How-To
Chisel Tricks for Hand-Cut Joinery
A period furniture maker demonstrates the right way to use your chisel.
Oct 01, 2014
Period furniture maker Philip C. Lowe is more apt to reach for the sharp bench chisel that’s always nearby, as opposed to the modern machinery that requires setup and adjustment when fine-tuning joinery. An uncomplicated, yet wonderfully versatile tool, the standard bench chisel is capable of both rough and refined work. It’s fast and efficient, and makes quick work of traditional joinery when in the hands of a skilled craftsman.
In this short video, Lowe demonstrates a variety of chisel techniques by fine-tuning a tenon and mortising for a hinge.
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Comments
Great and simple video. It helped a lot. I liked it better when Philip threw the machine in the trash. Hehehe
Great video. Brings back memories of learning this technique from Dad. He left me more than just his tools of the trade.
"Poor little guy, I hope I didn't hurt your feelings." Ha!
Knocked me out my chair when the router went in the trash LOL poor lil guy LOL
Sorry, bud, you lost me when you trashed the most versatile power tool (besides the table saw) in the shop. I'll cut a hinge mortise faster and more accurately than the old school method you show. . . Especially, if there are multiples.
Yeah, I turned off the video and deleted the linked email when you threw the router in the trash. Just because you prefer doing things by hand, doesn’t mean you need to impune other peoples choices. There is NOTHING inherently better or preferable about using a chisel than a router (or tablesaw or bandsaw) for these operations.
I also learned this technique from my dad about 60 years ago, but since I've opted for the expedient power tools. If I could get my chisels as sharp as yours, perhaps I'd go back hand work. It is more gratifying than simply operating a router.
I think you have too many planes, but I will show this video to my wife and she will be grateful for my paltry collection. Perhaps she will even feel sorry for me.
Everything is easy when you're working with something as soft at the wood featured in this video. Was it cork?
Great video. Good that you rescued the "poor little guy".
Aww come on, guys. If you are doing production work - or 36 doors in a McMansion, use a router. Otherwise, just Lighten Up. So we have to learn how to sharpen. There's a sharpening video or 12 on this site.
Loved how chiseling a tenon never seems to require a test fit. Perfection without the bother of dry fitting!
Love this vid! Just lerening wood wooking and this it great
Phil could always demystify the process. Power tool guys need to calm down. Phil had his share of power tools and he knew how to use them.
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