How to use a Chisel CORRECTLY

Chiselling is one of those things that looks easy at first glance, yet as soon as you have a go with one your work looks like roadkill.
In this video, I'll be sharing certain tricks, tips and techniques to help make your chiselling more accurate, cleaner and enjoyable.
Best of luck and feel free to share any of your own tips in the comment section below!
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[@MattEstlea]

*UPDATE* Watch your fingers on the sides of the chisel if you're going for the pencil grip, they can sometimes be sharp. Firstly, this isn't a bad thing; in fact its quite useful! Watch this video to see why: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kGq2Z6VnZZmjh80 But if you do find you are cutting yourself, try one of these three things: 1: Loosen your grip. No need for a death grip here. Hold it with the same pressure as you would with a pencil. 2: Run a bit of 400g sandpaper up the edge of the chisel ONCE. Don't go back and forth with it, one stroke will be enough to take the edge off. 3: Keep in mind that every time you cut yourself the skin toughens up. So if all else fails, keep battling through it!

[@skjelm6363]

I'll do 3 - until I get my prosthetic-chainsaw-hand! And thanks for your video, I love chiseling. And the sound of it. And the soothing sound of sharpening on a wet-stone.

[@markbroad119]

Yeah I nicked my finger with an electric planer. Not a good idea

[@robertolavalliere1223]

Matt Estlea nj

[@duminicad]

great... today I cut(not too bad, but it stings) myself exactly on the side of the chisel... initially thought I'll just sand it a bit, but when I'm going to sharpen the chisel, those sides will be rounded excellent tip and video!

[@lukewhite9237]

Or put a bit of tape where you hold it, it slightly rounds it over

[@MichaelSmith-hs5iu]

77 year old journeyman carpenter here: For such a young guy, you have really got your act together. You are doing a good thing by sharing your knowledge

[@lmcc8798]

Most of the population can’t assemble ikea adequately.

[@androgynousbadassvillain]

@@lmcc8798 it's bc it's in Swedish 😞/j

[@grenouillesscent]

@Kid Carti why you gotta do him like that

[@grenouillesscent]

He’s actually a 3000 year old vampire

[@pleappleappleap]

It's there a reason you never chose to become a master carpenter?

[@rashpalsingh1918]

As an amateur with woodworker, i typically feel overpowered with the entire arrangement kzbin.infoUgkxrYREG3-7f1Aqk9ams3ZESRNzGnfdUtyQ . Be that as it may, this arrangements drove me through with much clarity and effortlessness woodplans. Works i now work like a genius. That is great!

[@MegaFunnyman86]

My dad would always say, “when one door closes another door opens” he was a great man, but a terrible furniture maker.

[@anthonyxuereb792]

Is that true?

[@UniverseKeeper2]

I believe it's a good joke

[@robertcaffrey6097]

That's very funny, I like it.

[@markywellsboy2182]

When one door closes, another one slams in your face. My Dad was a pessimist.

[@yobryan88]

😅🤣

[@BarneyGumbl3]

I love how at 3:05 he needs to get a file to demonstrate a dull chisel. My man clearly has no dull chisels

[@PenguinFury]

Came here to commend him on this.

[@Rijnswaand]

I wanted to write the same thing

[@gaminawulfsdottir3253]

I had a shop teacher who was known for creating fanciful, colorful sculptures, mostly constructed in wood. One day I brought a piece of well-aged osage orange to class, and after listening to me bemoan how hard the wood was and how much work it was going to take to get a smooth finish on it, he just asked me very politely for a chunk of it. He put it in a vise; then he took a good sharp wood chisel and proceeded to slice the wood at various angles through the grain. Each cut revealed new figures, colors, and visual textures in the wood, and each cut left a surface as smooth and translucent-looking as marble. I have never forgotten that lesson.

[@N0O0DLES]

I wish I had your teacher! I had a good one though... He caught me making bowls for all the kids who smoked weed, he chuckled and said " Mind your fingers when your using the press". I love that guy.

[@drasco61084]

Had to look up what that wood is, turns out my neighbor has one of those trees! I wonder if they know....

[@trevorcorey7910]

@@N0O0DLES mine said “what the fuck happened to all the small 1/4” drive sockets what are y’all doing?”

[@kato_dsrdr]

the guy is a master sculptor.

[@johnschmidt763]

As a high school teacher and construction and remodeling carpenter, everything you’re saying is spot on. This is what separates a carpenter who can precisely set a striker plate in a door jam and one who can’t (or butchers it). I will be showing this video to my high school students so I stop having to purchase so many boxes of bandaids

[@Adam-118]

Man, I've been making miniature things for a cfew weeks now, I use nothing but a chisel set and a mallet, tape measure and some files. Because of folks like you, I've gone from not knowing how to use things, to understanding how not to cut my fingers off and actually make something. Thank youl.

