Woodworking chisels are essential tools for shaping, carving, and cutting wood. They come in various types, each designed for specific tasks, and understanding their uses is crucial for any woodworker. Here’s a brief introduction:
Anatomy of a Chisel
Blade: The metal part that does the cutting. It’s typically made from hardened steel.
Bevel: The angled edge of the blade that is sharpened to create the cutting edge.
Handle: The part you hold, usually made from wood or plastic. Handles may be capped with metal for durability when struck with a mallet.
Ferrule: A metal ring at the junction of the blade and handle that prevents splitting of the handle.
Types of Woodworking Chisel
Bench Chisels: The most common type, used for general-purpose woodworking. They come in various widths and are suitable for tasks like chopping, paring, and trimming.
Mortise Chisels: These chisels have a thicker blade designed for cutting mortises—deep, square holes that receive tenons in joinery work.
Paring Chisels: Long, thin chisels used for fine paring work. They are not meant to be struck with a mallet and are used to shave thin slices of wood.
Corner Chisels: Used for cleaning out the corners of mortises or joints. They have a V-shaped blade.
Sharpening and Maintenance
Sharpening Stones: To keep chisels sharp, sharpening stones or whetstones are used. Honing guides can help maintain a consistent angle while sharpening.
Stropping: After sharpening, a leather strop is used to polish the edge and remove any burrs.
Storage: To prevent damage to the sharp edge, chisels should be stored in a way that protects the blade, such as in a roll or with blade guards.
Using Chisels
Chopping: This involves driving the chisel into the wood, usually with a mallet, to remove chunks of material.
Paring: This is a more controlled, hand-powered technique where you shave thin layers of wood for a smooth finish.
Mortising: This involves removing wood to create a mortise, often using a mortise chisel and a mallet.
Chisel Safety Tips
- Always work away from your body and keep your hands behind the cutting edge.
- Use a mallet designed for chiseling to avoid damaging the chisel or handle.
- Keep chisels sharp to reduce the force needed and to maintain control.
Chisels are indispensable in woodworking, offering precision and control that power tools often can’t match. Whether you’re making joinery or carving intricate details, mastering the use of chisels is key to advancing in woodworking.