Types of Chisel: A Comprehensive Guide to the Different Styles

Chisels are one of the most commonly used tools in woodworking, metalworking, and masonry. They are versatile and can be used for various tasks, from carving intricate designs to removing excess material. Chisels typically have a cutting blade on one end and a handle on the other for the user to grip.

There are many types of chisel available, each with its unique design and purpose. For example, paring chisels are thin and flexible, making them ideal for shaving off small amounts of wood to create precise-fitting joints. Mortise chisels, on the other hand, are designed to create a particular hole called a mortise.

When choosing a chisel, it is essential to consider the type of material you will be working with and the task at hand. Different chisels are made from different materials, such as steel, carbon, and high-speed steel, and each material has its unique properties. Also, handling chisels and using them safely to avoid injury is essential.

Key Takeaways

• Chisels are versatile tools used in woodworking, metalworking, and masonry.
• Different types of chisel are designed for specific tasks and materials.
• Proper handling and safety precautions are essential when using chisels.

Types of Chisel

Chisels are versatile tools for cutting, shaping, and carving various wood, metal, and stone materials. There are many different types of chisel available, each with its unique features and uses. Here are some of the most common types of chisel:

1. Bench Chisels

These are for general woodworking tasks such as cutting mortises, paring joints, and shaping wood. They come in various sizes and shapes, the most common being the beveled edge chisel.

2. Paring Chisels

These chisels are long, thin, and flexible, making them ideal for shaving off tiny amounts of wood to create precise-fitting joints.

3. Mortise Chisels

These chisels are for creating mortises, which are memorable holes used to join two pieces of wood together.

4. Framing Chisels

These are for heavy-duty timber framing and log cabin construction. They are typically larger and heavier than other types of chisel.

5. Skew Chisels

These have a skewed blade that allows them to cut at an angle, making them ideal for creating beveled edges and other angled cuts.

6. Gouge Chisels

These chisels have a curved blade used for carving and shaping wood.

7. Cold Chisels

These are for cutting cold metal and are typically made of hardened steel. They are available in various sizes and shapes, the most common being the flat chisel.

8. Masonry Chisels

These are for cutting and shaping brick, concrete, and other masonry materials. They are typically of rugged, durable metal and have a flat, wide blade.

9. Brick Chisels

These chisels are for cutting and shaping bricks and other similar materials. The materials are from hardened steel and have a chisel-shaped blade.

10. Concrete Chisels

These chisels are for cutting and shaping concrete and other similar materials. They are typically of hardened steel and have a flat, wide blade.

11. Cape Chisels

These chisels have a narrow, pointed blade for cutting and shaping hard-to-reach areas.

12. Lathe Chisels

These chisels are for turning wood on a lathe. They come in various shapes and sizes, the most common being the gouge and skew chisels.

13. Corner Chisels

These chisels are for cutting and shaping corners and other hard-to-reach areas.

14. Tang Chisels

These chisels have a tang that extends through the handle, providing extra strength and durability.

15. Slick Chisels

These are used for heavy-duty timber framing and log cabin construction. They are typically larger and heavier than other types of chisel.

16. Butt Chisels

These chisels have a short blade designed for cutting and shaping small, precise areas.

17. Dovetail Chisels

These chisels are used for cutting dovetail joints, commonly used in woodworking to join two pieces of wood together.

18. Curved Chisels

These chisels have a curved blade used for carving and shaping wood.

When selecting a chisel, it is essential to choose the right type for the task at hand. Using the wrong type of chisel can result in damage to the tool or the material being worked on. It is also essential to keep chisels sharp and well-maintained to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

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Chisel Materials

Chisels come in a variety of materials, each with its own unique properties and uses. Here are some of the most common materials to make chisels:

Steel

Steel is the most common material to make chisels. It is strong, durable, and holds a sharp edge well. Steel chisels come in a range of hardness levels, which affects their ability to hold an edge. More rigid steel chisels are more durable and hold an edge longer but can be more challenging to sharpen.

Wood

Wood chisels are explicitly for woodworking. They are typically from high-quality tool steel and have a wooden handle. Wood chisels come in various sizes and shapes, from small, delicate chisels for fine detail work to large, heavy chisels for rough work.

Concrete and Brick

Typically, chisels made from hardened steel are used for concrete and brickwork. These tools withstand the rigors of heavy use, and people often use them in construction and masonry work.

