How To Use a Chisel (The Correct Method)

[@eoinoneill7510]

Just starting the video now, ready to gain 1000 woodworker exp.

[@MadAtMax.300Blackout]

That would be much easier yet less enjoyable in the long term

[@jeffdarlison9676]

The first half of the kzbin.infoUgkx3ICSK6nSknaL_45CU2NmFSoXjarGMDiJ book is everything about wood: types, tools, finishes, setting up shop etc. The second half is all about doing projects for inside and outside of the home. The color pictures are helpful. After reading a dozen of these types of books, this is probably the best overall (layout, color photos, plans). Only detraction is that many of the projects use a table saw/router/planer, which are usually expensive and take up space, so the plans are less friendly to newcomers and the budget conscious. But I know I can use a drill, circular saw or a jigsaw to make the projects.

[@petem6503]

Good on you mate. Most experts forget that there are multiple stages to achieve expertise. They love to explain Step Five (whatever it may be), forgetting that most people don't know about the preceding four steps. (former Scoutmaster here)

[@Nyro254]

Your videos have so much additional info. Some of which you would only pick up after years into woodworking, to have all that in a less than a 30 min video is superb. Thanks Matt 👍🏾

[@mikescott4194]

Hey Matt - good to see you putting up regular vids again. I only started woodworking a few years ago and yours was one of my go to channels for understanding techniques / tips. Learned a lot and really enjoy the focussed woodworking videos - although I also loved the workshop renovation series. You're a fantastic teacher - a big talent. Keep it up.

[@Zie_carpentry]

Hello

[@ticovogt]

I’ve watched several of your videos. After forty plus years involved in woodworking as a self-taught professional furniture/cabinetmaker and a tool maker, I still enjoy learning the different approaches to the craft and how folks go about presenting their ways of work. It’s been fun to see how closely the fundamentals and basics processes presented in your series align with the ones I’ve settled into: body positioning in relation to the workpiece, ergonomics, stance, grips, tool sharpening, chisel techniques, halving the waste, etc. It seems, based on your occasional asides, a fair number of responders challenge different aspects of your lessons. It’s regrettable that you have to “defend” anything because all your material is freely offered, knowledge that is well considered and presented in a lively way. I would recommend your video series to anyone wanting to learn solid benchwork skills. Tico Vogt

[@Jizzlewobbwtfcus]

I started building a birdhouse for my father which has taken a few months so far because I'm currently unemployed and can only buy bits here and there each month but I have had a reignition of my artistic side since thinking about starting to study woodwork as a trade profession last year. A lot of this video's tips seem common sense but in reality when one starts an action we often forget the basics and can get complacent. The comment about muscle memory I thought was spot on! Essentially 'good habits'. I honestly wasn't expecting such a fascinating video for just chiseling but you got me mate. Your manner and delivery is GREAT! Good teacher and new sub!

[@howardcameron2551]

Probably the best chiseling video I have ever watched. Very nice job.

[@1pcfred]

Are you saying that Matt is quite the chisler?

[@fjeinca]

I presume that the phrase “choke the chicken” originated as “choke the chisel”, if anyone cares. Good, useful teachings in your videos. 👍 The last two of your vids I watched featured brief instances of ageism. This one doesn’t, thanks (an “old guy” still capable of learning)!

[@paulruud5804]

Pure Estlea at his best. Bravo!

[@paulruud5804]

PS Excellent videography too.

[@thierrylerinckx1340]

It's clear, it makes a lot of sense, it's easy to understand and to remember. What a great teacher! I wish all my teachers had been as good as you. Thank you for this "how2"

[@anthonybiggs7133]

Good to see Matt posting again

[@genecarden780]

In my opinion learning the reasons why to do something is far more important than just learning how. Well done Matt.Btw I have been a woodworker for more than 40 years.

[@john-the-new-guy]

Matt, that was great. Thanks for the effort, very refreshing to have clear explanation without loads of video effects and dumb jokes. I'm retired and just built a workshop at the bottom of the garden to teach myself woodworking. Making sum nice simple stuff so far. As my skill levels go up I'm aiming at some big projects. All fun your tutorials are honest. Thanks again . John in Sussex

[@robertborberg6427]

Thank you so much for diving in to the intricate details of what should be learned first. You truly have the heart of a teacher

[@callmedeno]

Man I've been a beginner in a lot of things and this is possibly the best intro video I've seen, thanks!

