[woeco]

I have noticed that most carvers using mallet and associated tools are using a mallet with a round head. I purchased a mallet from Woodworker's Supply several years ago which appears to be make of maple and has a head shaped more like a small rectangular box - maybe 4.5x3x2 inches, weighs about 15 ounces, and the handle slip down thru the head. Now with all that a couple questions.....

What is the basis difference between a round head and a more rectangular head mallet ?

Also when I am using this mallet with Flexcut mallet tools or any other tools for that matter - I find that the hand I am using to hold the tool becomes more stressed than the mallet hand --- am I doing something wrong ?

Thank for any feedback - and have a great day !!

WOECO

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

the shape of the mallet doesn't matter, in fact some times, I just use the palm of my hand to help the chisel along.....if you are using a mallet on flexcut chisels...I am not sure they are designed for that? might ask around on the forum and see what input you get!

[kaiserb]

I believe you are describing a mortising mallet (Rectangular Head).

http://www.technologystudent.com/equip1/mortch1.htm

The round mallet is a traditional mallet, generally used for carving.

If you chisel holding hand gets tired quicker the following probably applies:

1. When holding a tool you are not choking a snake to death. Hold the tool with a lighter grip.
2. You are choked up to high on the handle. Your hand is too close to the striking end.

[rick-in-seattle]

Brian is correct.

The mortising mallet will wear you out because you must hit the carving tool in the center of the mallet or it causes the mallet to rotate in your hand.
The handle is rectanglar and causes you to grip it when striking.

Since your eyes are fixed (or should be) on the cutting edge, it can be difficult to center the mallet each time you strike the chisel.

Carving mallets (usually) have a reduced area near the business end of the mallet. When held at this point with the thumb and index finger (the remaining fingers assist in controlling the mallet), it provides a piviot point for the blows; this removes much of the stress on the hand.

Also, a carving mallet is held loosely so it does not apply the same rotational stress on your wrist.

Of course everyone has their own methods of carving with a mallet; this is mine.

[Colin_Partridge]

Great advice you have recieved here may I add my two cents worth. I used to use a mallet made of ash until someone asked me to try one of those neopreen(SP) any way the ones with the green head. I would never go back the difference is night and day far less stress with the neopreen mallet. I use the 20oz one but they come in smaller sizes. I have had the same problem you have had with the chisel hand. In fact there are times when I am carving for long periods that I cant open may hand to remove the chisel. I have never used the square type mallet so I cant comment. All I know is that I never look at the mallet when I am carving and have never hit my hand. I always concentrate where the chisel is going. As for Flexcut yes you can use a mallet on them as long as they are the mallet tools not the regular or palm tools. Flexcut make a large selection of mallet tools. Hope this has helped.
Colin

[woodcarver55555]

I have several Flex-cuts and in several lengthes. The long ones,I think they are billed as 8", are termed in the catalog as mallet length. I only put a mallet to this size. I only use hand power on the 5" and palm size ones. Duncan

[Thor]

I carved stone long before I got serious about carving wood. The tools are heavier, as is the mallet (1 pound hammer).
The first instructor I took under really drove home the idea that you will suffer nerve damage if you don't teach yourself how to hold the chisel correctly. That is, position it, then gently hold it in place without bearing any impact while you smack it with the hammer. I even wore a padded bicycle glove to lessen the impact when I struck the chisel even more.
This training really helped when using my mallet (the neoprime round kind...mine is only 12 oz.) with wood. I'm a girl.
If during your re-training to loosen your grip, you are having tight-grip moments, you might try one of those padded gloves.
Even so, my hand still gets so tired and stiff that I can't open my hand after long periods too. I just accepted this as old-tired-hand-syndrome.
Thor

[kaiserb]

Info from Chris Pye web article:

Mallets:

• Work rhythmically at a regular pace - this is less tiring and easier on the joints than sporadic, violent bursts of passion.
• Use the lightest mallet that will do the job.
• Keep the elbow of the mallet arm in (towards the body) as much as possible, and strike so as to include the shoulder. This lessens the stress and fatigue on the elbow and arm.
• Use the mallet with either arm - learn to do this from the start.
  Wear eye protection with hard, brittle woods.
• Malletwork can be hard on the ears! Ear defenders reduce the tension that creeps up on you with loud, sharp noises.

http://www.chiff.com/a/wood-carving.htm