THIS Mallet WON'T Loosen!

I show how I make a double sided, soft/hard bench mallet with a joinery technique that locks the mallet head in place much more securely than the typical wedged tenon/handle in a circular hole.
---- PLANS / MERCH / & MORE----
www.franksworkbench.net
**TOOLS LINKS**
My hand plane - amzn.to/3PO9GeC
My Block plane - amzn.to/3oMLayx
9-10oz leather - amzn.to/3wfivY4
Face Vise - www.highlandwoodworking.com/v...
Inset Tail vise - www.highlandwoodworking.com/v...
Gents Dovetail saw - amzn.to/3655jqX
Coping Saw- amzn.to/3pECvOh
Marking knife - amzn.to/3sOl3Im
Starrett combination square - amzn.to/3iL4bxO
Thorex mallet - amzn.to/2Y2MFeV
Combination marking/mortise gauge - amzn.to/2Y2BfYB
Stanley benchtop tape measure - amzn.to/3o5wecl
Dividers - amzn.to/3w8Xr2H
Combination oil stone - amzn.to/397qXfW
Translucent Arkansas stone - amzn.to/3vIUyWk
square awl - amzn.to/3q8UjAT
GOOD pencil sharpener - amzn.to/3pB0cY1
---Consumables---
Liquid Hide Glue (old brown glue) - amzn.to/3a8tzut
Green Honing Compound - amzn.to/3cQNBtM
Pencils - amzn.to/3irJR6f
---Finish---
Tried and True Varnish Oil (linseed oil+ resin) - amzn.to/3TDkOMC
CAMERA EQUIPMENT (most budget-friendly setup on youtube)
Camera (gopro) - amzn.to/3UWwg6V
USB Microphone (voiceover) - amzn.to/3tyfZtg
Lav Mic - amzn.to/3Onh01b

[@thegoldend6]

The most impressive bit is that he NEVER misses the shot on the scrap bin!! Nice work on the mallet too. That thing is never going to come apart.

[@FranksWorkbench]

Haha thanks brotha but I gotta say I miss WAYYY more than I make in those trash can shots, just edit out all the misses. 😆

[@thegoldend6]

@@FranksWorkbench Oh man! Now I don't believe in nothing no more.

[@ATSaale]

@@FranksWorkbench I was gonna say you walk over and pick it up and throw it again and edit it down 😂

[@kenwebster5053]

In my experience, these types of mallets used to be made with a tapered handle to fit the tapered head slot. The head would just slip over the grip and up to near the top of the handle where the taper held it fast. No wedges required. Also, the head was a single block of wood and the slot was simply chiselled out, no glue required. The head never ever came off, unless it split apart or the handle broke, but in either event abuse would be to blame,

[@dj1NM3]

Finding a nice, big hardwood post to make the head from is perhaps the challenge, when you can make the whole thing from a single board and laminate the head. Laminating the head means you can "cheat" by cutting the angles on the mortice before gluing the head together.

[@kenwebster5053]

@@dj1NM3 I agree there are advantage to the laminated head. One of the main issues with a solid head, is finding a curly twisty bit of grain to resist splitting. Laminating can help with that by reversing the grain runout. between each layer & reversing the growth rings reduces cupping over time which in turn reduces the tendency for shrinkage splitting. There are pros and cons to both, my main point was cutting a tapered handle & slot, rather than relying on wedges.

[@RAREBOBBIE]

@@kenwebster5053 something to do with a couple of roads and an old italian city. I don't remember the details t.b.h.

[@CorgiCorner]

And im here taking barely 5 min of my time to make a bushcraft mallet out of a single piece of wood…yall are so sophisticated 😅❤

[@kenwebster5053]

@@CorgiCorner Well for a bushcraft mallet, I'd just I'd cut a foot or so length of some random fallen branch that hadn't rotted yet & chuck it back in the bush when the jobs done. But then I wouldn't be making fine furniture with mortise & tenon joints, stopped halving shelves or dovetail draws would I.

[@brandonfisher5303]

I found this video entertaining so I hit that like button 👍

[@FranksWorkbench]

haha thank you!