Stone

Stone chisels are used for carving and sculpting stone. They are typically made from high-quality tool steel and have a sharp, narrow blade designed to cut through stone cleanly and efficiently.

Hardwood

Hardwood chisels are explicitly for working with hardwoods. They are typically from high-quality tool steel and have a wooden handle. Hardwood chisels come in various sizes and shapes, from small, delicate chisels for fine detail work to large, heavy chisels for rough work.

Metalwork

Chisels for metalwork typically consist of high-speed steel or tungsten carbide. They have a design that allows them to cut through metal cleanly and efficiently, making them common choices for metalworking and machining applications.

Copper and Aluminum

Chisels for working with copper and aluminum are typically from high-speed steel or tungsten carbide. Their design enables clean and efficient cutting through these soft metals without causing any damage.

In general, the material of a chisel relies on the particular application and the type of material being they are working on. Chisels commonly use steel, but tasks may also require other materials such as wood, concrete, brick, stone, hardwood, and various metals.

Chisel Uses

Chisels, versatile hand tools, find application in various purposes such as woodworking, masonry, construction, sculpture, and boat building. They come in different shapes and sizes, each designed for specific tasks. In this section, we will discuss some of the most common uses of chisels.

Woodworking

Chisels are an essential tool in woodworking. They are used for carving, cutting, and shaping wood. Wood chisels come in different sizes and shapes, each designed for a specific task. For example, paring chisels are thin and flexible, used for shaving off tiny amounts of wood to create precise-fitting joints. Mortise chisels, on the other hand, are thicker and more robust, used for creating mortises for hinges and other hardware.

Masonry

Chisels play a significant role in masonry, serving to cut and shape tough materials such as stone and concrete. Manufactured to withstand the force of a mallet, these specialized masonry chisels come in different shapes, including point chisels, flat chisels, and tooth chisels. Point chisels are ideal for breaking up concrete and stone, while flat chisels excel at cutting and shaping tasks.

Construction

Chisels serve multiple purposes in construction, such as trimming and shaping wood and other materials. They are also for cutting grooves and notches in wood to create joints. Additionally, chisels with broader blades are for heavy-duty tasks like removing excess material from door frames and other construction elements.

Sculpture

Chisels are an essential tool for sculptors. They are used for carving and shaping stone, wood, and other materials. Sculpting chisels come in different shapes and sizes, including flat chisels, gouges, and V-tools. Flat chisels are used for roughing out the shape of the sculpture, while gouges and V-tools are used for creating fine details.

Boat Building

Chisels are used in boat building for shaping and fitting wood. Boat builders use chisels to create mortises, cut joints, and shape wood for specific boat parts. Chisels with wider blades remove excess material, while thinner chisels are used for precise cuts and shaping.

Chisels are versatile hand tools that are used in a variety of industries, including woodworking, masonry, construction, sculpture, and boat building. They come in different shapes and sizes, each designed for specific tasks.

Chisel Handling and Safety

When it comes to handling chisels, safety is of utmost importance. Mishandling a chisel can lead to severe injuries. Here are some guidelines to follow when handling chisels:

Choosing the Right Hammer

Select a hammer that is appropriate for the job. A heavy hammer can cause the chisel to jump, leading to injuries. A light hammer, on the other hand, may not provide enough force to cut. It is recommended to use a hammer about 1.5 times the weight of the chisel.

Using the Right Handle

Make sure the handle is securely attached to the chisel. A loose handle can cause the chisel to fly off during use. The handle should be comfortable to grip and not too long or short. A long handle can cause the chisel to be challenging to control, while a short handle can cause the user to overstrike the chisel.

Using a Mallet

A mallet can be used in place of a hammer. A mallet is softer than a hammer and can reduce the risk of damage to the chisel. It is essential to select the right size of the mallet. A small mallet may not provide enough force to cut, while a large mallet may be challenging to control.

Grip

Hold the chisel firmly with both hands. The dominant hand should grip the handle, while the other hand should grip the blade. This will provide better control over the chisel.

Sharpening

Keep the chisel sharp. A dull chisel requires more force to make the cut, which can lead to injuries. Use a sharpening stone to sharpen the chisel. Sharpen the chisel at a 25-degree angle.

Safety

Always wear eye protection when using a chisel. The chisel can produce flying debris that can cause serious eye injuries. Wear gloves to protect your hands from cuts and bruises. Always cut away from the body to avoid injury.

