Woodworkers often use small wood chisels for precise angled or curved cuts

A wood chisel can perform many tasks depending on its length and diameter of the blade. A small wood chisel can be used for light peeling or polishing a wood surface. A larger chisel, usually a medium-sized chisel, can be used for detailed wood cutting. A wood chisel has many applications in the home and in the work place. These illustrations will describe the various uses of a wood chisel.

Sharpening a wood chisel is simple if you have a sharpener with a grain that is easily filed. You will need to use a compound on the teeth of the wood chisel and hold it against the wood. Use a dry towel to apply the compound and wipe the area under the handle so it does not enter into the sharpening process. You may have to do several passes with this procedure until you get the desired finish on the blade. You can use woodworking chisel set as a guide to help you position the sharp end in a comfortable position to avoid damage to the handle.

Woodworkers often use small wood chisels for precise angled or curved cuts. To create straight lines with a wood chisel, make sure to place the sharp end at the bottom right-hand corner of the hole. The reason you want to angle the wood chisel is to create a diamond-like edge at the bottom of the cut. When sharpening angled cuts, make sure you keep the heel of the tool pointing downward. The angle will prevent the wood chisel from slipping when you bend it down.

Flat top sharpening is the most common method of sharpening wood chisels. You can purchase wood chisel set in a variety of styles, sizes, and designs that will offer different options for getting the best results. It is important to remember that not all flat top chisels are created equal. The first thing you want to look at is the depth of the tooth marks. Some flat top chisels may have small, single, tooth marks while others may have deeper teeth which can result in large, raised points. Look for a wood chisel that has comparable tooth marks to get the best results.

Once you have determined the type of wood chisel you need and the depth of the tooth marks, you will want to determine whether you want to use a bench top, drop bench, or electric sharpener. Bench top sharpeners are used to quickly and accurately attain a uniform, circular motion during the sharpening process. Drop bench models allow you to perform the sharpen and then return to your project to begin sanding, making them ideal for quickly working up a small amount of wood. Electric sharpeners are the most convenient option, as you can quickly and easily move your hand from a wood chisel to an electric sharpen without stopping the action.

Many people choose to purchase an adjustable or sliding-scale paring knife for paring wood. An adjustable paring knife allows you to adjust the length of the handle and the depth of the blade to vary the degree of "bite" into the wood. This versatility makes this tool an excellent choice for woodworking projects. However, if you are not planning on using the paring knife regularly, it may be better to purchase a plain, blank paring knife. These can be purchased at most hardware stores and are also easy to store.