[@nottelling6598]

Your workbench is unsettlingly clean.

[@FranksWorkbench]

Haha yep, brand new bench. First project on it

[@SachsVDE]

Man your Tools look really Shiny and Brand New ..🌟 , like they come from Heaven..😄

[@FranksWorkbench]

haha :)

[@buzzfiend]

This man's voice made me hit the like button when he requested it. HE MADE ME. He's got a voice like a well made desk.

[@FranksWorkbench]

:D

[@nathanhall9172]

Now that is my kinda asmr, manufacturing.

[@stevesidare2493]

Nice touch! And the basket shots were over the top! :)

[@FranksWorkbench]

haha not sure if im trying to woodwork or do dudeperfect vids lol

[@stevesidare2493]

@@FranksWorkbench I wouldn't change a thing!😄

[@ungratefulbastard8166]

Awesome , modern and to the meat of things skills and video , thank you and God Bless you for sharing ! Don’t ever change . Greetings from California “the beautiful “

[@holymoly6829]

Best ever Thx Frank 5 ⭐️

[@Postfrogish]

Always a pleasure watching you work

[@jnsszeman]

I really like that you share your knowledge without feeling the need to talk All. The. Time. Great watching experience. Thank you!

[@FranksWorkbench]

😄Thank you!

[@charliekopp443]

Very inspired by all your videos. Beautiful mallet. So glad I live in a time when I can learn from people like you.

[@kfletcher2005]

The way you work with your tools is like what I would imagine Michelangelo had with his paint brushes handling them with meticulous grace and precision. I want to be like you brother. Thanks for your inpiration.

[@The_Original_Brad_Miller]

It's a pleasure watching someone use SHARP hand tools for a change

[@FranksWorkbench]

:D

[@chaz2939]

Maybe just me but I think we need banking trick shots and throws!!! Nice work as always!!

[@zachroller3448]

Great work! Thanks for the plans.

[@scott8351]

Well built mallet, adding that to my list. Thanks

[@Chair-x]

Just made one with the free plans! Thank you Frank, keep up the good work.

[@sunofsotep8265]

That slight bevel on the two inside pieces for the head is such a brilliant, but subtle move.

[@garvamel]

Great video. Your skill with the western style saws is a pleasure to watch.

[@FranksWorkbench]

thank you!

[@mikemccollum4521]

So glad to see you drill the hole at bottom of wedge slot

[@alanreynolds5985]

Love how sharp your tools sound. Hand tools are much more satisfying to use.

[@TheVectorious]

Exactly what I was thinking. I watch a lot of woodworking on KZbin and I bet you have the sharpest tools.

[@alfonsomunoz4424]

Same here.

[@scurvofpcp]

Hand tools are also nice to have around. Don't get me wrong I love my power tools and I've got solar and battery for days, but there will always be hand tools around for me.

[@pieteri.duplessis]

What a beautiful old school job you did. Very nice indeed.

[@docjohnson2874]

Nice work with the panel saws.....my grandfather was the only one that I knew who could really use one .....and he's long dead.

[@FranksWorkbench]

Like cursive handwriting... A dying skill. almost impossible to imagine they used to use them for cutting all those 2x4s framing a house...

[@Thyme2sea]

Beautiful bench!

[@horatiobeaker]

Beautiful. Nice build.

[@dfu1685]

I think the shaping you did makes it look much more interesting. In my humble opinion: Functionality + Aesthetics = Craftsmanship!

[@FranksWorkbench]

Thanks bro!

[@djmini2numpty141]

oh to dream to have such sharp blades on every tool :) (oh, and the skills as well )

[@johnmcgee7171]

Thanks for the tip on strengthening the joint. Nice design, well executed. Good on you.

[@FranksWorkbench]

Thanks!

[@garrockwaters304]

I love to hear those sharp tools cut!

[@joebrey7052]

Great work. I’m inspired.

[@davila747]

Thanks for the video!!! Just ordered your free plans!!

[@FranksWorkbench]

Awesome! Enjoy!

[@michaelduke2498]

Love your projects, videos and teaching style.

