How to Make Your Own Indian Clubs, Meels, Mudgars

This video details how to make inexpensive wooden clubs without a lathe. There are a lot of names for wooden swinging clubs (Indian Clubs, Persian Meels, Mudgars or even Clubbells), but for our purposes we will call these "American Clubs". They are Inexpensive, easy to make and can be manufactured with very little equipment or experience.
You will need:
Dry round logs or square dimensional lumber
Dry sticks or dowels (±1-1/4")
Wooden knobs (1-1/2" - 2")
Saw (Miter Saw & Table Saw preferred)
Drill (Power Drill preferred)
1/8 Drill bit
Screws & Driver bit
1-1/4" Forstner Bit, Spade Bit or Auger Bit
Speed Square
Tape Measure
Pencil
Sandpaper (Random Orbital Sander preferred)
Wood Finish
Wood Glue and or Epoxy
Instagram:
@modern_Primate
/ modern_primate

[@Warriorlover69]

After searching for a while, I ran into this video. I have all the tools except Wood turning lathe . Thank you for showing I can make Mugdar, Indian clubs without the Lathe.

[@mikesniedze9122]

After getting into kettlebells, I’ve discovered Indian clubs and gadas…. I just made an adjustable Gada out of steel pipe, and am just about to ( literally ) turn some Indian clubs on my midi lathe … it only has 15” between centres , so I will have to mill a tenon and a hole and make it in 2 parts .. I’m surprised there are not more videos on making them … great work

[@TravisJaneway]

Excellent! I agree, there aren't many video out there, yet. I learned by experimentation, but Paul Wolkowinski has a bunch of content and templates for making clubs, if you haven't already checked that out. This video is more for people without a lathe and is somewhat crude but very effective. I'm a fan of DIY! Hope your project turns out well ;)

[@mikesniedze9122]

Yes I’ve been poring over all Paul’s videos … I think I will make some meels and heavier clubs with axe and drawknife and spokeshave … if they turn out well, I’ll post the results haha.. cheers

[@kalpataru1]

You need a personal workshop with skills to make them .

[@BikingLord]

good to see its going worldwide stay healthy and fit everyone

[@Wolkowinski]

Great video Travis, I’m sure many people will find it useful.

[@TravisJaneway]

Thanks Paul, I hope so :)

[@niezel1990]

You need a lot of machineries there ..that's not the spirit..should be handmade without electricity ..right?

[@maxzhao8331]

these are awesome!

[@lonefoxbushcraft]

Thankyou sp much u saved me fortunes

[@SpiderWebTraining]

My testosterone went up just by watching this. Excellent content and information....💪💪💪

[@TravisJaneway]

Haha, cheers!

[@Warriorlover69]

Please also recommend how do your source raw wood.

[@elambassist]

That ornate purpheart club is insane!!!

[@JensMHA]

Good one, thanks for putting this up!

[@TravisJaneway]

Most welcome!

[@movingbodynimblemind]

@@TravisJaneway do you make those wooden kettlebells?

[@TheBassmentFR]

Thank you alot Sir. I've recently been getting into this type of training, and I find both the style and the tools pure art. I'd be really interested in some in depth on how you made the first one, carved with machete. And how would you go about making the meels as one solid piece of wood?

[@TravisJaneway]

Glad you found it interesting. Here is a video (also can be found on my channel) of the first club: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mGiThoGBbMp6fsk I mostly turn clubs on a lathe these days but finding fully cured, large solid wood for clubs is a challenge so I mostly laminate smaller boards together to make a blank. You can check out my Instagram page @modern_primate for more club info. instagram.com/modern_primate

[@TheBassmentFR]

@TravisJaneway awesome! Thank you for the link. Yeah I was wondering about the curing too. My grandfather was an amazing wood carver, and cured og stored lots of rare woods he'd cut down himself. I also have access to a forest, but I really should read up on the curing of large logs to prevent cracking, rot etc. Thanks for helping me rekindle this passion, I cant wait to get back into it again. He taught me so much as a kid, but I've forgotten most of it. I DO still have his massive 1950s lathe tho!

[@TravisJaneway]

@@TheBassmentFR Sure thing :) The book "Understanding Wood" by Hoadley is a phenomenal resource! In general (though not a rule) it takes one year per inch for air drying (lots of exceptions ...lots) and a moisture meter is helpful. Mistakes will be made but it's all part of the process. Good luck to you!

[@TheBassmentFR]

@TravisJaneway Thanks alot dude. Also checked out your IG and those clubs are absolutely stunning.

[@QuakeSphere]

Good teacher👍

[@TravisJaneway]

Thanks :)

[@yonisupersaiyanyoni3693]

Great Video

[@TravisJaneway]

Thanks!

[@matthewsiahaan1312]

Damn those are beautiful.

[@TravisJaneway]

Thanks!

[@tirunagariuttam]

Thanks for the video., do you have a video which show the fancy gada too? please let me know

[@TravisJaneway]

You could take a look at my Instagram @modern_primate instagram.com/modern_primate/

[@MoxkyBashwell]

i want to know how to make the pattern wood, maces and clubs you have shown here.

[@TravisJaneway]

I've been contemplating putting together a video on that subject. Probably a bit less on the turning process as there are thousands (millions?) of videos on turning. I've learned quite a lot about laminating contrasting wood for clubs over the years and it is bit of a niche topic. I have a large amount of wood stored up so when the rainy season ends, I'll likely put something together.

[@normanquednau]

Your Gadas are beautiful!! how do you do them?

[@TravisJaneway]

Thanks! They are build up blanks from laminated wood (segments).

[@diariodeunmillonario]

Already love that video ❤

[@matthewbrian7075]

How are you sir. I’m looking for someone who makes clubs. I need a pair of 12 pound clubs and a pair of 18 pound clubs do you know anyone or do you make them yourself cause I’ll certainly buy them? Any help would be greatly appreciated one of the sets of for a gift for a very close friend

[@TravisJaneway]

You could check with Rosewater Kinetics (US-ID) but he primarily makes lighter clubs - sometimes in the 12# range. I make clubs but only in my spare time which is sparse these days.

[@JshockSubmariner735]

What are the finished weights on those large ones?

[@TravisJaneway]

The large ones are 12# / 5.4 kg each and 38" / 96.5 cm tall. Obviously the timber and size you choose will impact the weight significantly.

[@fitness50plus15]

Hi, great collection on display....appreciate passion behind it....I would like to buy the one Indian Club....rounded at edge called GADA in India. Can to help me ....cost, weight etc

[@TravisJaneway]

Good day! I'm not currently selling any of my work but plan on doing so in the next year. Thanks!

[@AlexKoryshev]

Nice! Thanks!

[@benjaminbongolan9131]

How much for a similar pare of the big ones?

[@TravisJaneway]

The big ones were made largely from scrap wood that I collected and only has 10-20$ in materials. I am not currently selling but if you have some time and a few tools, you can make your own for very little.

[@Rezilium]

Wow!!

[@vin8889]

Do you sell them also?

[@TravisJaneway]

I do not. If you are in the US you could check out Rosewater Kinetics.

[@desimugdarloversgzp1408]

Wawoo

[@webherring]

How much do they weigh?

[@TravisJaneway]

The tall ones are 11 lbs each / 38" long but you can make them whatever weight/size you like. Since these are made of softwood they are less dense = lighter yet inexpensive and widely available.

[@usmanshah146]

How are your shoulders now man

[@yoyo2356]

Actually the whole body should be made from single wood 👍. I am from india

[@charlesmason1278]

Agreed, but it gets shaky at times on the lathe. Definitely worth it when you have the tools.