just subbed. First time watching your videos and you really make me want to get into woodworking. I've always been interested, but you explain it so well and you make it so much easier to understand. Much appreciated 🙏

[@RockyMountainBear]

This is a wonderfully helpful video. Thank you kind sir. I had to cut down a honey locust tree in my yard. It's almost dry enough to start working it. It's surprisingly hard, and beautifully coloured. The grain is similar to oak, but with more density.

[@tdn02jfe]

Very nice work, sir. I like these longer instructional videos!

[@MarktheAirsoftPrimate]

making one of these for my dad for father's day, it's laminated but this has helped me out a ton. will make a solid one next year.

[@ashporter]

Thanks for the video and an unexpected shout out to my home town.

[@levelliberation6155]

I just made a mallet start to finish while watching this video. Classic case of mountain and a molehill

[@MRrwmac]

Ok ok, I only have an old long wood 1804 year wood plane without irons. You convinced me so I'll go try and find an old steel base #4. Loving all the master tid bits and craftsmanship! Thank you.

[@johntailing5283]

Don’t know why I ever bothered trying to master the plane, - just gonna get me an axe . Mr Sellers, you just keep giving,- masterclass is an understatement, I don’t believe there’s a hand tool you haven’t mastered or made - or both Kudos. . . . !

[@essextwo]

Absolutely marvellous video. Subscribed.

[@mrdavidjk]

i love watching these videos, it reminds me of my father working away in his shed.

[@jayclark7237]

A master at work!

[@jt659]

Just bought your book. Glad I found out that you have a channel too!

[@danielmann4760]

your video's are great im trying to set up a shop in my garage was a plumber 30 years im from Richmond nh usa im learning a lot from your video's thank you

[@mikebarnes987]

very good! but that of course is what we always get from Mr. Sellers. (actually it's outstanding)

[@jefflodge7061]

Watching your video's have renewed my interest in woodworking from high school. Hope to build a version of your workbench.

[@kraghhertel8202]

Great tip @22:47, rationale for Paul's chosen method to mount the vise as he does. This is not a vise video, but like virtually all of Paul's videos, there's these little tips and tricks and comments just sprinkled liberally throughout. I'm inspired to call them "Paul's Easter Eggs", and we should all be on the hunt for them (year round), and let others know where you find one of your favorite of Pauls' Easter Eggs. If only we could catalog them, what a treasure trove. (If you're keen for more on the vise mounting, see the bench videos, and/or Paul's blog for more)

[@crmusicproduction]

I have used some pine (don't laugh) I turned it on my lathe into a mallet its not for heavey hits, more gentle taps. And if I ever found anyone using a hammer on my chisels, god help them. I have nurtured them, I sharpened them using the method Paul here showed, so I am quite proud of them.

[@BushcraftMatt]

I don't have the sharpening stones (yet) but I have a slow grinding wheel which is 250 grit which I use before using Paul's method with some of my uncles old car body sanding discs which go up to 1200 grit. They are razor sharp using Paul's method by hand. My first project of a table with carved legs came out perfect! I have some cheap Stanley chisels with plastic handles and I use a wide head metal hammer. Why don't you use a normal hammer? Does it damage them or are your chisels quite expensive?

[@olafc91]

Good to see that one do not need lots of fancy electric tools to do good and accurate work!