[@FranksWorkbench]

Appreciate it!

[@nickstoic2944]

Great work, thank you for sharing. Nice and shiny tools.

[@reacher72]

Like it. It’s given me an idea for my next mallet

[@TheTrock121]

Love seeing how my Grandfather would have approached this. I still have a few of his tools, though only seem to use the Torpedo Level.

[@jimfromri]

Beautiful mallet that will last a lifetime…or two. As always, great video Frank. Thanks for making and sharing.

[@FranksWorkbench]

Thanks for watching!

[@fergusdangerfield156]

Really nice to see you using traditional tools and achieving a beautiful result! Thanx for posting x.

[@FranksWorkbench]

thanks, glad you liked it!

[@randyjones2204]

I really liked this, almost made entirely with hand tools, (just a drill motor). Good job and seems simple.

[@DerBrotmeister]

nice workstation , and all the tools .

[@MrLawandorderman]

Nice work, I started 45 years ago with mostly hand tools (cost) and now have mostly power tools, I think it’s time to migrate back.

[@jamesmcdermott9275]

A great idea. Done with beautiful tools and by a real craftsman.👍

[@FranksWorkbench]

Thank you sir!

[@StreetKingz4Life]

Gotta love how this guy like mostly using manual tools instead of power-tools, kinda brings back memories when i now started doing wood-working in school, great video mate , cheers.

[@FranksWorkbench]

thanks man, glad you can appreciate it too!

[@shauldvosis4693]

Love your content! Watched every single one of your videos, some more than once. I have a request. If you could make your videos a little longer showing more of the process in a tutorial way. I’ve learned a lot from watching your videos so far. Another request. Please make a video about your different planes. How do you sharpen your blades? How do you adjust and set up to produce such beautiful thin shavings? It’s completely mesmerizing to watch! Thank you for your content. Awesome work!

[@kestutisbagusauskas8323]

Nice to see that you have some power tools. Nothing sadder than to see someone using an old bit & brace drill!

[@rickpouley2857]

Great Mallet! I like your use of hand tools in the building of the mallet!

[@FranksWorkbench]

Thanks!!

[@margru8207]

Great video man. Refreshing to see a woodworker not reliant on power-tools. Lovely mallet too 👌

[@FranksWorkbench]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@tinopina3015]

Beautiful!!

[@Acheiropoietos]

Good work, Frank. Quality stuff!

[@FranksWorkbench]

Many thanks!

[@fullsavage2743]

I like the no look scrap bin throw!

[@abdulaaljm]

It's amazing for watching all of this is made by hand tools only while most of wood workers using electrical or battery operated tools and equipments. So satisfying watching this.

[@FranksWorkbench]

Glad you enjoyed it!!

[@burtvincent1278]

Great video.

[@dalewysinger3077]

Interesting project.

[@WoodwiseJoe]

Nice project

[@jgo5707]

Beautiful work! Great content

[@FranksWorkbench]

😁

[@Festus171]

Nice job! I made a mallet a couple years ago and find it's one of the tools I use most frequently. I've decided to make a few from your design with various types of hardwood I have laying around. Thanks for putting the plans out there!

[@FranksWorkbench]

absolutely!

[@jck-fg6fr]

Nice. Really like your use of hand tools

[@FranksWorkbench]

Thanks!

[@5ChG]

Every blades looks so sharp and well maintained.

[@FranksWorkbench]

thank you!

[@menotyou9406]

Love the never miss the basket shots

[@FranksWorkbench]

🤣

[@marcuscicero9587]

nice handle making

[@spenserclarke5956]

A very nice job, and a pleasure to watch. I made myself a couple of malletts on my lathe, out of some nice Olive wood. The first one was as a two peice (head and handle) so as to make it top heavy, the second was turned as one whole piece. I made a third, which I use as my hack mallett, as unfortunately the wood split and opened when turning. I keep the centre points visible, so that it can be put back on the lathe and trimmed up, when it has too many flat spots. But there is nothing more pleasurable than making your own tools, and using them! :-) Unless you can sell 'em that is! As well as a workshop tool, they have been great as mest tenderisers, and the rounded head, such as with a carving mallett, does not destroy it as does a flat mallett. Just a thought for those that might also enjoy tender meat as well as woodworking.

