Great responses and pictures guys. Sorry for being so long getting back to this. I like the Garland type hammer or ar least in concept. Do you think the nylon inserts would as well as the
raw hide?
I still would like to use my wooden mallet as well. I think I will find a piece crotch to make it from.
I have been using beech and hickory but fairly straight grained.
What weight of mallet are you guys using for 1 1/2 and 2" mortises. My wooden one is appx. 24 oz. but i think it should be at least 2 lbs.