Chisels are one of the most essential hand tools in any woodworker’s workshop. They’re useful for making mortises, paring tenons and cutting dovetails.
They come in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit your woodworking needs. They also come with a protective cap to keep them sharp.
Handle
A wood chisel is one of the most essential tools in any wood worker’s toolbox. These wedge-shaped instruments are capable of a wide range of tasks, from chopping mortises to paring tenons to cutting dovetails.
They can also be used for carving reliefs, shaping table and chair legs and a variety of other jobs. Their versatility makes them a must-have in any home shop, and they are among the most affordable of all woodworking tools.
The handle of a wood chisel is usually made of either wood or plastic. It is attached to the chisel blade by a tang that fits into a pilot hole drilled in the handle.
Some chisels have forged tangs, while others are cast. Forged tangs are much harder and stronger than their cast counterparts.
To help prevent the handle from splitting when struck with a hammer, most wood chisels are fitted with a short cylinder of brass or copper called a ferrule. These aren’t necessary for all chisels, but they do make them safer to use with a mallet.
Blade
The blade of a wood chisel is a cutting tool with a sharp edge. They can be used to make chopping cuts and mortice cuts in hardwoods, softwoods and laminate flooring. They can also be used to shave small amounts of material from a surface.
The size and degree of hardness of a chisel’s blade depends on the type of work that it is designed to do. The most common types of chisels are bench chisels and mortise chisels.
A bench chisel is often used to make straight cuts in wood that are less than an inch thick. Its blades are made from either O1 steel, a soft grade that’s easier to sharpen, or A2, a harder alloy that holds an edge longer.
A mortise chisel is designed to cut deep mortise joints in a wooden beam. Its heavy blade and forged bolsters prevent it from bending when struck with a hammer.
Grip
Chisels come in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit all your woodworking needs. They may be used for removing small knots, slicing thin slices or making precise trimming (finishing a mortise, dado or similar joint).
Some chisels have handles made of plastic, while others are made from wood. The grips of both types of chisels are designed to give you a firm and comfortable hold on the tool.
They are also meant to absorb vibrations and hammer strikes. Some chisels have metal strike caps that protect the chisels from damage while they are being hammered.
The handle of a wood chisel is usually rounded to provide a firm grip. This allows you to apply a bit more pressure when pushing the blade forward and moving it from side to side while cutting.
Some chisels are beveled or straight edged; these have a more even balance than the other styles. The bevel-edged version is most commonly used for carving, while the straight edged type is better suited for finishing.
Storage
Wood chisels need to be stored properly in order to preserve their cutting edges and prevent them from becoming blunt. If they are not stored in a safe, secure area, they can be easily knocked off of the workbench or fall to the floor and become damaged.
The best chisel sets come with a range of sizes and can include a storage box for easy access. They also typically include a honing guide and sharpening stone.
When storing a chisel set, make sure that the blades are protected in a case or a pouch to ensure that they do not get chipped and ruined. This will help keep them sharp and ready to use for many years.
Wood chisels can be categorized as socket or tang types, depending on how the handle connects to the blade. Socket types are more resilient to regular use because the connection between handle and blade is secure. However, tang types are less durable and can break down over time.