Marples chisels are a popular choice among professional woodworkers. They’re made from 100 CRV (Chrome Vanadium) high carbon steel for increased strength and durability.
Irwin’s new Marples chisels are backed by a rich heritage of quality and precision. The line offers a variety of styles and sizes to meet any woodworking need.
Blade Length
Marples chisels come in a variety of blade lengths to suit the woodworking needs of various users. For example, if you need a paring chisel, choose one with a short blade.
For general chisel use, choose one with a long blade. This helps you reach tight spots and allows for more accurate shaping and cutting.
There are a few factors that influence this decision. One is how the base of the chisel’s blade is attached to the handle. Some have a cone-shaped protrusion (called a socket) that fits into the hollow receiver of the blade. Others have a pointed shank (called a tang) that is attached to the handle.
The latter is a common choice for most woodworkers. It offers a strong, organic grip and a charming, rustic appearance. It also costs much less than a wooden handle and is far more durable. Alternatively, a plastic handle is often the preferred option for beginners because it does not require as much maintenance.
Handle Material
The handle material used to make Marples chisels is a mix of hardwood and softwood, most commonly ash or beech. You can also use other hardwoods such as maple, birch and osage orange, a native wood of Nebraska that has tight grain and is tough as nails.
Most handles for bench chisels are attached to the blade by a tang, which is forged or cast and tapers to a sharp edge. The tangs seat in pilot holes in the handle to ensure a tight, torque-resistant fit.
Whether the tangs are forged or cast, the corners dig into the wood to align it on the same axis as the blade. The corners of the forged tangs are tapered, while those for wooden handles are faceted.
Aside from these, all chisels have the same basic blade shape. The shape of the blade is a good indication of how strong the chisels are, because it affects the way they cut.
Blade Edge
The chisel blade edge is made from high carbon solid-forged steel that is honed to Rockwell hardness 58 to 61 for improved edge retention. Each chisel is honed and sharpened ready for use out of the packet to save time and effort.
IRWIN Marples chisels are designed to meet the needs of users of various skills and applications. The chisels are engineered to provide maximum edge retention and superior performance, whether it be for fine woodworking, construction or high impact work.
The blade of the chisels is made from forged carbon steel, with edges beveled to enable easier work in tight corners. The bolster and tang are forged from one piece of steel for increased strength and stability. The handles are split proof and designed to withstand heavy usage. They are also contoured for added control.
Weight
A woodworker’s tool of choice, a pair of sharpened chisels can be used to sculpt and shape a variety of materials. Choosing the right chisels for your needs is a critical decision that should be made based on the specific project you are working on and your experience level.
Some chisels are designed for general-purpose shaving and joining, while others have deep mortises that can be used for fine detail work. Choose the appropriate chisel type for each task and make sure it has a beveled edge.
Depending on how the base of the blade is attached to the handle, chisels may be classified as either socket or tang varieties. Socket chisels have a cone-shaped protrusion from the handle that fits into an appropriate socket on the blade.
A paring chisel is ideal for making fine details in a piece of furniture or cabinetry. It features a beveled edge that allows it to better accommodate the sidewalls of different joints. It is thin and lightweight for easy use.
