16 - How to Make Woodworking Mallet from Lignum Vitae Worlds Densest Wood like Thor's Hammer Mjolnir

How to Make a Woodworking Mallet from Lignum Vitae, the World's Densest Wood to look like Thor's Hammer Mjolnir.
Buy plans for this project here:
kingsfinewoodw...
Buy the actual mallet here:
kingsfinewoodw...
This is a fantastic project that any woodworker can accomplish. And you get a very functional woodworking mallet, and a collectible.
Things used in this build:
Tools:
1-1/8" Wood Scraper - amzn.to/3R2Xjgr
BOSCH 12 Inch Sliding Glide Miter Saw - amzn.to/3j331SU
Kreg Trak and Stops Kit - amzn.to/3ZVgnkB
Kreg Self-Adhesive Measuring Tape - amzn.to/3DGNpLU
Grizzly Jointer - amzn.to/3j09TAk
Push Block Set - amzn.to/3DvgyJX
Grizzly Cabinet Table Saw - amzn.to/3wXwzo1
Microjig Grr-Ripper Table Saw Pushblock - amzn.to/3XQ7I1y
Rockler Wood Glue Applicator Set - amzn.to/3ws9Ctc
Bessey 24" Parallel Clamp - amzn.to/3XOyl6u
Dewalt Bar Clamp - amzn.to/3Rgtzgd
50-151 Belt with 5" Disc Sander, 1" x 30" amzn.to/3Z4oyKx
Ridgid 5-Inch Random Orbit Sander - amzn.to/3JefhdM
Hand Sanding Block - amzn.to/3Rnsx1F
Combination Square Set 6" & 12" - amzn.to/3kB2jfW
Center Punch Kit - amzn.to/3RpTZfh
Grizzly Drill Press - amzn.to/3jki7n6
Best Carbide Forstner drill bits - amzn.to/2zdGZ3e
Dewalt Power Tool Combo Kit with 2 Batteries and Charger - amzn.to/3johJUr
Wood Glue Dispenser - amzn.to/3D94pKz
Materials:
Titebond III Glue - amzn.to/3wvDDIh
Sandpaper Set 5-Inch - amzn.to/3Wygb7S
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Purchase plans on our website: kingsfinewoodw...
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[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Share pictures of your work & get help if needed. Join our King’s Fine Woodworking Community Page. Woodworkers helping other woodworkers. Share advice, get project ideas. Free tips. Insider information. Get the best deals on lumber & tools. m.facebook.com/groups/134828903893994

[@MrCpolzin]

Thank you

[@Bamboo4U2]

It would be nice if you could add an extra five seconds or so on the end shot before the (uber annoying) links to other videos overlays the final image.

[@kuffyswoodwork]

Red Heart looks so good on screen. I have plenty of "red" timbers in Australia, but nothing like the vibrant red of Red Heart.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

That's cool. I've never worked with any Australian timbers, I would like to try it sometime.

[@jeremiah3543]

Another amazing video. Hammer is amazing. You and your family are awesome. Looks like fun for the whole family. Daughter looks super happy! Your a good dad!

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Hi Jeremiah! Thank you so much for all the kind words!

[@brickdaddiy]

I like the Thor hammer mallet builds that have come out recently. This has the most unique wood choice I've seen though!

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you.

[@australiawilliam3326]

Hi,nice mallet,good clear speaking and directions,thank you,

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you for watching!

[@tim.wilson839]

Great video, especially the little trick with inserting the leather in the handle! Keep the sawdust flying, Tim

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Hi Tim! Thank you!

[@clutions]

James: Just ran into your channel this weekend and (besides the envy of your shop) can definitely see the 30 years in your craft. You explain everything so clearly and distinctly. Watching your build of the Ultimate Miter Station I was able to pick up a number of "Tricks of the Trade", so to speak. I've been working since I retired in '03 (that's 2003 not 1903) and am always looking for that little extra to make things go smoother. Your detailed walk through of the dove tail jig set up and use (I have the same one) made things so much clearer. I think my daughter in going to love the "Keepsake" box. I think she's getting tired of my bandsaw boxes. Can't wait for the next build. Thanks, Francis P.S.: Titebond should sponsor you! P.P.S.: With all the help your daughter gives you, she deserves front page billing as well!

