Chisels

Chisels are a staple tool within the wood trades for precision cutting and chopping and have been used for thousands of years to great effect. The basic construction of all chisels features a comfortable handle, with a sharpened blade that protrudes forward. The blade is of a metal construction, typically steel in modern applications, with a flat underside surface. This surface can be used to reference off of a flat component. At the end of the blade, a bevel is established to create a fine cutting edge. The handles of these tools were originally turned or shaped from timber - often Beech or Ash - though many types of composite materials are used in the creation of modern chisels. Traditional joinery chisels are still revered to this day as the most comfortable style for joinery, with new joinery chisels being designed after the familiar patterns that have existed for hundreds of years.  

Here is a run-down of the different types of chisels that are available for use in wood trades, with an explanation of their construction and their intended use.  

Firmer chisels

Firmer chisels are heavy duty chisels that are used for the rough shaping and heavy chopping of timber components. The blade of the chisel is formed from thick tool steel and features square edges and parallel faces. Wooden handles are traditional, and they are still commonly used in workshops.  

Bevel edged chisels

Bevel edged chisels are commonly used in joinery and woodworking, serving as the most common style of chisel for general activities. As the name suggests, the edges of the chisels are bevelled inwards from the bottom to the top of the blade, with the width of the blade tapering also down its length. The total thickness of the blade is typically less than that of a firmer chisel. This design creates more clearance when working in tight spaces and cutting fine joinery, such as dovetails. Wooden handles are traditional, with modern varieties featuring composite materials in their construction.   

Construction chisels

Construction chisels are a style of chisel that are designed and overbuilt for the rough use associated with the construction environment. The actual blade style is typically bevel edged, affording the clearance associated with this style. The handles are made from some type of heavy duty, impact resistant, modern composite material, with the exact composition depending on the manufacturer. A full metal tang extends from the blade though the handle to provide strength to the chisel. Most styles also feature a metal striking cap on the end of the handle. This allows them to be used with regular hammers instead of the traditional joiner’s mallet. This overall heavy-duty construction allows for the chisels to beat on with great force, without breaking.  

Butt chisels

Butt chisels are chisels with a shortened, rounded handle. The blade style is typically bevel edged to allow for greater clearance. The stubby handle fits nicely into the palm of the hand, allowing for more comfort and precision during intricate work.  

Mortise chisels

Mortise chisels are heavy duty chopping chisels designed for effectively chopping mortises. The blade of the chisel is longer than that of a bench chisel, and much thicker. This additional reinforcing steel of the blade provides stability and additional strength to the chisel for heavy duty striking tasks. The square through section of the blade also makes it easier to register the tool inside a mortise during chopping procedures.  

Corner chisels

Corner chisels are specialty chisels that are used in fine woodworking and furniture making. The blade is shaped at a 90-degree angle, allowing for the corner of a groove or mortise to be accurately chiselled in both planes at the same time. In practicality, they work fine as intended but are a bit niche for most applications. They don’t see much use in site carpentry. 

Dovetail chisels

Dovetail chisels are chisels with extreme bevels that create additional clearance in small spaces when cutting dovetails. Some models are almost triangular in through section, allowing for the very inside corners of dovetails and other joinery to be accurately chiselled without the body getting in the way. They are another non-essential, speciality tool.  

Skew chisels

Skew chisels are a niche style of chisel that feature an irregular blade angle at the end of the body of the chisel. The skewed cutting angle creates a more acute point on one side of the cutting edge, allowing for tight angles to be reached into. 

Fishtail chisels

Fishtail chisels are another specialty chisel style, used for reaching inside of tight spaces. The unique shape of the cutting head allows for more manoeuvrability during pairing exercises.  

Wood slicks and framing chisels

Wood slicks and framing chisels are large, scaled up versions of smaller chisels that are used for timber framing and hewing rough timber. The blades are often long and wide for pairing across wide boards, with a long handle to accompany it - providing additional leverage. They are intended for performing all of the duties of a regular chisel but on a larger scale.