Mauls

[ChriJ]

I'm just starting our in my leatherwork hobby. After reading the messages on here I've decided that I'm going to lay down my mallet and get a maul. Decided to go with one of the Barry King models. My question is the different styles: the straight and the tapered. Do each have their own uses or are they interchangeable? What are the advantages and disadvantages in each.

Thanks in advance for your responses.

Chris

[King's X]

Not sure what you are used to but I like the straight mauls for my work. I just received a small maul from Clay Miller Tools. The biggest plus was the thick handle, which helps these old achy hands.

[ChriJ]

Thank you for you response. I've just started with the leatherwork, mostly practice have been using a leather mallet. Figured a maul would be more effective.

Thanks again,

Chris

[oltoot]

Mostly personal preference and how you get started. My own gas been for straight, round, rawhide. For me and that should be noted, for me, a broken in str, rnd, rw maul doesn't bounce or roll but that is just me as I started with a str, rnd, rw over 50 years ago when there weren't all these choices.

[DOUBLETAP]

How much of a difference do they make? Do you mean there's something BETTER than my little yellow head hammer? HAHAHAHA.....seriously though, is there a big difference....?

[Tramps Leatherworking]

I asked this question once (tapered vs straight) when I was buying some Barry King tools. Tapered mauls are designed to be more ergonomic, making it easier on the wrists --- ultimately, it is a matter of personal preference.

[camano ridge]

Double Tap, I have been doing leather work for over 40 years for most of that 40 I used a rawhide mallet. About 7 years ago I decided to switch to a maul. I picked up a used tandy maul. Then a few years ago i bought two custom made mauls from Bearman Mauls. My mallets have laid around collecting dust since then. A few months ago someone needed mallets for a boyscout group so I went through my shop, collected and sent to him evey rawhide or poly mallet I could find. The only thing I have onmy bench besides my mauls is a dead blow hammer. I believe they are better for most things. Some people shy away from them because they think there is a learning curve. I found there use to be pretty much intuitive. However as mentioned above it is a personal preference and if possible you shouldtry out straight wall, tapered maul, and other mallets and compare for yourself to see what fits you and your style best. I am not saying buy all of them and try them, just check local leather supply stores they should have some you can try out. Also check with other leather artisans in your area to see if you can try what they have.

[DOUBLETAP]

Great info Camano Ridge. The guys at the Tandy store on the west side of Houston have been fantastic, and like you all here, supportive from the get go. I will make sure to get hands on the next time I'm in the store....(soon hahaha). I can't wait!

[Calait]

Great info Camano Ridge. The guys at the Tandy store on the west side of Houston have been fantastic, and like you all here, supportive from the get go. I will make sure to get hands on the next time I'm in the store....(soon hahaha). I can't wait!

I have to say the folks here in Round Rock are thus far happy, helpful and very happy to assist. Looking forward to getting my first kit, I hope next month. I will be doing some of their classes as well

[mojave]

I have 2 Barry King tapered mauls a 16 and 24 oz. The only thing I don't like about them is the handle. They are to long and to small at the maul head. I'll continue using them because thats what I have and don't what to buy another maul. Before I buy again, I'll go to a leatherworker show so I can try different maul. I'll never use a mallet again.

Howard

[Calait]

I will be starting with a mallet, but according to what I have read here, will be switching to a couple of mauls as soon as possible and praying I can find a ergonomic maul in the near future.