How to use a wood chisel
A wood chisel is a handy tool to have in your workshop. While you might not use it very often, there will be times when you need to carve out for a recessed door hinge, or mark a straight line when using a Dremel Trio.
Cutting recess for a door or mortise hinge
Start by outlining the area with a sharp utility knife or by making a series of shallow chisel cuts perpendicular to the surface. Remove thin slices by tapping the chisel with a hammer, sharp edge side down to carve out the wood inside the perimeter.
Cut out a recess for a door hinge
Place the chisel with the sharp cutting edge facing the wood. Tap the back of the chisel to remove thin slices. Control the cutting depth by raising and lowering the angle of the handle.
GOOD TO KNOW
Chiselling along the grain can sometimes have disastrous results. If the grain runs deeper into the wood, it might direct the chisel too deep. Stop and chisel from the opposite direction if you feel this happening.
How to shave off slivers of wood
If the recess is open on one side, like a hinge mortise, flatten the bottom by paring off thin slices with the back, unbevelled side of the chisel held flat to the wood.
Shave thin slices of wood to flatten the bottom of an open recess by keeping the back of the chisel flat on the wood. For easier slicing, pivot the chisel as you cut to move the blade in an arc.
Chisel out a slot or dado
Use a chisel to cut a groove, slot or dado, by first sawing along both edges to the desired depth. Use your chisel to remove material from the groove with cuts spaced about 10mm apart.
Smooth and flatten the bottom of the dado. Keep the back of the chisel flat to the bottom of the groove. Work from both ends into the centre to avoid splintering the edge.
Remove large sections of wood
Chop out large amounts of wood by slicing off small amounts with each chisel cut. Strike the chisel with a hammer and chop down about 10mm before moving the chisel from the end to remove the piece before continuing. Your chisel must be sharp for this cut.
SAFETY FIRST: Wear safety glasses.
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