TOP-5. The best wood chisels (set). Rating 2022!

Updated: 04/22/2021 16:53:16

Expert: Andrey Nikolaevich Kuznetsov

*Review of the best according to the editors of expertology.ru. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective in nature, does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before purchasing, consultation with a specialist is required.

In every woodworking workshop, a tool such as a chisel plays an important role. It is designed for cutting wood, both manually and using machines. The chisel consists of two components, the cutting part and the handle. There is a wide range of this tool on sale, so a novice joiner or carpenter cannot do without expert advice.

Chisel: what is it and what is it for?

Chisels are hand tools. Despite the simplicity of their design, they are indispensable when processing wood, ideal for rough and fine work.

The tool is universal and suitable for chamfering, cleaning grooves, filling recesses, applying relief and contour patterns. In addition, a chisel is used for precision work when it is necessary to remove a thin layer from the surface being treated. Electric chisels, which combine a woodworking machine and a manual device, are also popular.

Sharpening procedure

A sharp blade on any tool is much safer than a dull one. Such tools include a chisel. The frequency of sharpening depends on the frequency of operation of the tool, but in any case, the chisel must be sharpened at least twice a year.

Even a purchased chisel is not sharp enough to perform woodworking. Therefore, before starting work, it must be sharpened.

Used chisels develop irregularities and burrs on the chamfer, which are corrected on a grinding wheel. The damaged chamfer is held near the circle, thereby removing irregularities, chips and rust. The sharpening stone, which has three levels, allows you to achieve maximum sharpness of the chisel.

Types, material of manufacture, main characteristics

Depending on the type of work performed, there are two types of mallets:

• manual – processing of the material occurs due to pressure;
• impact - the work is performed using targeted impacts. Tools of this type are characterized by the presence of a special metal ring, which prevents the appearance of cracks in the wood.

According to the methods of manufacturing the canvas, chisels are divided into the following three types:

• stamped;
• forged - for working with hard materials;
• punching – for precise processing of the product.

The handles of classic chisels are made of tough wood: maple, ash, oak, hornbeam. In addition, impact-resistant plastic or similar material is used.

The mallet handle can be two-component or three-component. Impact models are equipped with a special butt plate made of strong metal.

Types of chisels by purpose:

• carpentry;
• carpentry;
• turning;

The shape of the longitudinal section of the mallet divides chisels into the following three types:

• straight – straight blade and blade;
• curved - bending of the blade and blade;
• cranberry - a sharp bend of the blade located almost at the end of a straight mallet. When the blade is sharpened on the opposite side, the corresponding classifying word is added to the name of the tool. For example, reverse cranberry. With such a chisel you can cut out semicircular parts of products.

Klukarza:

The cross section of the chisel blade divides the models into six types:

• flat - depending on the parameters of the canvas, it can be wide, narrow, thick or thin;
• oblique - a flat blade with a cutting edge and a bevel perpendicular to it;
• corner - with a transverse profile in the shape of the letter V;
• radius - the second name for such a mallet is a semicircular chisel, because it has a semicircular cross-section;
• box-shaped or bracketed - a straight blade with sides of different heights and different angles between them;
• cerasic - in parameters it resembles a semicircular model, but much thinner. Used for artistic carving.

Chisels are used not only for processing wood, but also for working with stone, metal, concrete, etc.

Attention! To avoid mistakes when choosing, you should pay special attention to the manufacturer’s mark on the blade of the chisel - a kind of guarantor of quality. The inscription “Hardened steel” should not be trusted: most likely, the tool is a fake or made of poor quality.

Cut and design

When purchasing certain bits, the offer from Narex Bystřice, for example, will serve as a guide. The products of this brand refer to chisels, the quality of which is assessed by a number of professional craftsmen on various discussion forums on the Internet.

You can choose from several ranges and price levels.