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Wow, thank you for the very kind compliments! And I agree with you on all counts, Titebond should sponsor me, haha. And my daughter does deserve front page billing! But I do have 5 daughters who all love woodworking, so, they'll probably all be needing some of that front page space. But, I suppose my youngest is the one who is in the shop pretty much every day with me. Thanks again, James

[@ollie7070]

man you look over 100 you sure it isnt 1903? Also, im kidding.

[@hash6595]

I like your work, creativity and explanation, clear and sequential You are sophisticated and creative continued to publish I am waiting for your next job Thank you and thank you for your daughter to help you in work

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you very much.

[@Ms.Nightshade]

The level of precision you can achieve with wood gives you a title none other than a *Machinist of Woodworking* I am genuinely astounded with how well you make things! :D

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you!

[@imortaldeadead]

WoW, that wax stuff really made the red pop Nice mallet 👍🏻

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

It is pretty amazing. You do have to sand your turning down to 1000 grit first, but that doesn't take long at all.

[@jamesdossett2295]

@@KingsFineWoodworking what is the hut product?

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

James Dossett, hi. It’s called Perfect Pen Polish, and made by Hut products. www.hutproducts.com/prodinfo.asp?number=0109

[@jamesdossett2295]

@@KingsFineWoodworking thank you! I just bought your plans and am making my own! I already have your small size.

[@curtisballer]

Nice mallet.

[@738polarbear]

Listen to the difference in tone as the lignin vitae passes over it . They used to use this wood as bearings for huge generators in power stations . The one I saw was 65 years old and just shows how hard this wood is and hardwearing.

[@mattlewis4557]

Great video! Mjolnir would be proud!

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Hi Matt! Thank you!

[@5656eric]

Great project and wonderful wood choice. Thanks for sharing.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you very much!

[@toolsconsumables7055]

Going to battle just like that; I think not. I demand that this hammer be armoured plated before facing the music; after all I don't want it scratched, it's far too pretty. I want to come back home after a hard day's fighting & take a relaxing moment just admiring my lovely hammer without a blemish. Your daughter's smile says it all; how very fortunate some children are to have parents such as yourself. I have a German wooden hand plane whose sole is made of Lignum Vitae; it's a very nice tool to use. Compared to your good self, I dare not call myself a woodworker, merely one who dabbles with pieces of wood from time to time. I could watch this all day long & dream of the beautiful things I could make. How good for the soul it is to watch art in the making. As always you never fail to bring gladness to your viewers. Kind regards to all.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you Kindly!

[@toolsconsumables7055]

Thank you James for your reply; all I've said is well deserved I am sure. Kind regards.

[@Airwolf357]

great and loving Dad

[@kennylunsford5759]

Great job, now it's time for a Captain America shield

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Uh oh! As soon as my wife & daughters see this comment, I know what'll be on my to do do list! Haha, thank you for watching!

[@dalewilliamson1125]

Beautiful hammer, love the finish on it. That wax just makes it shine like it's plastic. Thanks for sharing.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Hi Dale! Thank you very much.

[@delvis7842]

love it! wish I had half the talent to make something this cool!

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Hi Delbert! Thank you for the kind comment. But you should try one. You'll find it's not too difficult at all.

[@delvis7842]

I have a chop saw, jig saw and drill. even the A-TEAM couldn't help me!lol

[@2Seth21]

Awesome work man and that red Heart is beautiful

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you! And yes it certainly is.

[@markwarner5554]

Redheart is a joy to work. Very fine-grain, so it cuts easily and has a lovely surface finish. It can be hard to preserve that bright color though.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Hi Mark! Yes. Sad but true. That seems to be the case with nearly all of the brightly colored exotics. I've found that PurpleHeart keeps its color the longest. But only if you can keep it away from UV sources of light.

