51

SECTION

Identification and MODULE 4

Use of Hand Tools SHEET 28

CHISELS

Chisels

Chisels have two main uses:

1. For cutting and shaping timber when a plane cannot be used.
2. For cutting joints.

The drawing below shows the parts of chisel.

There are many types of chisels available, each one designed to be used for
a specific purpose.

The size of a chisel is known by the width of the blade. This varies from 2mm up 50mm but
the most popular sizes range from 3mm up to 25mm.

The handles of chisels cab be:

• Wood.
• Plastic.

There different ways of securing the handle to the blade. Here are three ways:

Modern chisels have strong plastic handles which can withstand repeated blows from a
mallet or hammer.

Hand chisels used for paring usually have wooden handles, boxwood or ash.
 5
SECTION

MODULE 4 Identification and

SHEET 29 Use of Hand Tools
CHISELS

Types of Chisel and Their Uses

Bevel edge chisels

These chisels have the back of the blade bevelled along both edges so that they can be
used to cut in acute corners. It is a lightweight type of chisel suitable for paring.

These chisels are available with wooden or plastic handles. If a mallet is used on this type
of chisel, it should be used with caution to avoid breaking the blade.

Standard bevel edge chisel with plastic handle

Bevel edge chisel with strong poly carbonate grip

Bevel edge chisel with wooden handle. Handle has been

reinforced with a metal ring to give added strength

Modern chisel are manufactured to give versatility to the carpenter. All chisel have strong
machine grade steel blades, but as with all things, there are some chisels that are more
expensive and of a better quality available.
 51
SECTION

Identification and MODULE 4

Use of Hand Tools SHEET 30

CHISELS

Firmer chisel square edge

This type of chisel is used for general bench and site work. The blade is much stronger than
a bevel edge chisel. It can be used for paring or cutting joints. It can withstand light blows
from a mallet, but care must be taken. If the chisel has a wooden handle, it may split due to
repeated blows from a mallet.

The grinding angle for this type of chisel is 25˚ and the sharpening angle is 30˚. The front
edge of the chisel is always straight and square to the blade.

Firmer chisel

Another version of the firmer chisel is the registered chisel. The blade is thicker than that of
a firmer chisel. This chisel often has a ferrule at both ends of the handle, making it stronger,
as this type of chisel is designed for use where a lot of mallet work is necessary. In some
versions of this type of chisel, a leather washer is fitted to absorb the shock and blows from
a hammer or mallet.

Registered chisels

Sush mortice chisel

 5
SECTION

MODULE 4 Identification and

SHEET 31 Use of Hand Tools
CHISELS

Mortice chisel
These chisels are used for the cutting of mortices or slots which often form part of a joint.

This chisel is strongly made to withstand heavy mallet blows, and the blade thickness
prevents the chisel twisting in the mortice or slot.

The handle of this type of chisel can be wood or plastic, and some chisels have a leather
washer incorporated to absorb the shock when struck with a mallet or hammer.

Mortice chisel
 51
SECTION

Identification and MODULE 4

Use of Hand Tools SHEET 32

CHISELS

Gouge
A gouge is a chisel with a curved cutting edge and used to cut curved or contoured work.

There are two main types of gouge:

1. Firmer (out cannelled).
2. Scribing (in cannelled).

The cannel is the bevel, so:

• An in cannelled gouge is ground on the inside.
• An out cannelled gouge is ground on the outside.

The firmer gouges is ground on the outside are suitable for any kind of scooping out
operation and is sometimes called a carving gouge.

Scribing gouges are ground on the inside and are used for contour work where hollow or
concave curves are required. This chisel is used to fit and scribe joints of moulded timber
as used in doors and windows.

In cannelled gouge

Out cannelled gouge

Sharpening gouges
The curved blade of a gouge makes it difficult to grind and sharpen.

Firmer gouges are ground on a flat-faced grindstone. When grinding, a rocking motion is
used to grind the outside edge of the gouge evenly.

When sharpening these chisels, a special oil stone called a slip is used. These slips are
manufactured in three grades, fine medium and coarse.

They are also manufactured in different sizes and shapes.

When grinding a scribing gouge, a special conical grinding stone is used and the edge is
sharpened the same as a firmer gouge, with a slip.
 5
SECTION

MODULE 4 Identification and

SHEET 33 Use of Hand Tools
CHISELS

Sharpening gouges

Firmer gouge

Scribing gouge