My buddy who runs the canvas shop needed a new mallet for pounding grommets. He goes through one every year or two and I turn him a new one. This one is scraps of maple and walnut. 
Paul

That’s too pretty to use!

Lew within a month it will be barely recognizable. They really pound on these metal punches that crimp the grommet holes. 
Paul

I agree with Lew too pretty to use

Usually they mangle the small end first. 
Paul

The others beat me to it about being to pretty to use. Glad you included that pic with the square, I was wondering about the overall scale of it.

Nice one.  It is good that it gets used.  That is what it was made for and keeps your skills sharp for making the next one.

It has to be pretty heavy. First they pound a mandrel to crimp the grommet then they use the smaller end to flatten it out. The mandrel is a lot like pounding a spur drive for lathe work into the end of a piece of wood. It really tears the mallet up. I’ve tried different woods over the years and Jatoba was the best. I had some scraps left from building a table. The problem was I didn’t realize how toxic Jatoba dust is. I won’t be turning that wood ever again. In lieu of that I usually use maple.  Not as heavy as Jatoba but it works for a year or so. 
Paul

Piece of wood art Paul.

2 hours ago, Grandpadave52 said:

Piece of wood art Paul.

Should be framed and hung on a wall!

19 hours ago, lew said:

That’s too pretty to use!

+1

Very nice!    Danl