How to Use a Bevel Edged Chisel

In this video you will learn how to use a bevel edge chisel.

As the name suggests the bevel edge chisel has bevelled edges which helps reach into tight spaces and acute angles when making joinery.

They are used for rough chopping in conjunction with a mallet, as well as for fine paring by hand.

The Bevel edge chisel consists of a blade with beveled edges on the front side and a back that is ground flat.

The bevels are generally set at an angle between 20 and 30 degrees.

The handle ends with a head that can resist blows from a mallet.

When using a Bevel edge Chisel to trim wood, use your dominant hand to grip the handle and your secondary hand to press the blade down against the surface of the wood. This will give you control of the blade even as you push forward.

Watch your fingers.

Make sure your fingers are well clear of the edge so that If the chisel slips, your hands are safe.

When chopping wood, a mallet can be struck against the head of the chisel to supply the necessary force through the wood.

The greater the applied force, the deeper the cut.

To make a deeper cut, increase the angle that the chisel makes with the workpiece.

Lower the angle for shallow cuts or fine shavings. When using a bevel edge chisel to shape a dovetail joint, ensure that bevel side of the blade is facing the waste.

Watch the video How to make a Dovetail Joint.

Place the blade near the marking, leaving a hair's thickness of waste for finishing.

Maintain the angle of the dovetail and strike down with a mallet.

The bevel side of the chisel can be used to lever waste wood when a groove is made.

Once you have removed most of the waste, pare down the edges with your hand to create a smooth finish.

When finishing a mortise, hold the bevel edge chisel at a ninety degree angle with its bevel towards the waste to pare down the depth of the cavity.

This helps achieve a clean finish to help the tenon slide into place smoothly.

You have how successfully learnt how to use bevel edge chisel.