I needed a small mallet for delicate work. I wanted it to be attractive as well as functional. So I made it of wood and leather.

I started by cutting out some leather discs. I made then all 2 3/4" in diameter using a hole saw at the drill press. The hole saw created the 1/4" hole in the center. I made enough discs so that I would have a stack 2" tall after they were all glued together.

In order to glue the stack of leather discs, I needed a 1/4" all thread bolt and some washers big enough to clamp the stack. 

Use a lot of glue when putting the stack together. There will be a lot of squeeze out, but that will wipe off. I don't think it makes any difference which kind of glue you use.