• For example, the premium Wood Line Plus chisel is described by the manufacturer as an innovative wood chisel with a blade cross-section that minimizes resistance to penetration through wood.
• Thanks to the ground edges and thin side surfaces, the chisel has excellent cutting properties. The ergonomic handle made of hornbeam wood is very resistant to strong hammer blows.
• There can be no talk of even an original design, combining a dark stain, a brass rod and a special blade shape. Such a chisel will be a small decoration in carpentry equipment, but especially when creating the handle, the requirement of high-quality ergonomics came first.

Chisels in this series are intended to be used frequently or even daily.

From the same series, it is worth paying attention to the oblique chisel, which is a special tool with a left or right bevel. Chisels of this type are suitable for cleaning work in corners, in hills or in hard-to-reach places where it is impossible to work with standard chisels.

In addition to the basic equipment, you can also purchase a cleaning chisel specifically designed for finishing work and detailed removal of material around joints.

Other types of chisels

Along with the usual chisels, the following types of tools are used in various industries:

• electric chisel. Other names for such a universal unit are renovator, electric chisel, multi-cutter, electric scraper. The working element here is a special attachment in the form of a mallet, and it is selected depending on what type of work is being performed. Due to the high performance of the unit, it can be used to apply small and precise patterns. This type of tool can be either mains-powered or battery-powered;
• surgical – made of surgical steel and used in medicine;
• apiary - for the daily work of beekeepers;
• for hinges - the special design of such a tool allows you to quickly knock out the rounded corners of the seat for the door hinge;
• plastic or chisel-scraper - for tire fitting: leveling the surface of the tire, removing burrs;
• pocket - folding mallet;
• mini chisel – suitable for making fine carvings on soft materials;
• beweiler or beveller - a tool with a flat blade for cutting skin at the folds. Other names: edge cutter, French chisel;
• chisel-chisel - to remove unnecessary parts of the material being processed;
• chisel-jamb or sculptural knife - for applying relief patterns.

Surgical instruments:

Work surface and vice

Wood carving tools should be within easy reach. The desktop must have a perfectly flat, horizontally leveled surface. At least one vise must be firmly fixed to the workbench.

A metal corner, a level, clamps, and wood glue must be purchased immediately, and they should always be at hand.

Auxiliary equipment is a sharpening machine, a hand-held circular saw with the possibility of stationary installation, a grinding machine, and an electric jigsaw. A hand jigsaw, a set of needle files and files will come in handy.

Additional equipment and tools are not associated with wood cutting, but without this you will have to spend time doing auxiliary work elsewhere.

A good master should have everything at hand.

How to choose the best tool?

The main parameters of chisels that you should pay attention to when choosing a tool:

• the blade must be hardened, free from rust and other defects;
• the best material for the handle is wood or rubberized plastic;
• price – too low a price for a tool indicates that it is not made with high quality.

The following in the review presents ratings of the best and most popular models of manual and electric chisels in 2022, as well as tool sets.

Set 6 pcs. STAYER 1832-H6

Photo: https://pokupki.market.yandex.ru

A set of figure cutters with a wooden handle Stayer 1832-H6 is suitable for performing professional carving work in carpentry workshops or production areas. The presented tools have various forms of working profiles. They allow you to easily and conveniently perform figured cutting and ordinary turning in parts and blanks made of wood and plastic.

Set 6 pcs. STAYER 1832-H6

Advantages:

• quality
• reliability
• convenience
• comfort
• safety

Top 5 hand chisels

Hart HCC32

5th place

The all-metal construction makes the tool durable and strong. Thanks to special heat treatment, the chisel combines a hard blade and a fairly soft handle. It is suitable not only for cutting and planing, but also for hollowing out niches. Due to the impact blade, the tool can be used like a metal hammer.

Hart HCC32

Advantages:

• wide canvas;
• comfortable all-metal handle;
• blade sharpness;
• In reviews, users speak of the Hart HCC32 as a universal and reliable tool.