[@wycheproofworkshops1192]

Spectacular work once again King James..!!

[@tahandcrafted]

Beautiful mallet, craftsmanship is 2nd to none. you should try Australian Ironbark, also one of the hardest and densest woods on earth without the oily residue.

[@taffynz90]

Just finished watching all your videos on your mitre saw station as well as this one. Great videos, great presentation and a clear voice make for enjoyable videos. Subscribed and looking forward to more videos. Maybe down the line a shop tour would be good as well as some of the work you do professionally. Thanks again from New Zealand....

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you for the nice comments. I will certainly plan for a shop tour.

[@sasukekun1416325]

Thank you for making these videos!

[@green_building]

Very nice mallet man 😎👍

[@YTcustomchris]

Great Job! Looks to good to use

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

+Custom Chris, thank you.

[@phillast1983]

Wow beautiful work, and a fun video to watch.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Hi Phil! Thank you very much!

[@hurley122964]

May have been mentioned before but Lignum Vitae is used as bearing material for hydro generators. Some of the shafts are 36" or more in diameter. They are used in small pieces wedged into a metal case. The wood is cooled and lubricated with water. Awesome hammer too!

[@jmakes3745]

Great to see your channel grow so quickly - you really deserve it, another great video as usual

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Haha, thank you my friend! A stroke of luck I'm sure. But I think I have some unfair advantages over many others, I pretty much get to play in the WoodShop all day, and my wife and 5 daughters help me with everything!

[@jmakes3745]

I think its well deserved, your editing has come a long way, and you present things in a really informative manner. Very jealous of your shop time! - i hardly get any time with school, and now with exams its only about 5 hours a week! All the best :)

[@timcombes9054]

Nice work, sir! Great hints to save time and stay safe!

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Hi Tim! Thank you!

[@vaknama]

Great video, learned some new tricks thanks to you

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Vaknama, awesome, thank you!

[@mrlifetime64]

Beautiful mallet-nice job

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Hi Bob. Thank you!

[@michaelt7191991]

I recently found your channel and absolutely love the videos I've seen! Great job on the mallet very well explained! Thank you for posting! Also earned a new sub!

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you very much!

[@jayberwocky1]

Beautiful work man, thank you for posting! Got yourself a new subscriber here.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Hi Jason! Thank you!

[@GBOB68]

that redheart wood looks beautifull. amazing project. you have a new follower

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you!!

[@denneb-astronomiaearte5994]

What nice and lovely father you must be! I loved it! I'll check you others works. Btw sorry my poor english.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thanks Lawrence

[@TheHarryroks]

Subscribed! Your channel is definitely going to thrive if you keep producing videos of this quality.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you very much!

[@will1867]

nice work, I think I might make self one

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Hi Will, thank you.

[@carl58]

I use to love working with Lignum Vitae one of my most favorite woods, made feet for tables with it.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

That's cool, we love it too!

[@kiplindsay1250]

Excellent!

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you very much!

[@mauricio0341able]

extremely beautiful

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you!

[@jacklaws8767]

James???? Were you not feeling very well at the beginning??? I’m worried about ya brother! You only applied glue to one half of the handle halves. Seriously. I’m watching your videos almost daily. Recently retired and coming back to wood working. Your videos are awesome. Thanks for what you do sir!!

[@MaciejNaumienko]

great project and video. Just one tiny nitpick - oval or hexagonal grip would be a bit more optimal, so it easier to align this "weapon" in "combat"

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Maciej Naumienko, thank you for the advice! :-)

[@MrCpolzin]

Awesome job mate.I'm going to make one tomorrow with my Australian Buloke wood from one of my trees.Buloke is actually the densest wood in the world apparently so thanks for sharing my friend and yahooo.. Very well done :)

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

That’s wonderful! I would love to see a picture! I’ve never seen a piece of Australian Buloke that size. One of my very kind viewers sent me a smaller piece. It’s a beautiful wood.

