Newark College woodworking students rise to ‘impossible mallet’ challenge with Liberon

When Newark College wanted to set its woodworking students a challenge that some might call ‘mission impossible’, woodcare expert Liberon was happy to step in and support. Coinciding with its recent Industry Week and Careers Fair Expo, the college challenged students to produce an ‘impossible mallet’ and finish it using Liberon products.

Competition winner, Sonny Towle (right) with runner-up, Julian Davis (left)

Making an impossible mallet is an excellent test of skill for any woodworker. Once completed, the mallet leaves observers baffled as to how it was constructed. Made from just two pieces of solid wood – a head and a handle – the mallet features cleverly designed dovetail joints that lock the parts together permanently without the use of glue.

A total of 11 students took part in the challenge, using hardwoods to construct their mallets. Beech was chosen for the hammer heads, while the handles were crafted from ash or elm. Once complete, each student selected a Liberon product to finish their work, choosing from a range donated by the company. Options included Superior Danish Oil, Finishing Oil, Pure Tung Oil, Shellac Filler Sticks and Palette Wood Dye.

The winning mallet

Richard Preece, Course Leader at Newark College, commented: “This challenge was a great test of the students’ marking out and cutting skills, and their precision in creating what we call the ‘trick joint’. It’s very much a ‘get it right first time’ situation that demands real attention to detail. The students produced some excellent work using plans we had prepared in advance. In addition, working with hardwoods was a new experience for many of them, which was a valuable learning opportunity. The challenge also assessed their wood finishing techniques using Liberon’s products.”

Richard Bradley, UK Head of Marketing at Liberon, added: “I must admit I’d never heard of an impossible mallet before! With a secret trick joint, it certainly sounds like quite the challenge, so congratulations to the winner and runner-up for doing such a great job.”

Entries were judged by staff at Newark College, and both the winner and runner-up received a bundle of Liberon products as their prize.

For more information about Liberon and its extensive range of woodcare products, visit www.liberon.co.uk.