What is the purpose of using wooden mallets in carpentry?

Using wooden mallets in carpentry primarily serves the purpose of striking chisels without damaging them. The design of a wooden mallet allows it to provide a softer impact compared to harder materials, reducing the risk of chisel damage and wear. This gentle approach helps in making precise cuts or movements when chiseling wood, ensuring that the tools can maintain their sharpness and integrity over time. This characteristic is essential in woodworking, where the accuracy of cuts is crucial for achieving desired finishes and fits.

The other purposes associated with drilling, carving, or sanding are typically achieved with different tools or equipment that are specifically designed for those tasks, making them less relevant in the context of what wooden mallets are primarily used for.