Wood chisels are an important part of any woodworking shop, and it is a good idea to have a few different types on hand. There are a variety of chisels to choose from, including mortise and tenon chisels, dovetail chisels, and paring chisels. Each has its own benefits, so you should consider them when selecting your chisels.
Mortise-and-tenon joints
The mortise and tenon joint is one of the most important joints in traditional woodworking. The mortise, or slot that receives the tenon, should be cut to the correct width and depth. There are many tools available to help you do this.
A marking gauge is a great tool to use. This will enable you to trace lines around the stock you want to mortise. You can also use a dual marking gauge for this task.
Chisel and rabbet planes are another good tool for trimming the tenon to the final thickness. Before you begin this task, make sure you know how to use the chisel.
When chopping, you need to be careful not to chip on the tenon’s end. Instead, you should start with the outer edge of the chisel, which should line up with the mortise’s edge. Be sure to tap the tip with a hammer to make sure it is aligned.
Paring
Paring chisels are long and thin woodworking tools used to pare or shave off layers of wood. These types of chisels are ideal for fine joinery and delicate touch-ups to finished wood joints. They can be purchased individually or in sets.
There are many different manufacturers of paring chisels. The Japanese make laminated steel paring chisels similar to the Western versions. Many American manufacturers use the 720 series. However, these are not as thin as the English models.
In addition to using the tool to trim and pare wood, chisels can also be used to pry open boards or make rabbets. Chisels are often used with a mallet. When used correctly, paring chisels leave clean edges. But when not used properly, a chisel can cause temporary frustration.
Butt hinges
Butt hinges are used to hold the door open. They can be installed on the inside of the door or the carcase. Some are pre-drilled, making installation a breeze.
A butt chisel is an efficient way to cut out a big hole in a small space. Their tangs are flattened to prevent spinning, and their blades are forged to withstand heavy chopping cuts without chipping. This makes them a great choice for the woodworker on a budget.
Using a butt chisel to cut a butt-style hinge out of wood is simple enough. To shave some time, pre-drill the hinges for a fraction of the cost, or even better, install the hinges directly into the door or carcase. Once the hinges are in place, the task is much easier.
Dovetails
Dovetails are one of the most common woodworking joints. They are strong, durable, and aesthetically pleasing. However, to make dovetails, you need the right tools. Thankfully, there are a few excellent options that will help you create great dovetails.
If you’re looking to improve your dovetail skills, you’ll want to consider a chisel. Chisels are a useful tool for a wide range of tasks, and you can find several types. You can start with a basic chisel that’s set in three eighths of an inch. Or, you can choose a longer chisel that’s more suitable for heavy-duty chopping.
Some dovetail chisels come with a triangular cross-section, which is ideal for getting into tight corners. They’re also excellent for cutting waste on dovetail joinery.
Western vs Japanese chisels
While both Japanese and Western wood chisels are made of quality steel, their functions and uses are different. In particular, western chisels are much faster and easier to sharpen, while Japanese chisels are more difficult to maintain. Depending on the tool, one may also choose between a tang or socket chisel.
Although both chisels are manufactured to do the same thing, the Japanese have the edge in terms of quality, price and ease of use. They are also more precise. The tang method is far better than the socket method, as the blade is enclosed by a metal rod that doesn’t impede function.
For years, Japanese chisels had a cult following. They are made from a hard and tough steel called “Shirogami White” or “Blue Paper Steel” (Aogami), which is more brittle than the typical tool steel used by the west.
