STL212.5: What mallets does a woodworker need?
In this bonus episode, Mike and Ben discuss if the Shaker workbench is fit for holdfasts, and what mallets you really need as a woodworker.Question 1:
From Greg:
I am thinking about building the Ultimate Shaker Workbench that Mike and Matt did a while back, but I feel like I am missing something regarding work holding. I understand how I would hold boards using the twin screw vice and sliding deadman for edge work, but how would I hold boards for planing the faces? If I were to put holes in the top is it thick enough to accommodate hold fasts without the drawers interfering? What would my other options be?
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Build A Shaker WorkbenchWith a stout base, thick top, and abundant tool storage, this is one bench you’ll never outgrow |
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Workbench Helpers: Tips on holding workHoldfasts and hand screws make your bench more versatile |
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Get a grip on your workFor benchtop clamping, nothing beats the holdfast |
Question 2:
From Mark:
I recently purchased some Japanese style dovetail chisels from Lee Valley, and I am wondering what I should use for a hammer to strike them with. Round or square? What weight for what kind of work.
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Why a Mallet Beats a HammerQ: Why are mallets better than hammers for woodworking? |
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A Mallet is a Must-HaveThis one takes an afternoon to make, but years to wear out |
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Turning For Furniture Makers: Turn a carving mallet |
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Hammers and Mallets |
Every two weeks, a team of Fine Woodworking staffers answers questions from readers on Shop Talk Live, Fine Woodworking‘s biweekly podcast. Send your woodworking questions to [email protected] for consideration in the regular broadcast! Our continued existence relies upon listener support. So if you enjoy the show, be sure to leave us a five-star rating and maybe even a nice comment on our iTunes page.
Comments
Appreciate you guys making the effort to keep something going. Mike says he uses a 13 oz. japanese hammer on his japanese chisels. Is there any reason to not use a regular carpenters hammer on them? I'm not talking about a big framing hammer.
Thanks,
Bob
Hold fast can be used with the Ultimate Shaker workbench. However care must be taken with what is in your top drawers. A Grammercy holdfast will extend 8" below the top of the bench when not holding anything. The apron in the plans is 5 1/2" and the middle drawer is 2 1/4 inches deep on the inside. The outer drawers are 3 3/4" deep in the inside.
This bench is a great bench but don't limit your self to the exact dimensions. The vise you pick will determine the details of the apron and as a result the rabbit on the top of the front legs. Your storage needs may dictate a different set of drawers.
Regarding the length of holdfasts. I recently used mine with a scrap block to protect the work piece. I was listening to the podcast and made me wonder if a thicker scrape would be an alternative to cutting the holdfast down. A 3” block seemed to work just fine .
Ben, Mike thank you for the bonus episode, I am long time fan of the show.
Be well and safe.
Hooray for ShopTalk Live for giving us these ".5" podcasts to help get through our respective shutdowns.
But in this discussion of mallets/hammers, Ben, I'm disappointed you didn't promote the Honduran mallets you and Scott Landis showcased in STL 195.5 (another bonus episode!). The small mallet would serve well in the delicate work of luthiery, wouldn't it?
It would be great, but I don't have one.
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