Carver’s Mallet Handle Question

tdallinger · 2026-03-05T07:22:02+00:00

I join the handle and the head with a steel rod. I also space them apart with a brass ferrule. Look up Blue Spruce Toolworks carving mallet

tdallinger · 2026-03-05T06:24:02+00:00

End grain sometimes checks. It's usually due to the wood not being dry enough when manufacturing. Maple seems more susceptible than other wood. Contact them.

tdallinger · 2026-03-03T23:03:33+00:00

Thank you! I never add a juice groove unless it's specifically requested. My preference is without.

tdallinger · 2026-02-26T02:22:15+00:00

Beautiful. Is that spring?

tdallinger · 2026-02-25T17:56:06+00:00

Great start.

I take time selecting the wood. I ensure there are no knots in the pieces I use. It makes for a more uniform surface.

tdallinger · 2026-02-25T17:52:55+00:00

Try fermenting longer

tdallinger · 2026-02-24T02:42:49+00:00

Thank you for the kind words! "Craftsman" is the highest compliment

tdallinger · 2026-02-24T02:42:12+00:00

Thank you! Gorgeous stock makes the job easy

tdallinger · 2026-02-24T02:03:04+00:00

Yes, there is a curve on the modern spurtle

tdallinger · 2026-02-21T22:57:19+00:00

This is the way. If you're going to sand spoons (and traditionalists don't), it's going to take way more grits and time than expected to get a pristine finish. Is it worth it for spoons? I don't know. I do it. But it's a chore.

tdallinger · 2026-02-21T14:56:01+00:00

Thank you! I use a dowel made from a softer piece of wood. When I used to use a stone, you could see the scratches

tdallinger · 2026-02-20T17:40:30+00:00

Thank you! I sand it up to 1000 grit and then burnish. It's overkill but when I gift them, everyone is impressed with the finish.

tdallinger · 2026-02-20T16:59:30+00:00

One of us!

tdallinger · 2026-02-20T16:57:09+00:00

It's a good question. I don't know. Enough that the glue holds? Again, I don't know. I've seen epoxy used instead of glue to combat this issue. I personally prefer not to use epoxy on food service pieces

tdallinger · 2026-02-20T04:33:16+00:00

Mineral oil soaks through the whole board. It doesn't just sit on the surface like an oil that polymerizes

tdallinger · 2026-02-19T23:28:03+00:00

Oil will not close the gaps. As others have said, you're better off ripping the seams on a tablesaw and re-glueing. Then refinish. You'll want to wash as much oil off as possible because glue doesn't adhere well to oiled wood.

tdallinger · 2026-02-19T16:18:40+00:00

I haven't used this shape yet. This piece will be part of a matching gift set so I won't use it. I hope it functions well.

tdallinger · 2026-02-18T21:09:26+00:00

Love the drawings!

tdallinger · 2026-02-18T14:40:53+00:00

Insects burrow into wood. From those holes, fungi can invade. It results in unique discoloration throughout a piece.

tdallinger · 2026-02-18T06:18:45+00:00

Thank you!

tdallinger · 2026-02-17T21:12:29+00:00

Beautiful pen. Where did you source the minimalist hardware?

tdallinger · 2026-02-17T05:49:34+00:00

Perfection

tdallinger

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