Flaws:

• overpriced;
• weight;
• no warranty;
• Among the shortcomings, users note the duration of sharpening.

DYNAGRIP Stanley 0-16-890

4th place

When it becomes necessary to remove a thin layer from a workpiece, DYNAGRIP Stanley 0-16-890 will cope with this task perfectly.

The blade is made of high carbon steel. The blade, sharpened on one side, ensures reliable operation and withstands shock loads well.

The rubberized handle, with a steel cap at the end, prevents slipping and at the same time, will withstand even blows with a hammer.

DYNAGRIP Stanley 0-16-890

Advantages:

• presence of a protective cap on the handle;
• wear resistance;
• convenient blade sharpening angle;
• affordable price;
• 24 month warranty;
• weight.

Flaws:

• Users complain that the blade becomes dull quickly.

MATRIX Tiger Eye 24503

3rd place

MATRIX Tiger's Eye is ideal for craftsmen engaged in figurative carving.

The narrow blade of the chisel and the rubberized handle, which fits comfortably in the hand, will ensure comfortable work even for a novice carver.

Do not be afraid of such a low cost of the tool - the chisel is assembled in China, but this does not affect the quality. Not suitable for processing workpieces.

MATRIX Tiger Eye 24503

Advantages:

• affordable price;
• weight;
• comfortable two-component handle;
• solid, high-quality fabric;
• steel protective cap on the handle;
• wear resistance;
• 24 month warranty;
• long lasting blade sharpness after sharpening.

Flaws:

• narrow scope.

NAREX SUPER 2009 LINE PROFI

2nd place

This professional semi-circular chisel is very popular among master carpenters.

The blade, made of special chrome-manganese steel, is wear-resistant, and the blade remains sharp for a long time after sharpening.

The presence of a steel impact tip at the end of the two-component handle allows you to work with both a mallet and a hammer.

NAREX SUPER 2009 LINE PROFI

Advantages:

• weight;
• wear resistance;
• steel protective cap on the handle;
• long lasting blade sharpness after sharpening.

Flaws:

• high price;
• no warranty.

BAHCO Polypropylene 414

1 place

The special hardening of the BAHCO Polypropylene 414 blade ensures the wear resistance of the tool and the long-term sharpness of the blade after sharpening.

The cutting part does not rust and is not subject to corrosive processes. Suitable for processing any type of wood.

The set includes a special case for storing and transporting the chisel.

BAHCO Polypropylene 414

Advantages:

• comfortable impact-resistant polypropylene handle;
• long lasting blade sharpness after sharpening;
• the presence of a cover for storage and transportation;
• trusted manufacturer;
• wear resistance and durability;
• guarantee;
• the ability to process any type of wood;
• special hardening of the blade;
• weight.

Flaws:

• high price.

Which hand chisel did you like best?

Main selection criteria

Remember 3 important qualities that a chisel must meet:

• durable tool
• resistant sharpening,
• reliable handle.

The durable chisel is made of high-quality steel and a high-quality handle, which are carefully processed and connected to each other.

Durable sharpening and cutting quality depend on the grade of steel from which the blade is made and on proper sharpening.

The steel must be hard and tough, preferably chrome vanadium alloy steel (chrome vanadium or CrV; ХВГ; or С105W2). Carbon steel (labeled U7 or U8) is cheaper, but it is very brittle and breaks quickly. Sometimes such marks are also on fakes, but if you are careful, you will recognize them by their low price and the absence of the manufacturer’s address.

The handle of the chisel should be strong and have a steel cap at the end, which you will hit with a mallet or hammer. These strong impacts often cause the wood of the handle to fall apart. Therefore, it is better to buy a chisel with a handle made of viscous plastic.

Of course, on the modern market there are also electric chisels with interchangeable attachments of different shapes. They are used to remove large masses of wood, speeding up and facilitating the work process.