[@MrCpolzin]

Yes it is a lovely wood.I am very lucky to live in the Buloke Shire in NW Victoria Aus. and there are many Buloke trees here obviously hence the name.I had a massive limb drop from a tree several years ago and I've been looking for a project that would suit it.I can make a few hammers easily plus many more projects from this limb alone.I have friended you on facebook so I would love to keep in touch and send you pictures my friend.I would also love to send you some wood too so hopefully we can arrange that as well and thank you sincerely for your response :)

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

That’s great! I wonder if I buy a big log of Buloke if Australia allows it to be shipped to the US? Say hello to me on Facebook so I know your name there. Take care.

[@MrCpolzin]

Thank you and I will keep in touch.Maybe they could spray it with a chemical and allow import ? That's a good question.. Maybe we could smuggle it through Canada or Mexico lol.I'll try and find out mate.Thanks again and we'll speak again for sure

[@MrCpolzin]

Just watched your video again lol.I can do this with my basic hand tools as that's all I have but it wouldn't be up to your quality standards.My workshop is coming soon but I'm still going to enjoy this project a lot and I really need a good mallet.I love that your daughter is in the shop with you too,that's so sweet,my sons and youngest daughter still at home love working with me too.Happy days mate,spk soon

[@ThePapabear2012]

I. Must. Make.

[@ThePapabear2012]

Awesome build/video

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you! And yes. You should make one. It's a fun project!

[@norlure]

Who's Thor........I checked in my phone book and cannot find his number.....lol.10 out of 10 for a superb video.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Haha, thank you!

[@Bkamron]

Lignum Vitae actually sinks in water... most woodworkers and sculptors I know in Jamaica hate working it. The flower is our national flower.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

BKamron, hi! I did not know that was the national flower, that's very cool. I do know about its density and the fact that it sinks. It's one of the thinks I love about it. Do the woodworkers there use hand tools to work it mostly?

[@Bkamron]

Yeah, mostly hand tools, one who is a friend of mine complains that it usually gets the blades dull quicker than other woods like Blue Mahoe (our National Tree), Cedar and Mahogany, so hand tools are preferred as they are easier to sharpen. A guy near where I live who is a wood carver does some awesome carvings and sculptures with it only uses hand tools and his sculptors can get quite expensive. All in all it is a very hardy wood and makes awesome stuff - rarely furniture here anyway. The tree takes forever to grow accounting for its high density.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

BKamron, wow, you said Blue Mahoe?? I collect wood, and I'd love to get some of that. I've never seen it before in person. I might have to come to Jamaica and get some! Is it allowed to be sold and shipped?

[@Bkamron]

It is sold, I have a dresser made from it. I think too it can be shipped in certain quantities, the tree is quite common here. Blue Mahoe is a real beauty in the hands of the right Artisan but the brilliant greenish bluish hue it has can be a bit overbearing if used too much and not applied with the right artistic touch and stains and finishing. I have a bed and dresser made out of Blue Mahoe. I plan to make the bed-head myself as soon as I get all the tools. let me know how I can send you some pictures. And I'd be happy to show you around if you decide to come to Jamaica. There is another one of our tropical exotic wood - Spanish Elm, now that is another real special wood, rich brownish red heartwood and a nice yellowish whitish sapwood, I have one Spanish Elm tree in my backyard and quite a few grow near to my home. You ought to see them - there are tonnes of others I could get into... The Spanish Elm is I suppose one of the Premium woods here like Mahogany, last I checked it was around the same price or a little less per foot as Mahogany.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Wow. That sounds amazing. I would love for you to send me some pictures. My email address is: [e-mail]

[@alexandrelouys4056]

Soooo cool !! Can't wait to do mine !!!

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you. Please send pictures when you are finished.

