I can't understand the criticism. Clearly this guy is an expert, I learned a lot watching this video and eventually will do things my own way with the additional tips and tricks he was kind enough to teach. Thank you sir for sharing your skills - and good video too.
Yeah, I only learned stuff. This was useful to me. Screw the haters. I'm an amateur so this stuff is really valuable to me. If someone wants to brag about their better knowledge in the comments or be mean, whatever. I must say, I scrolled these comments and saw a lot of valuable additions. So ppl being jerks is one thing in the comments, but ppl being additive and helpful in the comments is great. I think this video mostly drew constructive comments.
A few years back my wife and I had to replace a fairly complicated counter top on our boat. It had raised mahogany edges and had quite a few mahogany framed cubbys. Most all of it required hand cutting and chamferring. This is when I fell in love with woodworking and especially my chisels. This is a great video explaining many of the things I discovered. Thank you for sharing this with us all.
Mike this is the BEST most comprehensive video I've seen ever. As a new woodworker I thank you! I have MANY of your print magazines and have learned a great deal over the years. Have A Super Blessed Week!.....Gus
Now here’s an interesting strategy I hadn’t thought of. As friend recommended I googled Hyezmar’s book and found many plans, but none like this, thanks!
Many thanks. My Grandfather was a old school master carpenter, they had to be cabinetmakers to become what they were. Now I see what those tools in his tool chest were for.
I have been wood working for a few years now playing with chisels and this video opened my eye simple ways to improve my work! Excellent educational video!
Excellent videography, clear, precise, presentation. Not to wordy, and an excellent tutorial. Just what I have come to expect from FWW. Long time subscriber, always learning new tricks. Thank you!
I really like the nuances here. I'm a rough carpenter who does some precision stuff sometimes. I really appreciate these little lessons on the details. Thanks!
you are wrong. This video is not about chisels, but how to not have to use them properly. Maybe better stick to what grampa told ya, for when he learned what to do was when he had no alternatives.
I love how he mentions the quality of the tool doesn't matter as he pulls out a Japanese chisel probably worth more than a full set of craftsman chisels.
chisels of that type are available used in japan for about $10 each, just as our older chisels are often cheap. I can't tell what the newer chisels are that he's using, but they could be from a fine maker, and the sky is the limit. The low end japanese stuff now isn't that great (squashed together in dies, sometimes from prelaminated material), but the vintage chisels bought in odd lots can be on par with current makers.
Someone reading the kanji below suggested tasai. If you look closely at at least one of them, you can tell they're cleanly made - but my comment below is still true - you can buy an odd lot of 10 or 20 chisels from japan on buyee or another proxy auction for $150-$200 and have 12 to 15 that are on par with tasai in terms of edge holding. The older chisels exist there in droves (and are on average harder in my experience) and don't have much value there. If they have to look brand new and be identical, you will pay, though. Tasai's chisels are expensive, but there are less expensive new chisels that are an equal match.
Benches don't need to be perfect, just sturdy and accessible. Nice work!! BTW, like the video work you did, working and building simultaneously explaining what you were doing. Video production could be a second gig for you!
Benches don't need to be perfect, just sturdy and accessible. Nice work!! BTW, like the video work you did, working and building simultaneously explaining what you were doing. Video production could be a second gig for you!
I share all the below (above?) comments. I would like to make a request, though, for future videos: Keep the camera trained on the work being done more, and the long-shots less. I really want to see and absorb what he is doing there at the tip of the tool. I am new-ish to this stuff, so the close-ups actually provide us nuance that the long-shots do not. Thank you for a great video!
Under cutting your doves, is that for extra glue ? fit check first fit and check again. if we were in a hurry we would use a router and jig not hand tools. under cutting eventually leads to loose joints
I see a major problem, I was starting at the scribe line and then wondering why I had so much tear-out. I suppose the idea is to work toward the scribe line taking as little as possible. Good to know.
Thanks! That comment about not being able to feel the scribe line for the dove tails makes total sense to me: I never really understood why we scribe it rather just mark it, until now. I look forward to trying your techniques!
I use thin cuts because I'm not confident enough yet, and prefer to creep up on my marking lines. It seems it’s a case of "carry on as you are" for me.
Thanks for the excellent tips. Could you explain your preference in mallets as well? Is there any advantage to using dead blow mallets for this type of work?
What was used to make the first cut? A Dozuki? Honestly, that original cut is my only problem. I can get it vertically straight but not perpendicular to the plane of the wood. Removing waste is not problem for me.
