Hammer Or Mallet Style Preference

[Jmchase]

Since i started looking at the leather forums ive noticed many prefer the nylon round mallet over the more traditional hammer shape. Ive been using both the leather and nylon hammer shape. I was wondering if someone who uses both or the round barrel shape could tell me how it performs or why you prefer it over the other.

Thanks

John

[Art]

First a steel hammer like a Ball-Pien will mushroom your tools.

With Mauls (the round ones), they tend to be easier to get a solid hit with and easier to retract and get ready for the next hit.

With Mallets, (maul that looks like hammer) it sometimes difficult to get a good hit. If you are a little less than perpendicular to the tool, the mallet can slide and not deliver the required hit. You are generally watching the head (business end) of the tool and not where the mallet or maul will hit like they teach in shop. Some people love mallets, just not me.

Art

[Jmchase]

Just found an old post talking about this subject. I think im interested in getting one. What is your opinion of round versus tspered maul?

[Art]

I use round, the tapered ones you use your elbow a little lower, but that's just not me. Most stamping and figure carving 16 to 18 oz, Barry King or Bear Man, on some of Bob Beard's 0 and 1 bevelers 10 or 12 oz, Ed LeBarre (Bear Man) and for basketweave and larger stamps I start at 22 oz or so and go to 28 oz Bear Man. For makers marks and punching holes as other stuff I use a 96 oz Barry King. For General Striking I also like the John Bianchi designed Maul Master 22 oz which has a lightly padded handle and is comfortable for long sessions at that weight. All my Mauls are straight sided. I have way more than I need (I didn't mention five or six others). I like the striking surface on the Bear Man Mauls, it more closely resembles a Bob Beard Maul which is really just a beautiful thumpin' stick.

Art

[Jmchase]

Im looking for somethinh for tooling couldnt find a web site for Robert Beard would like to see one before i order one

[Jmchase]

Purchased a round maul from Barry King will probably be getting a few tools from them soon. Thanks for helping.

[Art]

Jim,

Bob Beard no longer makes his Mauls. It was just more trouble for him than it was worth. However, Ed LeBarre the Bear Man makes a Maul using the same head material that Bob used. Like they say, "Once you try Black, you'll never go back". The Bear Man mauls are the closest thing you will find to the solid whack or tap you get from one of Bob's "Black Beauties".

Art