Chisel Techniques for Precision Joinery

Reviewer: Matthew M.

David Charlesworth's presentation technique is very slow and methodical. But that's not to say it's boring. He is incredibly thorough and insightful. This video about precision chisel techniques really opened my eyes to why my own work wasn't turning out as well as I would like. I will most certainly be applying what I learned in this video and expect to reap the rewards with more precise joinery.

I highly recommend this video if you want to take your joinery to the next level of quality.

Reviewer: James C.

Ah, now I understand. This is part of a 2 disc set on chisels.

This is another fine, exhaustively detailed treatise on the subject by David Charlesworth. Tons of great info.

If you are looking for new takes on how to use chisels or like to work at almost a Machinest's level of precision, this won't disappoint.

If you view chisels as something you wack with a hammer to expedite your way to getting the job done, probably not as much up your alley.

Reviewer: Mark M.

Completely covers the subject of sharpening chisels as well as detailing specific joinery techniques using them. To quote Charlesworth:

"Chisel work is at the heart of all of the most sophisticated joinery"

Heeding this advice, it will benefit all woodworkers to learn about preparing and using chisels to ultimately help us in efforts to perfect our joinery tasks.

Before delving into the subject of joinery using chisels, this DVD begins with a survey discussion on various chisels types. Charlesworth speaks to the relative merits of various types and brands of chisels including both western and Japanese tools.

The chisel joinery discussions start using the half-blind dovetail as a teaching example. Here, Charlesworth covers the proper grip, hand position and use of the mallet when chiseling. While working on the dovetails in the DVD, he introduces a couple of specific techniques including: the "release cut" and "tenting" to remove waste material fromthe joints. Also discussed is the technique of horizontal paring including the proper stance and body position as well as the effective use of the hands as a breaking system for increased precision. During the discussion on paring, the concept of the “forbidden direction” is introduced and Charlesworth effectively demonstrates why you should never pare with the grain but rather across the grain in order to obtain precision results. Joinery techniques are continued with a shorter section on the mortise and tenon joint. Techniques for chopping a mortise and paring a tenon are covered. Included is the use of the tenting technique for trimming tenon shoulders as well as the proper techniques for levering and extracting chips from a mortise.

One interesting aspect of Charlesworth’s chisel technique involves the use of a hammer rather than a mallet for chopping in order to best hear the differences in sound indicating when to remove chips. In passing, Charlesworth also mentions one of the few uses for a chisel in the bevel down position – creating faceted pegs for decorative or structural use in furniture.

The material covered on this DVD is definitely useful for developing skills with bench chisels. The importance of the chisel as a precision tool in the woodshop is emphasized and reinforced. Anyone wanting to learn proper chiseling techniques and methods to improve the quality of their joinery will benefit from viewing it.

Reviewer: Lawrence W.

Excellent video! David demonstrates techniques that I've not seen before in a simple, easily understandable way.