You shouldn’t shell out money for overly expensive chisels, because very often, purely by accident, you will hit metal objects with them, such as nails, screws, staples, and this will damage the blade. Choose inexpensive but high quality tools. The main thing is not to forget to sharpen them on time and keep them in order. But first of all, learn how to use them correctly, without harming your health and the integrity of the instruments.

Top 5 renovators

Enkor MFE 400E

5th place

Enkor MFE 400E is a budget-friendly, convenient and easy-to-use unit that can handle repair work and process wood, plastic and even soft non-ferrous metals.

The kit includes a hex wrench, a spatula, a mallet for woodworking, a soleplate for securing sanding sheets, and sanding sheets.

Enkor MFE 400E

Advantages:

• vibration frequency adjustment;
• engine overheat protection;
• case for storage and transportation;
• multifunctionality;
• presence of a soft start function;
• affordable price.

Flaws:

• short cable;
• in reviews, users complain about the noise of the unit and the inconvenient start button;
• high cost of additional attachments.

Skil Masters 1490 NA

4th place

With a device such as the Skil Masters 1490 NA, you can cut plastic, metal, wood and drywall in a corner or niche without much difficulty.

The presence of replaceable attachments allows you to clean or polish workpieces of complex shapes.

The basic package includes a set of blades, a platform for sanding, a set of sanding paper, an adapter for a vacuum cleaner, and a hex key for replacing equipment.

Skil Masters 1490 NA

Advantages:

• soft start function;
• adapter for connecting a vacuum cleaner;
• fixing the start button;
• weight;
• affordable price;
• special bag for storage and transportation;
• ability to process various materials;
• vibration frequency adjustment;
• long cable;
• comfortable two-component handle.

Flaws:

• not found.

Ryobi RMT200S

3rd place

The body of this renovator model is equipped with two massive rubberized inserts and does not weigh much, which ensures comfortable work on both horizontal and vertical surfaces.

There is a special screw at the bottom of the case for more reliable fixation of the equipment. This is a big plus for novice craftsmen, since there is no chance of the mallet or sanding platform slipping.

The unit is suitable for processing wood, concrete, plastic, and metal.

Ryobi RMT200S

Advantages:

• additional rubberized inserts on the body;
• guarantee;
• weight;
• rotation speed adjustment on the rear handle;
• a special adapter that allows the use of Bosch and Dremel accessories;
• 9 replacement blades, a sanding pad and a set of sanding paper;
• bag for storage and transportation;
• average price.

Flaws:

• short cable;
• lack of soft start;
• There is no adapter for connecting a vacuum cleaner.

Black&Decker MT 300 KA

2nd place

Convenient button placement and anti-slip inserts ensure ease of use and durability of this multi-tool.

Particular attention should be paid to the presence of a dust removal system on the body and keyless replacement of attachments.

Black&Decker MT 300 KA

Advantages:

• fixing the start button;
• replacement of equipment without a key, using a special lever;
• body with anti-slip inserts;
• universal adapter, allowing the use of attachments from Bosch, Makita;
• case or suitcase for storage and transportation;
• sanding platform and set of sanding paper;
• adapter for connecting a vacuum cleaner;
• durability;
• adjustment of the rotation speed of the working element;
• engine overheat protection.

Flaws:

• lack of soft start;
• high price;
• in reviews, users complain that the tool heats up;
• it is difficult to find original replacement equipment.

AEG OMNI 300 -KIT1

1 place

The first place in the ranking of universal electric chisels is occupied by the AEG OMNI 300 -KIT1 - a reliable and high-quality unit, equipped with a backlight, thirteen interchangeable attachments and one vibrating one.

By changing the equipment, the multitool can be used as a drill, screwdriver, jigsaw, or grinder.

AEG OMNI 300 -KIT1

Advantages:

• adjustment of the rotation speed of the working element;
• reliability and wear resistance;
• LED lights;
• three adapters for using equipment from third-party manufacturers;
• a set of consumables and 13 additional attachments;
• bag for transportation and storage;
• 6 year warranty;
• long cable.

