Chisels and Gouges 101: An Introduction to Basic Woodworking Tools

CHISELS AND GOUGES 101 An Introduction to Basic Woodworking Tools WHAT ARE CHISELS AND GOUGES? Edge tools used for shaping wood Both tools consist of a shaped, metal blade that is attached to a wooden handle, by one of two methods: Tang: Used for delicate tools Socket: Takes more abuse, made to be beaten with a mallet O CHISEL GOUGES Edges are either: Available in varying degrees of eurvature or Every gouge manufacturer has a different system of classifying the degree of sweep curvature Incannel: Ground so that the bevel is on the inside, concave side of the blade Outcannel: Ground on the Grouped into two categories: outside, convex surface Gouge out the wood O leaving concave, flute-like depression Used for rounding Firmer: Beefier and made to be beaten with a mallet Paring: More delicate over raised portions of the work A CLOSER LOOK AT CHISELS BACK BENT CHISEL BENCH OR CABINET CHISEL Description Description Bend in the blade lets you • Blades are not thick get into difficult areas • Tops are beveled along the sides Allows the chisel to work on dovetails Used For • Bench chisel sizes: Woodcarving 5" blade and 5" handle • Cabinet chisel sizes: Chisels in sizes: 1/8", 1/4", 3/8", 1/2", 5/8", 3/4", 7/8" and 1" and in increments up to 2" FIRMER CHISEL Used For Woodworking By Cabinetmakers Fumiture Makers Description • Similar to a bench chisel but without the bevels up each side BUTT CHISEL Blades are usually thicker • Handles are joined to the firmer with a socket: for heavy mallet work • Cutting edge bevel is a 20° angle to prevent blade from chipping • Larger versions are called framing Description chisels • Smaller version of the bench chisel Used For • Short blade Woodcarving • Short handle Used For Installing hardware CORNER CHISEL DOGLEG CHISEL Description • Comes in sizes 1/4"up to 1 and 1/2" • Blade is formed into a right angle along its length • Sockets on the large versions and tangs on the Description smaller Low cutting angle for a smoother and easier cut • Tool is ground flat on the outside and bevels on the inside leading edges Used For Working the bottom of shallow mortises Used For Making groundwork level during inlaying process Cabinet Work Building Boat Construction FISHTAIL CHISEL MORTISE CHISEL Description • Lightweight • Extremely sharp and makes light cuts easily • Also called a Fantail Chisel Description • Stout square or rectangular blade with a thick Used For shank Getting into small spaces • Joined to the handle with a socket or tang Used For Can easily withstand pounding with mallet O SLICK PARING CHISEL Description • Large chisel 2" or wider Very long handle connected by a socket Length and mass make it easy to use Description Slick is also a term to describe any chisel over Long thin usually side beveled 2" wide Used For Used For Fine smoothing Building Boat construction Finish work THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF GOUGES BACK BENT GOUGE BENCH AND CABINET GOUGE Description Description Light duty with a tang handle • Short blade that has a reverse bend in the blade • Solution for tricky grain and rounded undercut Used For Hollowing work such as moldings and coves Used For Low angle work during modeling and shaping FISHTAIL GOUGE BOWL GOUGE Used For Description • Small and light duty • Also called a fantail gouge Getting into small spaces Description • Short stout wide blade PARING GOUGE • Blade usually curved along its length to fit down into the bowl • Short handle to accommodate working inside of bowls and trenchers Description • Long thin blade Fit with a tang handle • Used with hand power not struck with a mallet Used For Making the hollow inside of a bowl Used For Pattern making Fine carving work FIRMER GOUGE SPOON GOUGE Description • Heavy-duty thick bladed tool Description • Fitted with a socket handle • Spoon is bent along the blade same direction as the curve of the gouge Used For Used For Building Large Ships Tool making Working inside concave surfaces Building Construction Mill Work Bowls Deep carvings There are a wide range of chisels and gouges available for woodworking projects. With a better understanding of each, it can take your project to the next level. BROUGHT TO YOU BY: SOURCES inthewoodshop.org fullchisel.com FIX