Replies

1. 
   ian | Apr 05, 2005 03:15pm | #1

   All other things - steel, the type of work (paring or chopping), etc - being equal, the primary difference is that the bevel angle on a chisel used exclusively for softwood can be a lot lower than that on a chisel used for hardwood.  The force exerted when cutting through hardwood will fold over the edge of a chisel ground with a bevel angle designed for softwood. 

   The range of bevel angles (including any microbevel) I've seen quoted varies from about 25 to 37deg, the higher angle being best suited to very hard timbers.