Flaws:

• high price;
• lack of soft start function.

Which renovator did you like?

Children's room and bedroom

The surfaces of shelves, cabinets, tables, chairs are smooth and even. This does not apply to legs, arms or ornaments. As a rule, artistic cutting can be applied along the edge of the surface of a table or bedside table, but most often it consists of making additional elements.

A carved handle for a cabinet door, a carved leg for a table or a horse chair for a child will require a simple tool. For example, a set of chisels of various shapes can be used to mark a horse’s mane or make a tail.

Types of tools and wood carving for household use is a technique of personal creativity. A person does not set himself the goal of creating a masterpiece. In his opinion, a masterpiece will be a children's room in which his child will feel comfortable; a set of simple wooden toys that will develop motor skills and imagination. The bedroom will be decorated with a unique lamp made from a tree stump modified with a Bogorodsk knife or a book shelf with a light ornament.

Wood cutting for the interior of a living space is significantly different from cutting figurines, sculptures or artistic paintings. Everything here is simple and easy to use: the most affordable materials and tools. Wood carving in everyday life is the art of designating, clarifying, and decorating.

For a beginner, “household cutting” is an excellent school of skill.

Top 5 chisel sets

NAREX WOOD LINE PLUS

5th place

The set includes four flat chisels made of chrome-manganese steel in widths of 6, 12, 20 and 26 mm. These tools are suitable for working with wood: carving, gouging holes.

NAREX WOOD LINE PLUS

Advantages:

• strength;
• solid, high-quality fabric;
• wear resistance;
• long lasting blade sharpness after sharpening.

Flaws:

• the kit is sold in a cardboard box;
• lack of a protective tip at the end of the handle;
• no warranty from the manufacturer;
• In reviews, users complain about the protective, difficult-to-remove varnish coating on the tools.

NAREX SUPER 2009 LINE PROFI (flat)

4th place

The set includes four flat chisels 8, 10, 16 and 32 mm, designed for processing wooden surfaces: gouging out grooves and sockets, applying carvings, etc.

The blades are made of chrome-manganese steel, which ensures long-lasting sharpness after sharpening and durability of the mallets.

NAREX SUPER 2009 LINE PROFI (flat)

Advantages:

• long-term sharpness of the cutting part;
• quality steel;
• weight;
• protective cap on the handles;
• affordable price;
• wear resistance.

Flaws:

• lack of a case;
• no warranty from the manufacturer.

NAREX SUPER 2009 LINE PROFI (semicircular)

3rd place

The set consists of four semicircular chisels: 8, 10, 16 and 26 mm, which are ideal for processing wooden products. The blades are made of heat-treated chrome-manganese steel and fully comply with the requirements of DIN 513.

NAREX SUPER 2009 LINE PROFI (semicircular)

Advantages:

• quality steel;
• strength and durability;
• protective cap on the handles.

Flaws:

• high price;
• lack of a case;
• no warranty from the manufacturer.

COBALT 245-671

2nd place

Specially designed for fine work on wood, plastic and other soft materials, these chisels are ideal for even the novice craftsman.

The width of the canvases is 6, 12, 18 and 24 m. - the most popular sizes. The tools are packed in a blister.

COBALT 245-671

Advantages:

• comfortable rubberized handle;
• protective cap on the handle;
• the ability to process various types of materials;
• quality steel;
• affordable price;
• wear resistance.

Flaws:

• the manufacturer does not provide a warranty for this type of tool;
• lack of a case;
• In reviews, users complain that the blade quickly becomes dull.

Making blanks on a machine

Turning chisels are divided according to their functionality into the following groups:

• Rough processing. The chisel has 2 cutting blades located at an angle relative to each other.
• Meisel finishing treatment. Meisel is a smooth flat cutter with an angular sharpening on one side.
• Semicircular chisel for processing non-standard products.
• Cutting blade for removing excess wood when making patterns.
• Round chisel for processing round parts. Its blade can be either smooth or serrated.
• A file that processes the ends of workpieces.
• Cutter limiter that regulates the turning depth.

Scoring chisels. Maximum sharpness for delicate work

Long and narrow scoring chisels are not used for rough work. They are contraindicated for hitting with a mallet, and are intended exclusively for delicate removal of material when adjusting or cleaning joints. Typically, such chisels come with blades 200-250 mm long. The sharpening angle is from 15° to 20°. The flat cutting edge has a razor sharpness - it provides a clean and easy cut, but is not at all suitable for chiselling. Therefore, when working with such a tool, only hand force is used.

Even with careful use of a scoring chisel, its edge will lose its sharpness much faster, especially if you often work with hardwoods - oak, maple, larch, walnut and others.

Scoring chisels are used for fine-tuning joints, adjusting box tenons and other delicate tasks. To perform the main part of carpentry operations, most craftsmen will need a tandem of two chisels - 12 and 25 mm.

Lock mortise. Finishing the milled socket with a scoring chisel.

End trimming

Trimming the ends is done with an oblique chisel. Initially, it is installed with an acute downward angle and a shallow annular groove with a depth of 2.3 mm is made in the place where the end will be located. Then the chisel is turned over at an obtuse angle downwards, placed on its edge and, stepping back a little from the groove, the end part of the workpiece is cut into a cone to the end (Fig. 32). Repeat this movement several times, going deeper into the workpiece, until the diameter of the neck becomes equal to 10.12 mm. After this, the machine is turned off, the workpiece is removed from the machine, and the end sections of the workpiece are cut off with a saw with fine teeth. The ends are cleaned with a file and sandpaper.

Bit. How is it different from a chisel?

Chisels and chisels are tools from the same family, but have different purposes. In short, chisels are used to cut material, chisels are used to chisel sockets.

In the era of milling machines and slotting machines, chisels have lost their relevance. They are used either by principled hand tool fanatics or by those who want to practice traditional socket making. Of course, this tool may also be needed on the farm, for example, if it becomes necessary to cut into a door lock.

The design of the chisels is designed for heavy work. They differ from chisels in having a narrow and thick blade, which tapers towards the end. The upper edge of the blade is sometimes made wider than the lower edge so that the tool does not jam in deep sockets. Mortise chisels are sharpened at an angle of 30° to 40°. Thanks to the steep bevel, the tool can withstand strong impacts without damaging the cutting edge and can be used as a lever when removing waste.

How to use a chisel. Making a nest.

Tool hardening

Not every steel can be heat treated at home. But the most common carbon steel, from which many tools are made, including files, can be easily hardened. And since old files are convenient workpieces for making, for example, straight and semicircular chisels, especially semicircular cutters, which are not commercially available, we will take a closer look at heat treatment.

So, carbon steel tools can be hardened at home. Hardening includes two operations. During the first operation, the instrument is heated to a cherry-red glow on a gas burner or in another way. A well-cleaned kitchen gas burner is fine for heating small tools. It is even more convenient to use a stove in a rural house for this purpose. The heated tool is quickly lowered into water, the vessel with which is located as close as possible to the burner, and it is moved sharply to get rid of the steam shell that forms around it, which interferes with the contact of the metal with the water.

The second operation (tempering) consists of softening the steel, hardened to the point of brittleness. Now the cutter is heated slightly, controlling the color of the tarnish. Therefore, the scale formed on the tool during the first operation must be removed by light polishing to a shine on fine sandpaper (at least a sharpening chamfer), trying not to damage the blade. A section at a distance of 1-2 cm from the end of the cutter is heated on a flame. Do not heat the cutting tip itself, which can quickly overheat. The tip should be heated by internal heat coming from the rod. You need to monitor the color of the tarnish on the polished surface, catch the moment when the cutting tip begins to turn from blue to cherry, and sharply lower it into water (preferably with a layer of oil on the surface).

Hardening the chisel.

Then the tool, such as a chisel, is tested on wood and sharpened again. If the cutting edge chips during carving, it is necessary to increase the temperature of the second heating to a straw-colored tarnish. A crumpled tool blade indicates that the hardening regime does not correspond to the type of steel or that the operation was unsuccessful: the temperature of the first heating is not high enough, slowdown when lowered into water, not a sharp cooling due to a layer of steam formed in the grooves and bosoms of the tools, or a tempering temperature that is too high.

In other cases, when the tool is not made of carbon steel, it is better to seek help from a specialist, since at home it will not be possible to obtain a high enough temperature to harden high-quality steels. For a carver who has the opportunity to heat a tool, for example, in a muffle furnace or forge, here are some basic recommendations.

The grade of steel can be approximately determined by the spark on the grinding wheel in a dark place (Fig. 5 inset). Thus, a white beam of sparks with individual stars indicates that the steel is carbon, requires slight heating during hardening (up to a temperature of 780 ° C - cherry-red glow) and tempering when the tarnish color changes from violet (for cutting tools) to straw (for work with a mallet). Heat treatment of such steel can be carried out at home using a gas burner.

If there is a short beam of dark red sparks with almost no stars, the high-speed steel is P18. It requires a high quenching temperature - about 1270°C, which corresponds to a bright white glow. This can only be achieved in a large muffle furnace or in a forge.

The hardening temperature is slightly lower (about 1230°C) for P9 high-speed steel. It hardens with a light yellow glow and produces reddish-orange sparkles with a small number of stars on the grinding wheel. Other alloy steels (chrome produces subtle yellow sparks, tungsten produces well-defined red sparks) are hardened with a light red glow (temperature 820-900°C). Alloy steels are best quenched in oil or in water heated to a temperature of 70°C. Approximately the same temperature is required for annealing steel before processing: alloy steels are heated to 1000°C, high-speed steels to 1200°C.

After heating, they should cool slowly along with the oven. It should be noted that with high and prolonged heating, carbon burns out. Therefore, it is better not to harden a tool with a very thin section, or after hardening, remove the sharp decarburized tip on a whetstone or sharpener while cooling. For the same reason, you should not be afraid to sharpen the tool, especially the first one, until a burr forms along the entire length of the blade. Also, if the first test thread with a hardened and sharpened tool does not give the desired result, sharpening must be repeated.

The sharpening angle will tell you about the purpose of the chisel.

When it comes to chisels, an experienced carpenter always specifies which ones - scoring, scraping, carpentry, etc. There are quite a few varieties of this hand tool - each type is used for specific carpentry operations. The purpose of a chisel is easy to understand if you look at the sharpening angle of its cutting edge.

A large sharpening angle makes the cutting edge stronger, reducing the likelihood of damage during heavy work. Therefore, the cutting edges of chisels and carpenter's chisels, which are designed for rough work with a mallet, are sharpened at a steeper angle: from 27° to 40°.

Bench chisels, considered the gold standard of carpentry, have a cutting edge with a sharpening angle of 20° to 31°. This is the optimal range that maintains a balance of sharpness and strength.

Scoring chisels, designed for fine chip removal, have the smallest sharpening angle. Their flat, almost razor-like edges are sharpened at an angle of 15° to 20°. Such chisels easily remove the thinnest layer of chips, but hitting them with a hammer will immediately damage the cutting edge.

Cleaning chisels. Less length - more control

This is a subtype of classic bench chisels. They have shortened blades and reduced handles, usually without a butt plate. Cleaning chisels also have bevels, and the sharpening angle of the cutting edge usually varies between 25° and 30°.

Such a tool is used as a small-format analogue of standard chisels where it is more convenient to work with a compact cutter. The short length of the blade allows for more precise control of trimming, so these chisels are good for creating miniature joints, picking out and cleaning recesses for hinges, inserting small locks, etc. Despite the lack of a butt plate, the tool can withstand moderate impacts.

Cleaning chisels are optimal as a household tool for minor repairs at home or in the country. In addition, their ergonomics are appreciated by woodcarvers, which is why they are often called carvers.

Interesting fact!

Historically, many pocket chisels began life as full-length carpentry tools. But as sharpening ate up the length of the blade, the handle of the bench chisel was redesigned and it turned into a stripper.

Using a scraper chisel to remove hinge sockets

Having tilted the chisel, we make shallow notches, not reaching the edge of the marking by 2 mm. We choose a waste, trim the left indents and clean out the nest.

Classification

By method of use

Impact chisels

Immersion is ensured by light blows on the end part. The handles are equipped with metal rings on the back. It prevents the handle from breaking.

Hand chisels

Immersion into the tree is done by hand effort.

According to production method

1. Stamped.
2. Forged, having a thickened blade.
3. Cutting, from less hard and dense steel.

By shape

The purpose and appearance are determined by the name:

Among classifications, national traditions can be taken as a criterion. For example, Japanese craftsmen proposed their own unique form of chisel. It is equipped with a shorter blade with a thick, long cone-shaped neck. This makes the tool comfortable, easier to hold and control while carving.

Thanks to a special recess on the back side, sharpening is more economical and faster. The combination of the shank and the conical cup makes the connection to the handle the most durable.

Thanks to two layers of the metal part (soft iron and high-strength steel), the sharpness is maintained for a long time, the blade is easily and quickly sharpened.

According to work purpose

• Plotnitsky . Allows rough processing of workpieces of different types.
• Carpentry . Used for neat, delicate work. Suitable for carving linden, spruce and poplar.
• Lathes . Cutters used for working on a lathe.
• Klukarzy . Thanks to the curved working part, they allow material to be removed from deep grooves.
• Multifunctional . Combines a nail puller and a frame lifting device. It's called "European".
• Looped . They have a special device. Used for rounding corners, preparing hinges and locks.
• Scrapers . Made from plastic. Needed for cleaning irregularities, repairing wheels, removing burrs and protrusions.
• Pocket . They have a folding blade.
• Mini chisels . Purpose: fine thread. These include rivets (miniature models with a narrow blade similar to a sharp leaf, allowing you to create a neat, high-precision design), marigolds (designed for cutting out thin elements with rounded shapes).
• Chisels . Used when knocking out unnecessary elements in the material.
• Shoals . Cutters equipped with an oblique blade for decorative work on relief. Used for sculptural carving.
• Shtiheli . They are distinguished by mushroom-shaped handles and an oblique cutter. Used for preparing grooves.

By type of longitudinal section

• Direct . The most common. The blade and blade are completely smooth.
• Curved . A special feature is the noticeable bend of the blade and blade.
• Klukarzy . They are distinguished by a sharply curved blade along the entire length. Used for punching wide pieces of wood.
• Reverse . The presence of sharpening on the other side of the blade and a notch on it allows you to create relief elements above the main surface. Such specimens are called “reverse cranberries.”

By cross section type

• 
  Flat . The difference is the straight profile. Available in many sizes.

• Angular cerasics . The cross section resembles the letter "V". Its angle is 60-90 degrees. Convenient for three-dimensional carvings, for example, images of hair.
• Radial . The cross section resembles a semicircle. Allows you to carefully and smoothly bury the tool into the wood. Used for contour carving. The working part can be sloping or flat.
• Bracketed . The smooth cutting part is equipped with sides of various sizes, placed at certain angles. Gives a narrow, even sample.
• Cerasics are round . Similar to the radius version, with a smaller thickness. Purpose – figured carving.

According to the shape of the working part

• Straight (the blade is perpendicular to the blade, used for rough processing in even stripes).
• Oblique (the beveled blade makes it easier to penetrate the wood).