Hopefully, in the intervening half decade you've discovered Lee-Valley's Veritas brand. Usually available through a few name brand retailers and, of course, through them directly.
that's not "Basics"!! LMAO. 1st. that needs Yasuki steel chisel. 2nd. has to learn the sharpening techniques and needs many stones. yeah that was wonderful chisel (maybe 正繋 or 大内 chisel) and wonderful craftsman you. Thank you I learned many.
Nice. Know i know which saw i need to cut small wood in tight spaces. Im doing a 303 british stock and im redoing the entire rear end of the front stock. Using chisel work i got the main piece of wood shaped shaped close to the original. Next i need to cut some wood in a small space and i could use this saw. Good info.
Do what makes you feel happy and safe. Just save yourself the work station hopping. Chopping the entire thing works just as fast and no makes no dust. I recommend Paul Seller's methods, much more reliable and satisfying. This new american style does not seem very accurate. That shoulder line looked very ragged.
There is an apparently still-working 22-580 planer in the background. I got one of those when I first started woodworking. It cracked in transit (which required replacement of some of the cast parts) and went downhill from there, quickly getting damage on the mild steel bar that's used as a blade retainer and chipbreaker. Guess what's NLA from delta. Or whoever owns delta now, and whatever they call it. I'm surprised to see one that hasn't broken something that isn't available. Those were good for delta, i'd bet, but not so good for anyone buying one.
My 22-540, bought in the mid-'90's, is still working just fine - after I built an extended one piece bed for it to eliminate shore bird [snipe] leavin's.
Lots of finger fatigue holding the chisel blade instead of the handle. Chisels of that type in japan and china (yes, I know they are japanese, but there are chinese chisels of similar proportion) are generally held only by the handle.
I can't understand the criticism. Clearly this guy is an expert, I learned a lot watching this video and eventually will do things my own way with the additional tips and tricks he was kind enough to teach. Thank you sir for sharing your skills - and good video too.
Yeah, I only learned stuff. This was useful to me. Screw the haters. I'm an amateur so this stuff is really valuable to me. If someone wants to brag about their better knowledge in the comments or be mean, whatever. I must say, I scrolled these comments and saw a lot of valuable additions. So ppl being jerks is one thing in the comments, but ppl being additive and helpful in the comments is great. I think this video mostly drew constructive comments.
He won’t sleep with you, sorry
A few years back my wife and I had to replace a fairly complicated counter top on our boat. It had raised mahogany edges and had quite a few mahogany framed cubbys. Most all of it required hand cutting and chamferring. This is when I fell in love with woodworking and especially my chisels. This is a great video explaining many of the things I discovered. Thank you for sharing this with us all.
Wonderful video, Mike! You seem to have known everything I do wrong with a chisel, and you have shown me how to correct my mistakes. Thank you!
This is one of the best tutorials for chiseling technique. Great and well done. Thanks for sharing. Mike from Europe.
Mike Bandte I fully agree. Lots of info and well presented.
really great visual guide on how to use a chisel. much more of a finesse tool than we might think at first
Mike this is the BEST most comprehensive video I've seen ever. As a new woodworker I thank you! I have MANY of your print magazines and have learned a great deal over the years. Have A Super Blessed Week!.....Gus
that sharp chisel sound... so satisfying
Now here’s an interesting strategy I hadn’t thought of. As friend recommended I googled Hyezmar’s book and found many plans, but none like this, thanks!
Thank you Mike. Another well thought out and executed video. Great tips.
Many thanks. My Grandfather was a old school master carpenter, they had to be cabinetmakers to become what they were. Now I see what those tools in his tool chest were for.
I have been wood working for a few years now playing with chisels and this video opened my eye simple ways to improve my work! Excellent educational video!
Great tutorial, thanks Luis CK.
scrolled down and saw this comment, definitely added a layer of humor into this tutorial. LOL
Excellent tips - it all makes sense. Thank you.
Excellent videography, clear, precise, presentation. Not to wordy, and an excellent tutorial. Just what I have come to expect from FWW. Long time subscriber, always learning new tricks. Thank you!
I really like the nuances here. I'm a rough carpenter who does some precision stuff sometimes. I really appreciate these little lessons on the details. Thanks!
I have used chisels wrong all my life. This video is gold - thanks.
you are wrong. This video is not about chisels, but how to not have to use them properly. Maybe better stick to what grampa told ya, for when he learned what to do was when he had no alternatives.
Thank you. The zen master of fine woodworking.
First class instruction and very useful information - Thankyou
I love how he mentions the quality of the tool doesn't matter as he pulls out a Japanese chisel probably worth more than a full set of craftsman chisels.
Using and needing an expensive tool are very different things.
Actually his chisels aren't the top of the line expensive ones. These are middle of the road Japanese chisels. Best bang for buck actually.
chisels of that type are available used in japan for about $10 each, just as our older chisels are often cheap.
I can't tell what the newer chisels are that he's using, but they could be from a fine maker, and the sky is the limit. The low end japanese stuff now isn't that great (squashed together in dies, sometimes from prelaminated material), but the vintage chisels bought in odd lots can be on par with current makers.
Someone reading the kanji below suggested tasai. If you look closely at at least one of them, you can tell they're cleanly made - but my comment below is still true - you can buy an odd lot of 10 or 20 chisels from japan on buyee or another proxy auction for $150-$200 and have 12 to 15 that are on par with tasai in terms of edge holding. The older chisels exist there in droves (and are on average harder in my experience) and don't have much value there.
If they have to look brand new and be identical, you will pay, though. Tasai's chisels are expensive, but there are less expensive new chisels that are an equal match.
I thought Japan did not have any steel
+1 the first thing you teach not to do is the first thing I always do. great video!
I found this video very helpful, so many thanks for posting.
this is awesome! I just back from a VERY frustrating result on a joint and this helps immensely. Thanks, Mike!
You really nailed it down for me! Lots of great tips here! Thank you!
This is priceless stuff people. Clearly I have been doing it all wrong! Fantastic advice. Thanks!
Hi Thank you for your video & taking time out making these videos Regards Steve London UK
"How to use chisels effectively" -use it very minimally
Teufel Hunden1371 lol. Devil. Me 2. H&S322 6064
Good tutorial. Thanks. I like your Japanese tool set too.
Benches don't need to be perfect, just sturdy and accessible. Nice work!! BTW, like the video work you did, working and building simultaneously explaining what you were doing. Video production could be a second gig for you!
Benches don't need to be perfect, just sturdy and accessible. Nice work!! BTW, like the video work you did, working and building simultaneously explaining what you were doing. Video production could be a second gig for you!
Mash PvP uh ok..
IKR!!! 8I
Great suggestions and great work, well explained. Thank you for posting.
Keep up the great work. I am a happy subscriber to the magazine, and love your podcasts and videos too!
Thank you! Sharp chisels and thin cuts.
A list of all tools that are focused on would be really helpful.
man. ...that's a very clean workshop. almost... too clean...
+Kevin Raets yeah... Looks like its a stage... A workshop should be a bit messy and dirty
I think that's a photo outside the window. The perspective doesn't match up and everything seems to be studio lit.
Definitely a studio, you can hear it in the audio when he hits the chisel or speaks loudly.
Hi
Dear Kevin
You win 13 like
?but i dont know if your nice telling must all this love
one more like by me for MR Opama photo
Thanks Obama
Thank you! This is so helpful
Hey, I didn't know Louis C. K. Did wood work! Learn new things every day.
What a solid video. A master
Excellent tutorial and presentation. Thanks for sharing this.
loved it. very helpful. Happy New Year from Eastbourne UK
A useful lesson on saws (fret v. coping) as well as chisels. Thank you :)
With all due deference, it would be wonderful if you shared your tool list with a link to a source. Thanks ! Enjoy your video’s!
I like your joints and basslines!
Aw bless you, I now know where I've been going wrong, yet so simple.
You did it great. Well Done. Thanks!!!
I learnt things I was scared to try before but after watching this no longer feel as scared
I share all the below (above?) comments. I would like to make a request, though, for future videos: Keep the camera trained on the work being done more, and the long-shots less. I really want to see and absorb what he is doing there at the tip of the tool. I am new-ish to this stuff, so the close-ups actually provide us nuance that the long-shots do not. Thank you for a great video!
Under cutting your doves, is that for extra glue ? fit check first fit and check again. if we were in a hurry we would use a router and jig not hand tools. under cutting eventually leads to loose joints
GREAT SKILL AND A WONDERFUL ABILITY TO SHARE THE KNOWLEDGE IN A NO BS FORMAT.
THANKS
Great tutorial. I will incorporate your suggestions. Thank you FW & Mike.
I see a major problem, I was starting at the scribe line and then wondering why I had so much tear-out. I suppose the idea is to work toward the scribe line taking as little as possible. Good to know.
White oak is sooo pretty :D
Thank you very much for this informative video!
Thanks! That comment about not being able to feel the scribe line for the dove tails makes total sense to me: I never really understood why we scribe it rather just mark it, until now. I look forward to trying your techniques!
