Derek Cohen (in Perth, Australia)
I like round mallets but I don't have a lathe.

I am curious why you - and anyone else - prefers a round-headed mallet?

In my opinion - respecting that this is a personal preference - round mallets introduce the risk of a glancing blow, which can be damaging.

A straight face, on the other hand, presents less risk. Plus it focusses the force and one might use a smaller, lighter mallet more effectively.

Regards from Perth

Derek