Chisels come in different types for various woodworking uses. A mallet is used to apply force to chisels, not a hammer. Safety is important when using chisels - the material must be secured and hands kept behind the cutting edge to avoid accidents. Common chisel types include bevel-edged chisels for dovetail joints, firmer chisels for heavier work, and paring chisels for long joints.

1. CUTTING & SHAPING
Hand tools

2. Chisels and Chiseling
There are many different
types of chisels and each has a
particular use.
The handles of most chisels
are made from ash, beech,
box wood or plastic and a
mallet (not a hammer) is
normally used to apply force.

3. Using the Chisel
Safety is always a consideration when
using chisels.A paring chisel being used
to shave the edge of a piece of wood is
shown.
Each time the mallet forces the chisel
downwards a small amount of wood is
parred away from the edge.
Always use a sharp chisel when paring. A
blunt chisel tends to slip off the surface
of the material being cut.

4. Another rule relating to the use of chisels is that the
material being cut should be held firmly in a vice of
cramped to a bench top. Keep both your hands behind the
cutting edge, do not be tempted to place one hand in front
of the chisel. One slip with the chisel will cause an accident.

5. Types of Chisels
BEVEL edged chisels are slightly undercut making
them easy to push into corners.They are normally
used for finishing dovetail joints.
FIRMER chisels have a blade with a rectangular
cross-section.This means that they are stronger and
can be used for tougher/heavier work.
A PARING chisel is a longer, thinner chisel which can
be pushed into long joints such as housing joints. It is
used for cleaning up the joint and to make it an
accurate fit.