[@Bob_Adkins]

Great video KFW. Well done! I realize the hammer is mostly decorative, but a square head mallet should not have a perfectly round handle. Makes it hard to line up without looking as you strike. Oval like a claw hammer handle would have been best. A round handle is best for a traditional mallet. Also worry that PVA is not the best choice of glue for laminating super dense wood like lignum vitae. Beautiful hammer though! My favorite wood for an every day mallet is persimmon. Hard to split and dent, soaking it in brine makes it even tougher. Ugly wood, but functional!

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Hi Bob! Great facts! Thank you for sharing & thanks for watching!

[@hotrodhog2170]

+Bob Adkins what glue is recommended to use on Lignum Vitae?

[@BobAmarant]

Hi, you inspired me on this project also and I've already made it. That's for making these great videos!!

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Hi Bob. That's awesome. You should send us photos.

[@allanpaganini]

Hi James How are you? Great job this hammer very nice Congratulations

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Hi Allan! I'm doing great, thank you! And thanks for the compliment on the video!

[@allanpaganini]

I hope to see more of your projects because I am an Aircraft Maintenanca Mechanic here in Brazil and I am very curious with wood job. Thank you and congratulations again.

[@0dan56]

I needed some of Hutt's friction wax on a piece of snake wood a few months back. I mess around with opals some too, and had some jeweler's dop wax which is basically stick shellac, beeswax or paraffin, and a thickener. Put it on a buffing wheel, and it polished identical to Hutt's. Both come in a stick that's same size, dop wax is green and doesn't smell sweet.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Cool.

[@frankingram3382]

Great looking hammer and I enjoyed watching the video. I have a question. When the original handle blank cracked, why could you not force glue into the crack, let it dry, and then go ahead and turn the handle? God Bless my friend.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Hi Frank! I think that is certainly possible. And I will try and salvage that piece. But I was trying to do this as an afternoon build, so I just set the padauk aside, and switched to the RedHeart. Thank you for watching!

[@curnowornever]

Fantastic!

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you!

[@Diozark]

Awesome~!

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you!

[@viran101]

I want one!

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Viran Panchal, Thanks. I sell them right here. kingsfinewoodworking.com/collections/thors-hammer-woodworking-mallets/products/full-size-thors-hammer-woodworking-mallet-mjolnir-from-exotic-wood-2

[@viran101]

@@KingsFineWoodworking Im thinking of getting two any sale anytime soon? I missed your last one

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Hi, I’m not sure when we’ll do another one. But I’ve just set up a discount code for you. I’ll leave it active for a day. When you reach checkout use the code HALFPRICE and that’ll get you 50% off any & all Mallets. Thank you, ~James

[@juanperea2856]

Love the hammer, will you be doing a version of this hammer that does not require a lathe in the near future?

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Hi, thank you! I have not thought of that, but I will consider trying to do that.

[@jeffersonrodrigues9588]

parabéns fico lindo.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you!

[@TimGambitAdair]

I'm not sure if it would work at all, but I've watched videos where people have used an epoxy blanks on lathe's, could you perhaps fill that crack in the first handle with epoxy, and then take it to the lathe? Of course you would still be able to see the flaw, but depending on what you used it for the flaw could look pretty cool. Again, I have no idea if this is even a useful thought, but who knows. Great video! Cheers from Canada, Tim

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Hi Tim! I did in fact fix it, and have since made another Thor's Hammer with it. Your idea is correct. Except, type 1 PVA glue (e.g. Titebond) forms a much stronger bond with wood than epoxy does. There was a research article a number of years ago done at Case Western Reserve University that tested various adhesive strengths. And type 1 PVA is considerably stronger. This is only with wood of course. Epoxy forms much better bonds with other substrates. I actually teach organic chemistry, so I am familiar with adhesive & cohesive properties of many compounds. And epoxy just isn't king when it comes to wood. Anyhow, I heated up the glue to decrease the viscosity and pried open the crack a bit, so it flowed in to cover the whole surface. Then I clamped it tightly. And it cured great. I'll throw some pics up right now on my Facebook page in case you want to see the Hammer with the Padauk handle. Hey, thanks for commenting!

