Froe mallet

What are people generally using for a froe mallet? I’ve been using a 2lb dead blow hammer but I’m realizing it’s nowhere near heavy enough. The videos I’ve seen of people using a froe always shows someone using a giant home made mallet. Anyone know how heavy the hammer or mallet should be? I’m not certain if the not fully dry wood or my underweight hammer is the issue but it’s a lot harder than it should be.

HI Chris,   Not sure about the weight, but all of my mallets have been homemade using Douglas Fir or Larch logs (no hardwood where I am) around 4 inches in diameter and about 12 inches long, minus the handle. I just go by feel....if it takes more than 6 or so whacks then I may consider a heavier mallet. However, if its too heavy then it becomes more exhausting to my wrist and arm to wield it for any length of time. The beauty of making your own mallet is that you can customize it exactly to meet your needs.  

I use wood mallets that I make myself.  I'd say that handle length is as important as weight.  

I'm posting a Harry Rogers Video you may find interesting.  English, Green Wood Working  Skip to around 7 min for straight froe talk and how to use it.

Gerry, would you mind putting your mallet on a scale and seeing what it weighs?  I'm curious .  My 2lb dead blow hammer takes WAY more than 6 hits haha.  I think I need to go a lot heavier.

The mallet in the photo weighs 3 lbs. When it was green wood and not all mashed up, I bet it weighed closer to 4 lbs.

Thanks!

As I'm sure you are aware, the mallet gets beat up from wood hitting the metal froe all the time and new mallets are always needed to replace the old one. This can get old after awhile especially when you have a lot of shingles to make. One thing that has worked for me well is saving the handle and just replacing the beater part. I drill a hole in the end of the wood the same diameter (or slightly smaller) as my handle end and jam it in. I then secure it with a screw so it doesn't loosen and go flying when you least expect it! If you look close in the picture, you can see the screw.

Here's how I made one of my mallets it's a simple enough process and requires very basic tools. I hope this helps: