Chisel Thickness

M

me2

Joined
Oct 11, 2003
Messages
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Can any of the woodworkers out there tell me why chisels seem to be so thick? The thinnest one I have is over 1/4" on a 1/2" wide chisel. The reason I ask is I have some stock that is 0.125" thick that I want to make a chisel from. The guy I'm making it for has asked it be large enough to be used as a small slick. However, even my small shop chisels are pretty thick. Admittedly, I only have 2. I have enough to make a smaller bench chisel as well, and may start with that. He thinks his chisels are too soft, so we're going up to M2 at 64-65 HRc:D
 
theres a lot of force applied to a chisel, I guess that´s why they have to be so thick.
and they cannot flex at all.
 
Hi,

Ever cut a mortise with a chisel? Cut down across the grain, and then pry up? That's why chisels are thick. Chisels are pretty much pry-bars with a really sharp edge to cut wood. M2 is pretty good at holding an edge. But perhaps not so tolerant of prying. Much will depend on how he uses his chisels.

dalee
 
As above,chisel thickness is related to its intended task;a thick mortising chisel may well be almost square in cross-section because of the levering out of wood while a bevel edged chisel is better suited to fine work.You may find M2 unsuitable,01,1095,5160 may be more appropriate.
 
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