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Tim, here is the link to the pictures. facebook.com/kingsfinewoodworking/posts/2114348148791766

[@TimGambitAdair]

I'm blown away to even get a response, and so extremely quickly! I definitely appreciate the time taken to further explain another option. I'm very excited to have another channel to live vicariously through. Pretty excited to scroll through previous videos while I await new ones! Cheers, Tim

[@science-1014]

Thanks for all the kind words! I'll be publishing a through dovetailed Keepsake Box made of Padauk & Tiger Maple sometime tonight. Then I have a very special build coming to completion in a few days!!

[@INFIDEL82AA]

Good day! What I liked best about your video, is that you and your daughter are working together. I really think that that's cool! It's rarely seen these days, and I love a tight family dynamic. What I liked least about your video, is that it seems as though you have to go out of your way, in order to prevent all of the would-be "safety officers" from making comments, by prefacing everything that you do with an explanation of why you did it, and why it's not unsafe to do. As if OSHA is lurking around the KZbin "How To" channels, so that they can fine you for the way that you do things. Craftsmen know, that when they see another skilled craftsman working his talents, that they are well aware of safety issues, and need not comment on or pick-apart every little process involved, over some potentially dangerous way of doing something. It would just be a lot more cool, if you didn't have to do that, instead of speaking more about what you're doing. Anyway... I appreciate your sharing and spending time with your girl, so that you can teach her the things that you know. She'll be more skilled than any guy her age, later-on!

[@aleksamaker8118]

subbed

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you!!

[@mastheadmike]

Have you weighed it? Being heavier than it looks like it should and all...I'm curious to know how heavy it comes in at with regard to the dimensions.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Hi. I have. it weighs 34 ounces. it is 15" long

[@martynshaw8395]

wow

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you for the comment!

[@martynshaw8395]

King's Fine Woodworking you're welcome

[@bxxj]

nice piece of work. too nice for shop use and I shudder to think of using it in cosplay. ceder is the only wood Ive ever seen so deep red. so how does that lignum vitae actually stand up to pounding anyways? Heart wood (a very deep purple color) would have looked awesome as well. ive been looking for an excuse to use the stuff for years :)

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Hi, the Lignum vitae is rock hard. If I hit any other wood too hard, it'll dent it. My daily use mallet is Lignum, it's a year old and perfect.

[@kbguy9654]

I now must make red sawdust!!

[@trafficmaster13]

Is the wax on the wood blank used as a preservative to protect against moisture just curious

[@jorge-jf5fr]

what about make some drawings on the wood as the mjolnir?

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

I am not artistic enough.

[@michaelwarren5044]

Do you have a link to the scraper you used to remove the wax and glue? Great channel btw, I bought your extreme miter station plans and so far it has been a fun build!

[@k333rl]

does Lignum Vitae shavings or sawdust also sink in water?

[@billlittlebear8263]

WHAT WOOD WOULD MAKE A GOOD MALLET HEAD. 4X4 PINE? 4X4 HARD WOOD? WHICH KIND. MY ONLY ACCESS IS LOEWS AND HOME DEPO

[@jitendrakr]

Is it a good idea to use a metal wedge for the handle?

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

You sure could.

[@ryanivester5042]

Your work is amazing. While I'm fairly new to woodworking, I have used some exotics when I can get them. I love Purpleheart, Wenge, and Paduk. I've heard UV lights will cause wood to change color. Some serving trays I made with walnut, maple, & paduk turned a bit brown on the paduk. Any idea on how to prevent the drastic color change? I want to keep the orange since here in TN they love the Orange TN Volunteers lol.

[@jupjow5808]

There are some finishes you can put on it to make the process slower, but it will inevitably turn brown, the only way to prevent it is to put it in a dark closet or drawer

[@matthewmurphy191]

Got a link to the wax you use on table saw? Or the handle?

