Mallets

[photodog]

I have been doing hand size carvings for a couple of years now and wanted to try something bigger. After destroying a coule of my flexicut palm tools I decided to bite the bullet and I picked up a few gouges and v's at Woodcraftrers and bought a nice medium sized mallet.

So Far So Good!

Last night the Ms. came down to the basement and gave me the ultimatum, "Quit banging down here, your driving me nuts." Ugggh! and disappeared into the house.

So, I am now looking at a catalogue with Round Head Mallets, made of "tough urethane". About 1/3 the cost of the wood one I came home with from the big W, $40+ vs $19.95 each for these.
Three Sizes available: 12,24 & 30 oz.
My Questions:
1. Is this type of mallet worth the price?
2. Are they really quite?
3. Any recommendations as to weight. I haven't seen much published as to what size or type mallet to use on what type of tool or carving. I wasn't sure if a bigger tool always requires a bigger hammer.
Thanks folks, I have really enjoyed the information posted here.
Dan

[Kenny_S]

Never used a mallet so maybe I am not the one to say anything. However, I will. That's my nature!

I would think a heavier mallet would be the one to get as less force would be needed.
Why not use them without the mallet. Use both hands, one for force and the other to guild the gouge.
A lot of carvers uses mallet gouges without the mallet in the way I described.

For the noise, give the little bride some ear plugs.Jester

[Bill]

I have used both types of mallets and yes I agree with your wife the wood mallets make too d---n much noise, so I use the urethane mallet 12oz, I find that I can get more contol and not have to keep swinging that extra weight, because after a time you can get arm weary.
Bill

[heineda]

Hello,

I have the urethane mallet, and it does make less noise, and softens the blow to your hand/arm. You might want to try one of the brass amllets as well. Much smaller, but very efficient at delivering force to the tool.

Thanks,
Dan Heine

[Canopener]

Photodog,
Because I work weird hours, I sometimes carve in the dead of night when my wife is asleep. I do not use full size tools that much so I just bought a cheapo 12 oz. rubber hammer at the auto store,[a real mallet is on the to buy list]. But she claims she cannot hear me banging away. Kenny also makes a good point to just use your hands, you get alot more control and less guilt that way.
Jim

[wade clark]

A bigger mallet requires a stronger elbow. I have the 12 oz and love it! Great mallets! I got mine from woodcraft supply.
Wade

[photodog]

Thanks for the insights.
I had thought of using my $1.99 Ace Hardware special, rubber "hammer" but got a ration of strawberries from a couple of my carving friends. (purists, they claim to be)
I am wrestling with a 4 ft. 4x4 from Big Box and trying to figure how palm tool technique translates to long tools. So holding and pushing has been quite challenging and enlightening for this Klutz. (Something to hold the thing is the next project.)
I am, however, learning a lot about technique and should have a nice piece of firewood by the end of the month.
I think I’ll go ahead and order one of the 12 oz mallets.
As for telling the bride to get ear plugs..... been married 25 years……The ONLY thing I tell her any more is “Yes Dear�
Thnaks again,
Dan

[Kenny_S]

There you go, some good suggestions. Like I saide, I don't use mallets and 99% of my tools are palm gouges. However, using long gouges with both hands seems to be a good idea for control and eliminating noise.

Earplugs, If you don't give them to the little bride, You wear them. In that way, ya can't hear her screaming. Talking

One last bit of advice is don't carve her a club. I have experience in that area for sureTalking