There are many different types of chisels and each has a particular use. Some of the more common chisels are shown below. The handles of most chisels are made from ash, beech, box wood or plastic and a mallet (not a hammer) is normally used to apply force.

Safety is always a consideration when using chisels. The diagram on the left shows a paring chisel being used to shave the edge of a piece of wood a small amount. Each time the mallet forces the chisel downwards a small amount of wood is parred away from the edge. Whatever chisel is selected to be used they all should be sharp. A blunt chisel tends to slip off the surface of the material being cut. If the chisel slips in the direction of the person using it a serious accident can occur.
Another rule relating to the use of chisels is that the material being cut should be held firmly in a vice of cramped to a bench top. Furthermore, keep both your hands behind the cutting edge, do not be tempted to place one hand in front of the chisel. One slip with the chisel will cause an accident.

The diagrams on the left and right show how easy it is to have an accident with a chisel. Think - safety first.

BEVEL edged chisels are slightly undercut making them easy to push into corners. They are normally used for finishing dovetail joints.
FIRMER chisels have a blade with a rectangular cross-section. This means that they are stronger and can be used for tougher/heavier work.
A PARING chisel is a longer, thinner chisel which can be pushed into long joints such as housing joints. It is used for cleaning up the joint and to make it an accurate fit.

QUESTIONS:

1. Draw a diagram showing how a piece of material should be safely set up on a workbench for use with a chisel.

2. Draw and label the three types of chisels mentioned above.

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