[@hotrodhog2170]

Beautiful mallet! I have heard that Lignum Vitae is too oily to take glue very well. Any truth to that? I have a piece 3"x3"x12" I want to use. Thank you for the video

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Hi, that 3x3x12 that you have is perfect. It'll make two. Lignum is very oily. But it's no problem. Clean the glue surfaces off with acetone. It will dissolve the oils. Then it will make a very strong glue bond. Best cleaning technique is to use a clean cloth, soak it in acetone, wipe the area good. Then repeat once or twice more. Each time with a clean cloth. I see many people just wet the area with acetone, then let it dry. This will dissolve the oils. But they are still sitting there. When the acetone evaporates and the piece dries, the oil is still there. You have to wipe it away once it has dissolved to have a clean surface. (A couple of times to be safe). Then finally, you should apply glue and assemble right after. If you wait a few hours or a day, the oils could come back to the surface from the inside, and then you'd need to clean it again. Once you have done a successful glue up, the wood fibers will be permanently bonded and oils can not penetrate that joint, so if you cleaned it good, the glue joint will last forever. I have many pieces from Lignum, Cocobolo, Padauk & other oily woods that I've had for over 30 years. And they are still holding just as good today. Thanks for watching, ~James

[@hotrodhog2170]

Thank you James! Good info. Thumbs up. I need to find a nice handle then I can make a video.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Yes, please post a link when you do, and I will share it!

[@JgHaverty]

Hey King, how did the lignum vitae hold up? I recently made a mallet out of gidgee, and its pretty close to the hardness of lignum (a bit less actually). Itwound up splitting very quickly, I dont know if it was my particular piece, but I was whacking in some machine inserts, and it literally just exploded apart. Would you recommend lignum for projects like this?

[@Charlesredporsche]

What glue company do you own?

[@dennisburgardt2]

Where did you get your Lignum Vitae blanks?

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Hi! I get them here amzn.to/2ug0glI And here amzn.to/2sXdrE1 Thank you for watching ~James

[@BrandonsBees]

Hey James. I also made a mallet in the likeness of Mjolnir. I made it to scale, so it is too big to actually use as a woodworking mallet, but I had a lot of fun making it. You can check out the video I made over on my channel. Great work! One question, where is the link to the complimentary plans you mentioned?

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Brandon's Bees, hi! I'll definitely check it out. Our plans maker just finished this afternoon so I'll have them on my website hopefully tonight. But I'm sorry if you thought they were complimentary. We actually charge a small fee, since it helps me to keep producing content. But I would be happy to make a trade with you. If you have the plans with correct dimensions for a full sized one, we can make an even swap. I'd like to build a full sized one too! :-)

[@BrandonsBees]

I think I have the design for the hammer head somewhere. it's a hand drawing but the dimensions are accurate. Check out my video first and let me know if you like it.

[@JohnKrakatoa]

Do you still sell these with Lignum Vitae? How is it with import into Europe?

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

I do still have Lignum. Not a lot. But do. I’ve sent them all over Europe. No problem.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Here’s a link if you want to see the sizes. kingsfinewoodworking.com/collections/thors-hammer-woodworking-mallets

[@OutdoorFreedomDk]

Nice job, and nice video.👍 - But it is a shame, that Craftsmen like you, make the HOLLYWOOD Mjolnir. Thor's Hammer Mjollnir (Mjønler), was NOT an Rectangular Blacksmith's Hammer, but a THROWING WAR Hammer, with a Slightly Pointed Top. ⬟ ⇪ When Thor threw it out, it always hits it's target, and then it returns back into his hand. It is smithed by the two Dwarves, Brok and Sindre, who also forged Frej's (Freja's) Golden Brush and Odin's sword Draupner. According to Snorre's Edda, "Icelandic saga", Mjølners shaft became a little too short, BUT is, by the way, it is the most important work the two dwarves ever performed.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

I made the throwing one too! But I wasn't very good at it. 😔 Because I threw it and it didn't come back. So I couldn't make a video. Also, the attorney for the dwarves sent me a cease & desist letter for making their copyrighted weapon.