[@harrypowers9412]

You’re a very effective teacher Matt; Unlike many on uTube that seemingly just showcase THEIR skills, you really help others improve their own skills. 👍🏻

[@samspade4634]

The more I watch your videos, the more I learn. It's that good and I love the humor. Don't worry about the know it all's they talk a good game but when they need do it, the excuses fly like a bird. GREAT STUFF! You are absolutely right I'm trying to take to big of a cut.

[@daveshort302]

Love your attitude, frame of mind, and humility! Thank you!

[@infra4803]

Woodworking seems far more serious and classy with a british accent.

[@michaelowen8]

Oi?

[@JP-sae]

Got something against Ron Swanson?

[@infra4803]

@@JP-sae Not even close. I have his book GOOD CLEAN FUN. He just doesn't have a British accent.

[@nicholasguymer3471]

I'm an old dog. Thanks for teaching me new tricks. Your experience and explanations are invaluable.

[@tedpaquin4903]

There is a lot of good content here. Thank you.

[@huntercarlson2480]

Well done Matt, you are a great teacher in your trade. I appreciate you teaching from ground zero and setting a great foundation for anyone that listens. Keep it up brother.

[@pingpong9656]

I needed that - reinforces good practices!

[@HouseDoctorRay]

Excellent tips! Very thorough common sense explanations.

[@alastairblake]

"Yeah ... no fingerprint scanners for you anymore." That made me chuckle. Never heard it put like that before.

[@user-lc6yc3dg4x]

ye.. and I will see you in the next video - if you will not chisel youe throat

[@paulharries9058]

Great information,Matt. I remember my grandfather teaching me most of this, and he served a 7 years apprenticeship in the old trade halls in London. Still got some of his hand tools, and wouldn't swap them.

[@josevillalobos8030]

Awesome Matt, exactly what I needed!

[@howlinmad4208]

That made 20 minutes fly by. Thank you for the education, now I need to practice.

[@MattEstlea]

Best of luck my friend!

[@PanchobabyDotCom]

Just starting to work with a new set of chisels, for the first time, ever. How cool it was to come across your tutorial! Beautiful! Thank you. You're 'stage-presence' is really very, very good. Your presentation is great too. Well done.

[@peterbryant19]

You can also use them as a screwdriver.

[@DeShark88]

TRIGGERED

[@chinaski2020]

You can also use them to open paint cans.

[@mikeblanchard4145]

Thank you. That made me spit coffee out of my mouth.

[@mortallious1234]

Screwdriver= hammer

[@csm8245]

Or, like one of my ex girl friends, you can use it to scratch some old nail off a wall that poked out after she removed the wallpaper.

[@xgreenjacket]

What I love about these videos is that it shows me I have a natural affinity of how to handle tools correctly and I also think a lot of it comes down to common sense and an understanding of their limitations, in short, I just started working with wood but learnt all these lessons without having to watch this, I watched for tips and found in already using good practise,

[@chazztesa]

today we learn free! thank u so much

[@richardmathew1969]

a video on chiseling turns into a masterclass in woodworking. Rock solid tutoring. Class. Enough said.

[@AndrewKwabula]

Just bought my first chisel, this is got me started. thanks mate

[@Claymore1977]

I'm just getting into woodworking and I am thoroughly enjoying ALL of your videos. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

[@DivLarn]

You are definitely my new woodworking master! Thank you for all the great and clear explanation!

[@BentleyDesignCo]

Matt you are one of the best resources I have found for using hand tools man! And you actually have a good voice to listen to while explaining it! I'm learning everything I can from you and appreciate it!

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

I've had this in my watch later since you published it and finally watched, wish I'd made the time a lot sooner! Your tips on body location for view is new to me, that's going to make a big difference for me.

[@agha_mairaj]

No words to express feelings. Simply loves your tutorial.

[@bradfordgoerss3242]

I've never seen anyone so young be so thorough and explain things so well....it's as is you had 40 years experience already. You are an inspiration. Thank you. I will be visiting you store soon (if you have one). :)

[@calvinlarsen4681]

Excellent video, easy to understand and follow. I wish I watched this before I started woodworking. Could have avoided so many lacerations! It sounds so dumb but on more than one occasion I have had my hand directly in the path of the chisel, and sliced right through a finger. Thank you for the tips!

