Think I could use one of these to punch through relatively soft leather using a single hole sharp slot or wedge punch. Say no more than 5 oz leather, 9 at most.
Re: Do you think a wood crab mallet would be strong enough to punch a hole in leather
What do they make crab hammers out of? I mean it looks similar to my leatherworking mallet but I'm hesitant to say yes because I know my mallet is beech but a crab hammer could be made of anything. I mean they look like red oak in that picture and that would be fine but I'm on a mobile device so I can't garuntee that.
Re: Do you think a wood crab mallet would be strong enough to punch a hole in leather
I found sale for a hand full of these crab mallets. I have two raw hide mallets and one home made wood mallet, but I have to teach a class on Roman Sandal Making very soon and need to supply about 10 students with mallets that quite frankly only have to last through about 100 punches.
Re: Do you think a wood crab mallet would be strong enough to punch a hole in leather
Unfortunately it will rely on luck. I've had cheap crab hammers last years and some that didn't last a dozen crabs. You might be able to increases your chances of success if you strengthen the handle and the joint to the head with some cheap hardware store resin and if you want to go overkill add a layer of fiberglass cloth wrap.
Re: Do you think a wood crab mallet would be strong enough to punch a hole in leather
Decided to go ahead and make some of my own. Used an old 1 x 6 poplar board.
They still need to be trimmed up and sanded, but all 15 are glued together.