Woodworking III: Wood Mallet & Bench Hook Woodworking Class

With David Shih

This class has suggested but not required prerequisites. See below for details.

Advance your joinery skills by building your own custom hand tools. This woodworking class focuses on creating a bench hook and a hardwood mallet using the sliding dovetail and the hand-cut mortise and tenon. Learning to accurately cut these structural joints is essential for building cabinetry, chairs, desks, and other fine furniture. You will build tools that you can use in your own shop and in our upcoming Dovetail Step Stools workshop. Join this supportive friendly workshop, expand your handy DIY skillset, and connect with a community of fellow makers!

What You’ll Make:

  • A bench hook and a custom hardwood mallet. These are essential woodworking tools that you can use to assist with hand tool work in future furniture projects.

Skills & Concepts You’ll Learn:

  • Understanding the differences between dimensional construction lumber and hardwood

  • Setting up and cutting sliding dovetails on the router table

  • Laying out and cutting a mortise accurately by hand

  • Laying out and cutting a tenon accurately on the table saw

  • Cutting and fitting a wedged tenon

  • Hand-shaping your mallet handle to achieve a custom fit

Equipment & Tools You’ll Learn:

  • Router table, table saw, drill press, sanders, mallets, and chisels.

Class Outline:

  1. Sliding Dovetails: Set up the router table for sliding dovetails and fit the sliding dovetail fence.

  2. Mortise Layout & Cutting: Measure and lay out a mortise, then use hand tools to clear and chisel the joint clean.

  3. Tenon Construction: Cut and fit a wedge tenon to complete the mortise and tenon joint.

  4. Tool Shaping: Hand-shape your mallet and handle for a comfortable, custom grip.

  5. Assembly Break: A 15-minute break for project glue-up and general shop clean-up.

  6. Finishing Touches: Clean up the final joints and apply a finish to your completed tools.

Other Class Details:

  • Prerequisites: No experience required. Woodworking I & Woodworking II or similar experience are suggested.

  • Class Capacity: 10 maximum, 4 minimum

  • Materials Provided?: Yes

  • Age Limit: 18+ (info)

  • Partner Ticket Available?: Yes

  • Clothing/Equipment Requirements?: Comfortable well fitted clothing, close-toed shoes, put your hair up, and be prepared to get a little dirty.

About the Teacher

David Shih is a woodworking artisan who enjoys crafting pieces ranging from custom fine furniture to intricate inlays. He approaches each project with a deep appreciation for the natural beauty and intrinsic qualities of wood. He loves sharing his woodworking passion and currently teaches at several locations including Denver Tool Library, the Fine Woodworking Program at Red Rocks Community College, Clear Creek Makerspace, and volunteers his time for the woodshop students at Lakewood High School. You can follow his work at MoonRabbitWoodworker.com and on Instragram @MoonRabbit.Woodworker