[@MattEstlea]

Sorry for the machinery noise in the background, I didn't think the mic would pick it up! It stops at 4:50 so hang in there!

[@bryanh6856]

Adds realism. Reminds us that you’re like - a real woodworker in a real shop. Not just someone who makes videos for money on KZbin. Also, it’s barely noticeable. So I have a question for you, I have 3 sets of chisels of varying quality. One - my Sandvik chisels - hold their edge the best but unfortunately they don’t have bevelled edges to make it easy to clean out dovetails. Well, they have a slight bevel, but too much bulk to fit in most dovetails. Do you see anything wrong with grinding a thinner edge/taper on them? As long as I keep the steel cool enough so as not to affect the hardness, and leave enough material that it’s not too weak? I can’t at this moment afford another set of quality chisels so my best bet is to modify the ones I have.... By the way you are by far my favourite youtuber and I love your content. Especially your builds - but your dovetail lesson did inspire me to do 100’dovetails in 100 days and get really darn good at them!

[@jello1977]

Doesn't bother me.

[@emmab7658]

I am not even into wood working but love watching your videos. You explain everything very well!!

[@neilvirgo426]

these videos are ace. very well explained and no showing off in a workshop with a thousand planes on the shelf behind like many I have seen. thanks Matt

[@pi1171]

So young and still full of knowledge and experience. And the ability to explain in a simple and entertaining way, on top of that. Wow.

[@wurzelle1999]

really nice to see someone so confident, great 6eaching

[@PPMOCRG]

Very useful, thank you. The sound of a sharp chisel slicing through the wood is nice.

[@danielace7852]

just graduated on my carving to larger chiseling fantastic clear important tips thank you!

[@bitemyram]

your detail is very much appreciated !

[@zZLUo]

I got a set of chisels as a birthday present last November and still figuring out how to use it correctly and efficiently. Thank you for making things clearly for a new wood worker.

[@TheSchane]

In this episode of John Snow Teaches Woodworking..... cheers, man!

[@DanielHarrisjr1]

i came here to say something similar....Dude is a dead ringer for John Snow...except doesn't know nothing, he knows all

[@bingveloso3561]

lol i was thinking the same thing!

[@bingveloso3561]

lol yes! he knows all!

[@michaelowen8]

But... He knows nothing!?!

[@jestinloveday584]

This is hilarious!

[@salingolia]

excellent video. thanks for sharing your expertise Matt.

[@brucemcnally3924]

Great stuff. Nobody ever taught me correct use of chisels and i can at last start to do things properly, many thanks Matt.

[@dv8ntcpl]

I just recently discovered your channel and wanted to say thanks for the basic lessons for folks like me. I have never taken any sort of wood working classes and had never learned any techniques whatsoever with regard to chisels or planes, etc. I DID nick a finger exactly as described in your update while practicing (I am relatively good with my sharpening stones) but the education is well worth the minuscule amount of bloodshed!

[@ianwillis3761]

Well done young 'un.. excellent video tutorial! All good stuff, I hope all learners are listening to you..!!

[@amdenis]

Great videos, and such amazingly engaging style. I have done joinery/fine furniture for over 3 decades and studied with a few of the modern masters, but I learned and was reminded about several important things by you. It is great that you are sharing your gifts and experience. In over a decade, I have only subscribed to two other woodworking videos- thanks for putting so much thought and effort! One thing, what is a “dodgy cabana” (likely got the words/spelling wrong)?

[@abbbee8918]

What are the other two channels you have subscribed to? Am new to woodworking and need all the help I can get.

[@niq872]

i really enjoy chiseling surprisingly i was in a cabinetry shop where i had learned enough skills that i was trusted with jobs that required a lot of chiseling which i loved i mostly made larger stuff like doors and wooden countertops and trim work so i got to do it a lot.

[@turtlesaurusrex3362]

The pencil holding apology was spot on. Thanks!

[@PPMOCRG]

Your workbench is a thing of beauty!

[@reaganduggins5279]

Dude, I had almost given up on finding truly newb (like me) friendly tutorials on woodworking stuff before I came across your channel. Thank you so much for going into so much detail! This was exactly what I have been looking for! :D

[@josephpace6859]

your videos are beautifully done and wonderfully informative. Keep it up! Great job

[@yingchen3768]

Precious advice given clearly, thanks a lot

[@deltaromeo5]

these tips are unbelievably helpful, thank you!

[@trevsmith4605]

Matt i have only just subscribed and stsrted watching your videos. I have to say i love the simplistic way in which you explain everything. Brilliant work thanks.

[@NeillWylie]

I learned so so much watching this. Thank you!