[@cfwhitney]

What a master

[@jimmybaker7494]

Very cool video! Glad I came across your channel. Keep up the good work 👍

[@FranksWorkbench]

Thanks!

[@joshrhoades7034]

Very nice! 👍

[@traillesstravelled7901]

Love the design! I made one just like it, using ipe, about 5 years ago. No glue on wedges, and with weather changes, heavy use it does come loose from time to time, but tap tap, and good to go.

[@FranksWorkbench]

Nice! And great wood for a mallet!

[@rjdavis947]

Thank you

[@donloughrey1615]

Very nice.

[@vilod]

Good for you.

[@walterrider9600]

thank you

[@collinsceski605]

Honestly your aim with those cutoffs is hella decent.

[@scottpitner4298]

Nice video Gallagher lol Just kiddin. I’m subscribed because I could watch this stuff all day. Super precise and everything neat. Plus ridiculous no-look skills

[@gerrywoody4301]

Great to see a real tradesman using tools and not relying on $10 000 worth of machinery

[@petervilla5221]

Oh neat a mallet video. Wow thats a really clean work area, your tools must be very happy. Wait is that a hand saw? And a hand planar? Wait, are you making it by hand?! Oh wow, you are, thats dope. I can be convinced to watch more of this.

[@MrAtfenn]

a bit new to your channel but i really enjoy your content and have subscribed. the first thing that i noticed was that your chisels and plane blades are incredibly sharp. i realize that it has been done by so many but i would be interested to see your complete method. keep them coming

[@FranksWorkbench]

not much to my method, i may make a vid on it in the future.. its just either medium india followed by translucent arkansas then strop with green honing compound or diamond stones followed by strop. I do a secondary bevel

[@ourv9603]

My axe/maul handle used to loosen regularly. I got so tired of removing the handle & adding fresh wedges. Finally I fixed it PERMANENTLY. I took off the handle for THE LAST TIME and added gorilla glue. That was over 15 years ago & it hasnt loosened a lick after MUCH use. !

[@thewanderingbox8253]

lovely

[@adamgrove9198]

just discovered your channel. great content!

[@FranksWorkbench]

😁

[@fabienlegall1199]

I’m not sure if I’m l’or impressed by the amazing build itself or by the fact that he never misses the scrap bin 😎 Great job, you got me subscribed

[@FranksWorkbench]

Thanks 👍

[@johnf4202009]

You really inspire me to use more hand tools in my work. It's weird that you get so spoiled with modern tools you kind of forget that everything used to be done by hand with no power tools.

[@FranksWorkbench]

awesome! and I agree!

[@Keelsman]

Nice!

[@enzprintco.8625]

Oh you geniuses with your hand tools. Maybe when my kids grow up I’ll have time to try to lessen my machine use. I’m in awe of some of you guys how good you are with just hand tools! Mallet looks great! I think I prefer the straight head over an angled one. The leather is a nice touch as well. Good job brother!

[@FranksWorkbench]

😁 thanks man!

[@RJ-sr5dv]

Bravo

[@spartus56996]

very nice

[@paulmartin2348]

Thank you for the video. Nice workmanship but my biggest take-away is an appreciation for the care and condition of your tools. (as a machinist that is wonderful to see)

[@FranksWorkbench]

glad you recognize and appreciate it, another poster said looks like I got em all for Christmas LOL... just takes a little care and maintenance

[@mikehodges6598]

I have some high quality hardwood scraps that this would be an excellent use for. Thanks Frank!

[@FranksWorkbench]

Perfect! Thanks for watching and commenting!!

[@timofeyzhukov-khovanskiy9173]

Yeah, Tried and True that bonk! I have a gallon of that stuff in the basement.

[@FranksWorkbench]

😃👍

[@theobolt250]

This has TRADITIONAL CRAFTSMANSHIP written all over it. Cool! Very nice job.