Some great info here thanks. Makes for good work.
I use thin cuts because I'm not confident enough yet, and prefer to creep up on my marking lines. It seems it’s a case of "carry on as you are" for me.
Really helpful stuff. Thanks!
what type and weight hammer is he using.
great video, practising joint cutting now.
Thanks a lot, that was very useful!
Thank you Mike, AKA "Pod God" :)
Excellent. I currently teach K-12 art and I am going to add this to my Jr High and HS students watch list.
Thanks for the excellent tips. Could you explain your preference in mallets as well? Is there any advantage to using dead blow mallets for this type of work?
It’s all about understanding the path of least resistance. Even the basic design of a chisel lends itself to offset forces. Thanks
What was used to make the first cut? A Dozuki? Honestly, that original cut is my only problem. I can get it vertically straight but not perpendicular to the plane of the wood. Removing waste is not problem for me.
He, Paul Sellers and others have videos out on Dozuki Saws, although Paul doesn't use them all that much.
What kind of chisels are those? they look like japanese chisels
Fusetsu 風雪 (Tasai 田齋)
great vid man, thanks alot
Thanks for the tips!
Good tip and like the closeup shots! May I ask where to get that one turning handle two screw vice?
Hopefully, in the intervening half decade you've discovered Lee-Valley's Veritas brand. Usually available through a few name brand retailers and, of course, through them directly.
Great tutorial. What type of vice is that?
that's not "Basics"!! LMAO. 1st. that needs Yasuki steel chisel. 2nd. has to learn the sharpening techniques and needs many stones. yeah that was wonderful chisel (maybe 正繋 or 大内 chisel) and wonderful craftsman you. Thank you I learned many.
oh, so im not supposed to hit the chisel as hard as i can and break my wrist?
You sir, are a maestro. Your orchestra? Wood.
Nice. Know i know which saw i need to cut small wood in tight spaces. Im doing a 303 british stock and im redoing the entire rear end of the front stock. Using chisel work i got the main piece of wood shaped shaped close to the original. Next i need to cut some wood in a small space and i could use this saw. Good info.
Very informative video. I'm new to woodworking and was curious what brand of bench chisels is that that you're using?
Do what makes you feel happy and safe. Just save yourself the work station hopping. Chopping the entire thing works just as fast and no makes no dust. I recommend Paul Seller's methods, much more reliable and satisfying. This new american style does not seem very accurate. That shoulder line looked very ragged.
he sure likes all his shizzle
There is an apparently still-working 22-580 planer in the background. I got one of those when I first started woodworking. It cracked in transit (which required replacement of some of the cast parts) and went downhill from there, quickly getting damage on the mild steel bar that's used as a blade retainer and chipbreaker.
Guess what's NLA from delta. Or whoever owns delta now, and whatever they call it. I'm surprised to see one that hasn't broken something that isn't available. Those were good for delta, i'd bet, but not so good for anyone buying one.
My 22-540, bought in the mid-'90's, is still working just fine - after I built an extended one piece bed for it to eliminate shore bird [snipe] leavin's.
very nice
"Just isn't going to cut it". Nice.
Thank you.
great video
Chisel for thin cuts, saw for waste, good lesson 👍
Lovely.
Thank you and learned a lot...rr
Usually I'll grip the handle to do massive removal and hold the end for fine trimming.
“Fret saw just isn’t going to cut it”
I see what you did there
thank you
wow 10/10 helpful
Man I like those Knew Concept fret saws, but I cringe at the $100+ price tage for one.
As long as your pins are not too small, a coping saw should work.
Nice
Excellent thank you so much A+
Band saw Really? Why not go for a router dovetail jig ? I bet the chisels will be kept sharp.
Is that chisel a mortising chisel? I noticed it left a dent on the inside of your dovetail...
No, he intentionally undercuts a bit to ensure there's no material protruding to keep the joint from seating completely.
what would be the bevel angle on those chisels? would you be using the same angle to pare with?
wade saunders 30 degrees for general use and 25 degrees for pairing
what chisels is he using?
Lots of finger fatigue holding the chisel blade instead of the handle. Chisels of that type in japan and china (yes, I know they are japanese, but there are chinese chisels of similar proportion) are generally held only by the handle.
What more could yoh possibly teach me about a chissel? Turns out everything.
Great Thanks
detail and clean crafting
never clamp down onto your bare wood you're working with. always use a block of sorts to take the pressure up so you dont get indents
Ahh, no i know what i was doing wrong. Thanks for the this!!
You're welcome
What is that type of bench called?