Bevel-edge Bench Chisels

Getting started with the workhorse of the chisel family

- By Chad McClung

Sharp chisels are critical to quality work. But what do you really need? For general shop use, I sugI gest you start with a good set of four basic, Western-style, bevel-edge chisels. These versatile shop workhorses can perform a multitude of chores from chopping dovetails and fitting joints to trimming plugs flush.

Unlike the stubby butt chisel, bevel-edge chisels have longer blades that provide more control for tasks such as delicate paring. And their angled edges, opposed to the square edges of firmer and mortise chisels, allow access into angled corners. Beyond the tool's specific uses, if you want to do better work, you need to keep your chisels sharp and practice good technique, both of which are discussed here.

If you've been getting by with a few inexpensive chisels, here's your guide to stepping up to a quality set. If you already own good chisels, consider this article a refresher on anatomy and basic usage technique. Finally, check out p. 47 for a handy chisel holder along with other tool storage ideas.

online EXTRA

• Put your bench chisels to use with a free article download: Chisel Techniques

• Or find the right tool for the job with Specialty Chisels

Anatomy of a bench chisel