Control

Keep the chisel under control at all times. Do not overstrike the chisel, as this can cause it to break or fly off. Use the chisel on a stable surface to prevent it from slipping.

Advanced Chisel Techniques

To take woodworking to the next level, one must master advanced chisel techniques. These techniques require precision, patience, and practice but can elevate woodworking projects from good to great.

Paring Chisels

Paring chisels are used for fine-tuning and smoothing wood surfaces. To use a paring chisel, the woodworker holds it at a low angle and pushes it along the wood surface with gentle pressure. Paring chisels come in various sizes, with the smallest being around 1/8 inch wide and the largest being around 1 inch wide.

Mortise Chisels

Mortise chisels are used for creating mortise joints, which are commonly used in furniture making. These chisels have a rectangular shape and are thicker than other chisels. To use a mortise chisel, the woodworker first drills a hole and then uses the mortise chisel to square off the hole’s edges.

Skew Chisels

Skew chisels are used for creating clean, smooth cuts on wood surfaces. These chisels have a diagonal cutting edge, which allows the woodworker to make precise cuts at various angles. Skew chisels are commonly used for trimming and finishing wood surfaces.

Lathe Chisels

Lathe chisels are for turning wood on a lathe. These chisels come in various shapes and sizes, including gouges, scrapers, and parting tools. To use a lathe chisel, the woodworker holds it against the spinning wood and uses it to shape it as it turns.

Power Chisels

Power chisels are electric or pneumatic chisels that can speed up the carving and shaping process. These chisels come with various attachments, including carving blades and sanding pads. Power chisels are usually for carving intricate designs and shaping large pieces of wood.

In conclusion, mastering advanced chisel techniques can take woodworking projects to the next level. With precision, patience, and practice, woodworkers can create clean, smooth cuts and intricate designs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common uses for bench chisels?

Bench chisels are versatile tools and are usually in woodworking for tasks such as trimming and fitting joints, carving and shaping wood, and creating mortises. They are also for general woodworking tasks such as cutting, paring, and chopping.

What are the different types of wood chisels?

There are several wood chisels, including bench chisels, mortise chisels, paring chisels, carving chisels, and framing chisels. Each chisel type has a specific shape and size that makes it ideal for certain woodworking tasks.

What are the advantages of using different types of chisels?

Using different types of chisels allows woodworkers to perform a wide range of tasks with precision and accuracy. Different chisels have different shapes and sizes that make them ideal for specific tasks, such as mortising, carving, or paring. By using the right chisel for the job, woodworkers can achieve better results and save time.

What are the differences between mortise chisels and bench chisels?

Mortise chisels are specifically for creating mortises, which are square or rectangular holes in wood that fit joints together. They are typically thicker, more robust than bench chisels, and have a square or rectangular cross-section. Bench chisels, on the other hand, are for general woodworking tasks such as trimming and fitting joints, carving and shaping wood, and creating mortises.

What types of chisel are best for carving?

Carving chisels are specifically for carving wood and come in various shapes and sizes. Joint carving chisels include gouges, V-tools, and fishtail chisels. Each chisel type has a specific shape and size that makes it ideal for certain carving tasks.

What are the most common types of chisel used by woodworkers?

The most common chisels used by woodworkers are bench chisels, mortise chisels, and carving chisels. Bench chisels are for general woodworking tasks, while mortise chisels are for creating mortises. Carving chisels are for carving wood.

In conclusion, chisels are invaluable tools in various fields, such as woodworking, metalworking, and masonry, due to their versatility and wide range of applications. With a cutting blade on one end and a handle on the other, chisels provide users with the ability to carve intricate designs and remove excess material with precision. 

Understanding the various types of chisels is vital, as they are purposefully for specific tasks and materials. For precise fitting joints, paring chisels are the ideal choice, whereas mortise chisels are specifically for creating mortises.

It is essential to consider the material working on and the intended task when selecting types of chisel, as different materials possess unique properties. Safety should always be prioritized, and proper handling techniques should be employed to prevent injuries. By adhering to safety precautions and making informed choices, chisels can enhance the craftsmanship and efficiency of various projects.

If you liked this article about the different types of chisel, consider checking out these other articles below —

• How To Carve a Face in Wood
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• 14 Types of Wood Joints and How To Build Them

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