[@OutdoorFreedomDk]

LOL

[@lukehall5332]

How much did that piece of padauk cost you?

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Hi, it was about $20. But I did save it, by getting glue to penetrate fully into the crack, and then I clamped it until it cured. I have since turned it into another handle. Here is the link on my Facebook page in case you wanted to see it. facebook.com/kingsfinewoodworking/posts/2114348148791766

[@lukehall5332]

King's Fine Woodworking it's beautiful! I feel like the flame grain was a better choice, but I love your resourcefulness in the video. How much was the red heart?

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you! The RedHeart was also about $20 for the piece. I bought it as a turning blank from Woodcraft, it was 1-1/2" x 1-1/2" x 18".

[@JM257]

Noooo! Why did you hammer the handle straight onto the lathe, you should've made an 'X' on the end with a bandsaw and then put it on :(

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Why didn't you tell me that before I did it?

[@jacobwhite8204]

You’d be hard pressed do damage that head as lignin vitae is harder than brass and aluminum

[@OriginalMomo]

Red heart 💔 sawdust looks like red velvet cake lol

[@sikosis999]

why does everyone use so much freak'n glue . . . .was always taught 3mm max application. . . on most (coughallcough) adhesive applications. . . .less was better but the bond was important . . . same with finishes and any other application 1 - 3 mm tops. also if you use wood glue on leather, wet the leather before the glue application (again not so much) and let it sit in position. . . the finish knock or cross pin are good securing options to finish.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Hi, thank you for commenting. I thought I was the champion of too much glue, but you mention everyone... I'll have to step up my game and order more gallons in this week. :-)

[@sikosis999]

hahaha! I was just curious if I'd missed a memo or was taught by my grandfather in such a different fashion, even the few times i worked industrial wood it seemed like everyone was glue happy :) no offense intended.

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Hi, no offense taken. :-) I think I always apply a lot more than needed, because I don't want to have any missing spots. I just let the excess squeeze out with strong clamp pressure, and clean it all up. But you are very correct, that a thin film is much stronger than a thick one. I just rely on the clamps to get it to become thin. I think it's a habit I've just had for a long time because I've seen joints fail, and looked at them after, only to see in the hasty glue-up, that several areas were dry.

[@sikosis999]

having not been in a wood shop for near a decade I'm to a point now where transforming a 1 1/2 car garage into a full shop (not just wood) is becoming more than just a dream. As a by product I've been watching a lot of youtubers. I like your stuff, watching the miter station build now. Thank you for documenting and commenting in such a manner as to teach people the process. Even myself whom has half a life times experience under artisans enjoy the conversation. With grandfathers who worked wood & metal, uncles who did fine art, native art and primitive practice I've always felt my depth of knowledge and wisdom in craft were sound. . . all these years on its refreshing and assuring to have folks such as yourself providing quality enjoyable content that reinforces or fixes things within the viewers knowledge base, so again thank you - keep up the excellent work and you definitely now have an old, slow, broken and stoned ogre in the rocky mountains as a subscriber and viewer!

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Thank you for such kind comments!

[@MagicCornFlakes]

I bet that lignum vitae cost an arm and a leg

[@KingsFineWoodworking]

Hi Riley! It's costly, but not as crazy as some species. You can get a 3" x 3" x 12" blank of Lignum Vitae here on Amazon for about $57. That'll make 2 mallets! www.amazon.com/dp/B00DDOCRN8/?tag=kingsf-20 And the handle wood is about $10-$20 depending. So for around $40 you have a $250 mallet. Make two, sell one. Haha. Thanks for watching, ~James

[@MagicCornFlakes]

ahah nice me and my brother were a a lumber store were we buy our wood for wood working and saw a piece that was 3000$ lol

[@prestonbowden]

Dangerous use of table saw. Use a push stick. You never know what could happen

[@stevestumbaugh8982]

NO STEVE WATKINS FOR KANSAS !!!!!!!!!! NO. NO.