[@FranksWorkbench]

😁

[@rogerfrood7377]

I hope this inspires more people to work with handtools. That's when you really get to know the grain and toughness and scent of the wood you are using. The soundtrack here is just as great as the filming. Good work. My only concern is whether the cherry handle will stand up to hard long-term use. I think ash or hickory would be preferable.

[@FranksWorkbench]

Thank you for the kind words! Agree with you, hickory would be much more durable

[@MrLawandorderman]

But cherry is so pretty. :)

[@paulbateman5769]

That is one mighty saw to make the mighty thors hammer

[@MCsCreations]

Really beautiful work, Frank! 😃 Fantastic looking mallet!!! Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊 BTW, I just subscribed!

[@FranksWorkbench]

Thanks man!!

[@rickvanhooren548]

Nice job! +1 sub. Cheers from Ontario!

[@FranksWorkbench]

Awesome, thank you!

[@donsuede1194]

What a trick. I never would have thought glue stops things from moving.

[@frunomaol5069]

Thanks Thor, excellent video. Shattered to learn in your comments that you can actually miss the bin. Interesting to see how you use the different tools. I wonder the financial investment in your workshop. Good editing. The closest I get to woodwork is striking a match, (ex smoker though).

[@ryanmoore3954]

Very nice craftsmanship. Might have to take some ideas and make one myself. Probably won’t come out as nice but as long as it works lol.

[@FranksWorkbench]

Go for it!

[@michaelbradford4444]

e Entertaining , educational and I know you can't make no look shots every time!

[@ipick4fun27]

Wow very sharp hand tools. Don't think I have the skills to wield any of them but very cool to watch. You made using the chisels and planes look way easy. I'm sure I will nick the mallet at final stage when trimming the lather. LOL.

[@FranksWorkbench]

😁 thanks man!

[@willmorrison1022]

Who cares if you do? That is part of what makes it YOUR mallet. Turn that into part of a decorative pattern that you carry around the edge as a border. Or make it part of your signature. Or just ignore it, because believe me, as you use it, the thing will get a LOT more banged up than that little nick. Think if it like going out and getting a brand new car. That first dent or ding is going to drive you nuts. When you start off with that little nick in there, the first dent or ding is already taken care of. Nothing to get upset over at all. Don't ever let the fear of perfection stop you from doing anything. Remember this: When you finish a project, no one knows what you intended to make when you started. They only see what you finished. They can't judge it against your original intention, because they don't know what you started out to make, they only see what you DID make. So they can only judge it against itself. And most likely, as itself, it's just fine. Build away and enjoy. And the more you use those chisels and planes, the better at it you will get. Keep at it and do fun stuff.

[@smrogers4155]

Great video as always, Frank. The last mallet I made I did very similarly, except that I used a 1 1/4" forstner bit for drill through the two middle pieces so I could add iron beads to add some weight and reduce the recoil from striking.

[@FranksWorkbench]

Thank you! And great idea, this ones pretty lightweight and that would have been a good upgrade

[@smrogers4155]

@@FranksWorkbench yeah mine weighs in at almost exactly 16oz with that and made with cherry, burr oak and ash off cuts. - that's okay, you can never have enough mallets!

[@enzprintco.8625]

Ahhh I thought it was just for weight. I worked as a helper in an old mans shop…I used to ask him why his mallet sounded like a baby rattle and where his baba went. He passed 6 years ago. Best boss I ever had! Miss him as a friend. I hope to make one soon, I’ll be sure to add the beads. Thanks! :)

[@smrogers4155]

@@enzprintco.8625 Yup, you just have to a little room for the beads to move around - I love my mallet and it has seen a lot of abuse.

[@enzprintco.8625]

@@smrogers4155 did you use leather or just the wood?

[@jerryrudolph6603]

Good job. Just subscribed. Hope you make a lot of money on KZbin.

[@FranksWorkbench]

thank you!

[@Danwrnr1]

Great use of hand tools and method, I was taught as an apprentice to always lay your plane on it's side as not to dull the blade but thats just me

[@FranksWorkbench]

yep, one of those woodworking things, two schools of thought and both are right and neither is really wrong IMO