A chisel is an important part of almost every
woodworker's tool collection, but what separates
amateurs from professionals is the ability to
use these tools correctly. If you learn to use
your chisels properly they can last a lifetime,
but improperly maintaining and using your chisels
can quickly turn them into useless junk. Learning
a few basic rules about chisel use and care and
which types of chisels are appropriate for the
wood you are using can help your projects turn
out just right, while at the same time making
you a more efficient worker.
Learning to use your woodworking chisels
The first step to using woodworking chisels
correctly is to ensure that your chisels are
to ensure that they are always sharpened correctly.
While you can sharpen your chisels yourself,
it is a good idea to consult an expert to make
sure the blades of your chisels are properly
honed. Most machine shops will sharpen your chisels
for a very reasonable fee, and this simple step
can help you make accurate cuts every time.
The
next step is to insure that the surface you
will be chiselling is free of knots and other
imperfections. You should also ensure that the
piece you are working on is clamped securely.
You should never have to use chisels to pry shavings
off of the wood; instead, gently tap your chisel
with a wooden mallet to make your cuts. It is
important to note as well that the type of wood
you are chiselling should be the major determining
factor when you are deciding between chisels.
Major manufacturer and distributors are Bahco,
Robert Sorby, Lee Valley and Cherry.
Marples chisels
High quality Marples chisels are made by Irwin
Industrial Tools. They are solid-forged from
high carbon steel, which helps them maintain
a sharp edge longer than many other chisels.
With extra long handles, Marples chisels manufactured
in the famous steel center in Sheffield, England
are designed for use with many different kinds
of wood.
Is a Japanese chisel right for you?
Chisels are made in almost every country. But
a Japanese chisel is typically designed with
the fine craftsman or wood carver in mind. There
are many different types of Japanese chisel,
but some of the best of these are manufactured
using blue steel. Blue steel is considered to
be much harder than regular steel, and holds
its edge even when being worked on the hardest
hardwoods. If hardwoods are in your plan, you
should get this type of chisel.
|
