Brian:

Thanks a lot! I'm going to be trying
all kinds of stuff to lick this problem. I
have one of those elbow straps, and it definitely does help, though it doesn't eliminiate all the pain. I also figured out that I was using way too light a mallet and having to work far too hard to do such things as cleaning out mortises, so hopefully the new, heavier mallet I made will be of help. I've always gripped my mallet with my thumb wrapped around my fingers. My employer seems willing to work with me, and give me a chance to do what I need to do to heal, so the prospects look good for my continued future as a timberframer. Wish me luck!

Nina