Post #458814 by TikiMango on Wed, Jun 3, 2009 5:43 PM

Don't let me intimidate you... at least until after we've met at Hukilau. :wink:

I have a urethane mallet that I got off of eBay, it was red instead of green, and it is 18oz. I hardly swing with anything more than my wrist or from the elbow, and it drives a sharp chisel fairly deep. About the only time I have to do a hard swing is when I'm using a 1.5" round gouge for serious material removal. You will need to build-up your fore arm muscles in any event, as the urethane mallets are much heavier than the wooden ones. I paid ~$29 including shipping. It is much quieter, almost a soothing sound. I also think that a urethane mallet will save the wear and tear on your chisel handles.

Search the forums for more info on the Lancelot. I will second or third Benzart's advice about getting a speed controller for it. Then you can slow it way down so you aren't skeerd of it, but still respect it at all times. Keep your guard on the grinder. The electric chainsaw is a great alternative, and gives you a great excuse to by a generator is hurricanes weren't enough. Then you can carve off-site if the need arises.