Understanding the Various Types of Chisels
A chisel is a tool consisting of a blade and a handle used for cutting or shaping hard materials such as wood, stone or metal. There are many different types of chisels available catering to diverse uses. Here are some of the common types that one may come across:
Bench Chisels
The most widely used chisel and also commonly known as the “standard” or “pare” chisel. It features a bevel edge and the flat back provides excellent control when cutting, making them ideal for tasks like removing excess material, mortising, and chopping out dovetails. It is a versatile tool and can be found in various sized blades ranging from 1/8 of an inch to 1 and a 1/2 inches.
Fishtail Chisels
A fishtail chisel, also known as a V-parting chisel, is used for cutting deep grooves or channels in wood, metal or stone. The narrow, pointed blade in the shape of a fishtail, allows for precise cuts and is generally used in pairs or a set of four. The size of the chisel depends on the width of the groove you want to cut.
Mortise Chisels
Mortise chisels are used for creating square holes in wood to fit in tenons. They have a thick, sturdy blade that can withstand heavy blows from a mallet. The chisel’s sharp edges and straight sidewalls allow for precision when cutting tight angles and square holes to create nice, tight-fitting joinery.
Slick Chisels
A slick chisel is similar to a carpentry chisel but is much larger, heavier and is used for heavy-duty woodworking, including timber framing, rolling logs or shaping sections of the tree trunk. The blade is long and straight, with a slightly curved edge, and is generally driven with a mallet. Due to their size and heft, slick chisels can remove large amounts of material quickly.
Gouges
Gouges have a curved or rounded blade that is hollowed on one side and used for roughing out concave shapes or smoothing curves in wood or other materials. The size of the gouge is defined by its sweep, which refers to the degree of curvature on the blade. They are used to create round shapes, hollow out a space or make shallow cuts.
