Getting Started With a Chisel

Chisels are versatile tools that can transform woodworking projects with precision and finesse. Whether a beginner or an experienced craftsman, mastering a chisel is important for achieving clean, accurate cuts and intricate details in your woodwork. In the video above, This Old House general contractor Tom Silva demonstrates proper chisel techniques and shares valuable insights on selecting, using, and maintaining these handy tools.

Choosing the Right Chisel

Selecting the appropriate chisel is the first step towards successful woodworking. Consider the following factors when choosing your chisels.

Material and Quality

High-quality steel is important for a durable and effective chisel. Silva emphasizes the importance of hard steel, which can hold an edge for extended periods while still being easy to sharpen. Look for chisels made from high-carbon steel or chrome-vanadium alloy for optimal performance. 

Types of Chisels

There are two main types of chisels to consider:

• Wooden-handle chisels: These are ideal for delicate work and should only be used with a wooden mallet or by hand. They provide better control for delicate tasks.
• Metal-end chisels: These are more robust and can withstand strikes from a metal hammer, making them suitable for heavier tasks. They are perfect for rough carpentry, where durability is important.

Chisel Widths

A set of chisels with varying widths is a must-have for tackling different projects. Common widths include:

• 1/4 inch: Perfect for fine, detailed cuts
• 1/2 inch: A versatile size for a variety of tasks
• 3/4 inch: Suitable for removing more significant amounts of material
• 1 inch: Ideal for broader cuts and smoothing surfaces

A range of sizes allows you to choose the most appropriate chisel for each task

Handle Types

The handle of a chisel can significantly influence the user experience. Some chisels have handles made of plastic or rubber, which provide a more comfortable grip and reduce vibrations. Others may have wooden handles, offering a traditional feel and aesthetic appeal. When selecting chisels, consider the handle material and shape that best suits your grip and comfort level.

Proper Chisel Techniques

Mastering the correct techniques is a must for safe and effective chisel use. In the video, Silva demonstrates several methods for handling chisels effectively.

Setting the Depth

To begin a cut, follow these steps:

1. Hold the chisel perpendicular to the surface you are working on.
2. Tap the chisel gently with a mallet to set the initial depth.
3. Make a series of cuts across the section you plan to chisel, maintaining a consistent depth.

This technique helps prevent the wood from splitting or the chisel from running off course.

Removing Material

Once you’ve set the depth, use this method to remove material:

1. Hold the chisel at a low angle, almost parallel to the surface.
2. Position the bevel side down against the wood.
3. Use the bevel as a guide to control how much material you remove.
4. Apply gentle pressure and make small, controlled cuts.

Working with the grain of the wood helps avoid tear-out and achieve smoother results. Patience and precision are key in this process, especially for intricate designs.

Fine-Tuning Your Work

After you remove the bulk of the material, use the chisel for fine-tuning:

1. Use light, controlled taps with your mallet to shave off small amounts of wood.
2. Pay attention to the direction of the grain to avoid gouging the wood.
3. Take your time to achieve a smooth finish.

Safety Considerations

When using a chisel, it’s important to prioritize safety. Always keep your hands behind the chisel’s cutting edge to avoid injury. Work on a stable surface to prevent slips, and wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying wood chips. Chisels should also be stored in a protective case or used with blade guards to keep them secure when not in use.

Additionally, always inspect your chisels for any damage or dullness before starting a project to avoid unexpected breaks or slips.

Maintaining Your Chisels

Proper maintenance helps your chisels remain sharp and effective over time.

Regular Honing

For quick touch-ups between uses:

1. Use a honing stone, such as a diamond stone.
2. Apply water to the stone for lubrication.
3. Hold the chisel at the correct angle, matching the existing bevel.
4. Draw the chisel back across the stone three to four times.
5. Flip the chisel over and hone the flat side to remove any burr.

This regular maintenance routine keeps your chisels sharp and ready for use.

Sharpening Damaged Chisels

For chisels with significant damage or dullness:

1. Use a bench grinder with a sharpening jig set to the correct angle (typically 25 degrees).
2. Apply water to the grinding wheel to prevent overheating.
3. Gently pass the chisel across the wheel, maintaining consistent pressure.
4. Finish with a leather strop and honing compound for a polished edge.

Silva notes that achieving the desired sharpness may take 15 to 20 minutes.

Storing Chisels

Proper chisel storage is important for maintaining their condition. Use blade guards to protect edges, store them in a dry place to prevent rust, and organize them in a tool chest or on a tool wall for easy access and damage prevention. These practices help preserve your chisels’ sharpness and longevity.

Common Chisel Applications

Chisels are versatile tools with numerous applications in woodworking. They are indispensable in many detailed woodworking tasks and general carpentry.

• Creating mortises for joinery: Necessary for strong, interlocking joints
• Cleaning up saw cuts and joints: Provides a perfect fit and finish
• Carving decorative details: Adding intricate patterns and textures to your woodwork
• Removing excess glue from joints: Keeping your projects clean and professional-looking
• Trimming wood plugs flush with surfaces: Creates a smooth, finished appearance
• Adjusting the fit of doors and drawers: Achieving perfect alignment and operation

Each application requires a specific technique and level of precision, showcasing the chisel’s versatility in various woodworking scenarios.

Additional Resources

Silva suggests buying a few chisels with a variety of different widths, all made of high-quality steel. These can be purchased at home centers and woodworking supply stores.

To sharpen a chisel, usually a honing stone or a whetstone can get the job done. Silva used a diamond whetstone, manufactured by DMT. For more serious sharpening jobs, a grinder with a chisel sharpening jig can be used. Those can be found at lumberyards and specialty woodworking stores.

Tools Needed

• Chisel
• Sharpening stone
• Bench grinder