Wood chisels - which one to choose? How to take care of them?

Wood carving is a difficult but very interesting hobby. To start doing this and not lose heart at the very beginning, you should choose the right tools for this. In our article, we present all the aspects that should be considered when choosing a wood chisel. By the way, you will also learn how to care for those you already have.

What types of carpentry chisels can be?

Manufacturers offer different types of chisels that are used for tasks such as shaping a sculpture, creating details, or gouging specific areas. In this regard, chisels are distinguished:

• with side chamfer - the most popular and basic model. It is used for simple jobs and is a good way to start your wood carving adventure;
• with conical chamfer – thanks to the correctly profiled lateral phase, it is suitable for more complex work. It is used for carving in hard-to-reach places that require special accuracy;
• without chamfer – suitable for working with hard hardwoods. The reinforced construction with no chamfer makes this type of chisel suitable even for strictly carpentry work;
• socket – due to their special profile, they are mainly used for drilling holes in wood. The subtype here is the so-called "Nursery";
• oblique – the specific shape is not suitable for classical carving, but is ideal for finishing work.

Is the handle of a carving bit an important issue?

Some novice sculptors neglect the hilt issue, focusing primarily on the blade. However, this is a very wrong assumption. The comfort of work depends equally on the blade itself and on the handle. Therefore, it is worth choosing a model with a comfortable, ergonomic handle. As for the material of execution, beech wood is the most common. There are also handles made of plastic, but in their case it is worth choosing the highest quality models. Cheap plastic can crumble very quickly.

What should be the hardness of a carpenter's chisel?

The hardness of the blade is another important factor when choosing a wood chisel. The value is given on the Rockwell hardness scale, which takes into account the strength of the component. If you don't know how hard a tool should be, remember that the hardest steel dulls more slowly, but it is also the most brittle. The minimum value should be around 60 HRc, but it is worth testing several different models.

Carving chisels and blade length

Sculptural chisels vary in length, and this value significantly affects the quality and type of work performed. Short models are especially suitable for fine detailing and finishing. The carpenter also has more control over the tool. In the case of longer products, the speed of work is often noted. The large blade makes it easier to remove large pieces of wood. To begin with, it is better to choose a base length that is neither long nor short. This will allow you to familiarize yourself with the tool and learn about working methods.

A set of wood chisels or individual parts?

Looking through the various offers, you will notice that many manufacturers sell sets of chisels with several different models. This solution allows you to save a little, since the price of a finished kit is usually lower than for individual models. It is also a handy solution for those who have already tried carving and want to take it a step further. Professionals can also take advantage of this type of offer, but the big disadvantage may be the lack of models they are looking for.

Is the brand of wood carving chisel important?

If you are just starting your wood carving adventure, choosing the right brand of chisel is probably not a priority for you. However, if you already have experience in carving, choose chisels from a well-known brand - this way you will save a lot of time on a thorough analysis of the parameters, because the best manufacturers will offer only the highest quality equipment. Kirschen and Stanley are the most recommended brands.

How should sharpening a chisel look like?

Sharpen your tools regularly to keep them in top shape. This is a process that must be carefully monitored to ensure that the chisel lasts as long as possible. For this purpose, you can use a special stone or an electric sharpener. Whatever you use, start by sharpening the flat surface, sanding it parallel to the surface of the stone. The next step is to sharpen the cut surface - make sure the entire surface is in contact with the sharpener. At the very end, a specially profiled stone is used, thanks to which it is possible to clean the inside of the bit.

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