Usually the first thing is to cut the blank into an octagon. Mount it in the lathe. A roughing gouge is then used to form the blank into a cylinder. Make marks at the ends and any transitions or decorations you will make. A parting tool is used to cut into the blank to the depth of the transitions. A set of calipers is used to measure the predetermined depth. Material is then removed and shaped as you want. Spindle gouges, skews or tools like a Spindlemaster are used to shape the blank into the mallet, as you wish.