[@partikle]

Absolutely excellent instruction! Great tips! Thank you so much

[@jonlilley2832]

Thank you very much for all your wisdom, Matt! My father taught us all (even my sister!) how to work with wood and I'm trying to get back into it. First step, gather the tools! I want to build a floor loom . . . some day! Wish me luck, OK!

[@LillianKZ123]

You are amazing! You l make it all look so easy and logical. I watched this video after I watched the How to Sharpen a Chisel video. I'm on track to watch them all.

[@farooq11771]

Very nice way to explain with full details. I appreciate your teaching skills. 👍

[@doconnor1354]

I love woodworking. I am quite inexperienced but I love the feel of the chisel and wood. I learned a lot from your video. Thank you for the guidance.

[@carlosmariosuarez5319]

I didn't think this guy's video would be helpful, and now I'm glad I watched it Respect

[@antoniovandias8653]

One of the best videos on woodworking ive ever seen .

[@DreidMusicalX]

Thanks so much for the tips! I learn something new every day still even at 50.

[@Ivo_Serra]

This tutorial videos are great. Always very helpful. Thanks a lot!

[@blackfender100]

Loved your first tip Matt.You are correct Sharp and dull chisels both cut fingers much better than they cut wood.

[@stefangaillot1561]

Thanks Matt Estlea, it all makes a lot of sense and is very well explained/presented. Nice one mate!

[@nord_laender]

Thanks for the demonstration!

[@johnnielsen7413]

You have a good tempo and cover a lot of info - thanks! Well done.

[@thomasbudi2000]

God bless you. Thank you for sharing this valuable tips

[@kmadarchives1549]

Great video! Thank you for your time and effort in making it.

[@acheronregyri9398]

Great job with the macro lens shot, you really highlighted how much of a difference there was between the cuts. Nice camera work and great chisel video.

[@flyingwoodshop1545]

Great tips! I consider myself a "chisel guy" and I learned a few good bits. I'd also like to see a video where you show how your bench is tied directly into the Earth's core! Thanks for the consistently great content.

[@MattEstlea]

A very large auger bit.

[@MrArik86]

@@MattEstlea Highly underrated comment. Seriously though, how *did* you anchor your bench?

[@eiliannoyes5212]

Greetings and big thanks, Matt - have a real knack to bring the fundamentals down to earth... and tell. Running about the bench, powering the core... playing with some wood and a chisel.

[@bencook618]

Thnx man, this video was VERY informative and helped me realize what to do and not do! I am new to woodworking and you just saved me a crap ton of work and headache. You just got a new subscriber, for what it is worth.

[@bryandavies6074]

A great exposition of some chiseling styles and techniques backed by sound logic.

[@chriscunicelli7070]

Matt, great video! You've helped me a great deal. Thanks man

[@nogginification]

Really useful information! Thanks Matt

[@shawnvogel7975]

Wow, great video! I wish I had watched this 5 years ago! Great job.

[@richardroe6177]

Great video, thanks Matt!

[@garyknight8616]

Great video Matt. Keep 'em coming. Thanks

[@mrhangermancrafts167]

a lot of great and useful tips thanks Matt

[@maxwellmac2234]

Brilliantly put together love the action and consequences close ups... Cheers

[@wb_finewoodworking]

Excellent demonstration on good chisel technique. It’s helpful for newcomers to the craft and a great reminder for those who use chisels infrequently.

[@sanjaysami4315]

Brilliant video. Great information, very well put across. Thank you.

[@Killemquietly]

Excellent video and showmanship!

[@drdoolittlefishhobbyist6055]

Just started watching your videos. Great content and very educational. I'm amazed at your work bench, it's awesome .

[@stuartosborne6263]

Great tutorial, thankyou for sharing.

[@sebastianremnerud7675]

Great tutorial on safety precautions, really wished I'd seen this before ending up in the ER last night because of stabbing my on thumb.

[@wilmerfuentes9829]

Love your work !!!

[@ethan073]

Best woodworking tutorial channel

[@amberwalter254]

Very helpful. Thank you!😊

[@donolliff2630]

Very helpful! Lots of good ideas to make better quality joints.

[@AndreaArzensek]

Excellent tips, even though I knew them it is always nice to refresh and remind yourself that the fingers can be chopped off with ease. Cheers

[@hola_soy_zharina]

It's my first time to do woodwork. Thanks for this video! :)

[@youngtevanced8818]

too many useful info you have shared. thank you.

[@pvempat1]

"it goes directly to the Earth's core", that line was hilarious!

[@RobertFallon]

Fantastic video! Thank you for the efficient, educational tips!