Wooden Mallet (for Bark & Bast)

For traditional fibers — kozo, lokta, bamboo, milkweed — a blender won't work. You need to beat.

Time

20 minutes

Cost

Steps

01
Drill a hole the diameter of your handle into one face of the block.
02
Glue the handle in; reinforce with a screw from the side.
03
OPTIONAL: cut shallow grooves across the striking face with a saw — these help fan the fibers apart.
04
Use on a flat stone, hardwood log, or thick cutting board (the anvil).

Materials

— A heavy hardwood block (oak, maple, beech) about 8x8x15 cm
— A broom handle or dowel for the handle
— Wood glue and a screw

Safety

Low Risk

Mostly hand tools and inert materials. Standard studio hygiene applies.

Quick checklist

☐Work in a ventilated area; keep food and drink out of the studio
☐Read each material's safety data sheet (SDS) before starting
☐Have water, soap, and a first-aid kit accessible

Heuristic guidance derived from listed materials. Always consult each material's safety data sheet (SDS) and a qualified instructor before attempting.

Notes

Beating long-fiber bast for 30+ minutes is the secret to washi-thin paper. A grocery-store meat tenderizer works in a pinch.