Find out when you should upgrade to high-quality chisels in part four of this 10-question series on choosing and using chisels with
Garrett Hack
Video Length: 3:00Produced By: Matt Berger and Michael Dobsevage
Garrett Hack Thetford Center, Vermont
Author, teacher, and furniture maker Garrett Hack answers 10 questions from readers about choosing, sharpening, and using chisels. Read More
QUESTIONS
1
If you were forced to limit yourself to eight chisels to do all of your woodworking from now on, what would be in the set? PLAY 1
Ron Kellison,
Ottawa, Canada
2
In your wonderful book Classic Hand Tools, you say that of the vintage chisels you’ve used, you favor Swan. What exactly do you think sets the Swans apart? PLAY 2
Sean Hughto
Chevy Chase, Maryland
3
What is your preferences in mortise chisels. R.A. Salaman suggests in Dictionary of Woodworking Tools that a sash mortise chisel is used in cabinet making, while the oval-handled, wide-bladed chisels are used in carpentry and heavy joinery. PLAY 3
Brian Blackburn
New Castle, Indiana
4
I am very new to woodworking. Please don't cringe but I use a set of three Buck Bros. bench chisels from Home Depot. I flattened their backs and can get them reasonably sharp and serviceable. At what point do you recommend investing in a set of first-rate chisels? NOW PLAYING
Norman Boucher
Sharon, Massachusetts
5
I'm making 26 mortises in dry ash that measure 1/2-in. wide by 2-in. by 1-in. long . Will I shorten the life of my bench chisels by doing so, or should I spring for a good 1/2-in. mortising chisel? PLAY 5
Dave Gilman
Rutland, Vermont
6
I find many articles focus on chisel processes that work well with traditional European bench chisels. I have preferred Japanese chisels for years and would like to know if you use them in your work. PLAY 6
BioMan
Via Knots
7
Could you explain and demonstrate what you do to prepare an old chisel after you acquire it? PLAY 7
Andrew Homan,
Burlington, Vermont
8
I sharpen my chisels using water stones but over time the chisel edge is no longer square to the sides. How do I re-gain the square chisel reference? I don’t have a grinding wheel and rely solely on my water stones. PLAY 8
Dan Edstrom
Denver, Colorado
9
I’ve often read that the last step in honing is to make a series of alternating strokes on each side of the bevel to remove the wire edge. Some recent videos I’ve seen leave that step out. What method do you prefer? PLAY 9
Don Stephan
Cincinnati, Ohio
10
Can you demonstrate the basic techniques you use for chopping and paring with a chisel? PLAY 10
Garrett Hack