[@majinkakashi20]

Much respect bro. Safety is absolutely essential. Life and limb, or rather WITH limb, hopefully, is precious. Dont take it for granted. Great video. Lots of useful information throughout. Live free, and God bless, thanks

[@jmfs3497]

I've learned a lot of the fundamentals by watching your videos, Matt. I didn't even know how to cut a straight line with a hand saw, and I've improved in just a few cuts after watching your vids. I have a better grasp on sharpening chisels, and now I understand more on how to use them. I also now know I could use a rip saw for rip cuts, instead of struggling with what I now know is my cross cut saw.

[@Zie_carpentry]

👍👍👍

[@1pcfred]

The trick to cutting with a saw is knowing how bad you are and staying that far off a line.

[@jmfs3497]

@@1pcfred HAHAHAHAHAHAH. That becomes more and more true the more I practice. Thank you for that laugh. I needed that.

[@1pcfred]

@@jmfs3497 I'm serious. You can take wood off but putting it back on is harder. So I leave a little to either plane or chisel. Because saw marks are kind of harsh anyways. Depending on what I'm doing I might not make a piece the final size until it is in place. Then when it gets planed it fits "perfectly". Precision is a process.

[@jmfs3497]

@@1pcfred Good info. I still have a lot practicing to do to really understand this process. It was still humorous phrasing in the best way, and I will also think more deliberately about exploring it in practice.

[@kirokcarnahan1268]

As a beginning woodworker, these videos are perfect. Simple and extensive explanations of how to do the craft with no assumptions of prior knowledge. I've watched so many other videos that assume I already have some expertise. I don't; yet. Matt, your videos are helping me learn. Thanks!

[@JB-yr3bh]

Seriously, I appreciate how extremely in depth your two videos I watched were. I’m glad I stumbled across your channel. I dropped 5k on woodworking tools and supplies and I’m 6 months into my new hobby. I look forward to watching more of your videos. So much to learn but I love it! Again, thank you!

[@HenkjanDeKaasboer]

Mind. Blown. On using the smaller chisel to chisel away the bulk and using the wider chisel to finish up.

[@skyhawkdown]

I'm so glad you referenced Paul Sellers, I watched his videos before I came across your channel. I'm sure others would agree, I can picture you and Paul each designing and making a project in tandem. Old school vs young blood 🤘

[@paskvil8291]

very well structured, all basic info in one place, thank you!

[@JamesFunkify]

Consistent quality, good sir! You're a natural teacher. Keep going. I find your ideas work well because of your ability to break down concepts into workable chunks. Have a great day!

[@billyblackie9417]

Can you show how to chip back and the chisel hold when removing from a mortice please. I know lots of older people would love to relearn this. I was top in my class in woodwork but forgot most things after leaving school. I'm in my 60s now and trying to do things I learned in woodwork just as a hobby not looking for anything perfect to to be able to achieve a reasonable results would be a big plus. After over forty years and trying to chisel out a mortice every now and again I finally remembered to tap bit by bit on each side like you said small pieces gradually. Bevel away from the line always It just came back to me out of nowhere. You have great teaching skills. Something e could have benefited a lot from if we had it included in our woodwork classes way back when. Thanks a million

[@davidsierra3300]

I've watched this video 3 times now and everytime I learned something new, thank you Matt

[@pjtwelch]

thank you for teaching the fundamentals in a very clear manner without making a beginner feel stupid (that would be ME). I am a new subscriber now!

[@jeremyv2040]

good vid.. Seen a lot of men screw a lot of pc's up by not having what I call common sense but..nicely done.

[@robohippy]

Well, age has it benefits, I knew all of this first, but getting my 'discoveries' confirmed helped reinforce the knowledge I already have. Most of what I have done wood wise is on the lathe, but have made some furniture. Getting ready to delve into hand tools.....

[@vosifle]

Best tutorials on KZbin! Thank you!

[@Rjack25988]

Wow...fantastic instruction...I rode motorcycles for years before taking a safety class...I learned so much more...same here...I've been using chisels for yearss without giving it this much thought...such a valuable lesson...thank you so much.

[@PaulSmith-zs5je]

Love the insights you only get from experience. Saving your viewers much heartache. Great Video.

[@dsslimone]

New to wood working . Love the fundamentals. Dont like videos that speak for half an hour and say nothing. Yours dont. I plan on doing wood work when i retire. Glad to be able to subscribe ro your channel. 🙂

[@chrisholloway4724]

Video Suggestion/Request: How and when to use differently shaped chisels? I ordered a set of vintage Japanese chisels, and they were many sizes and shapes. Some traditional “European” style, some in a slender then wide plume shape, some in a thick beveled square shape. When is each used best? I know there may be videos out there already but I’d rather see Matt’s take.

[@Zie_carpentry]

😊😊😊😊

[@RonDavidowicz]

These type of videos are your real strength! Well done!

[@saramulry]

My favorite part is how you talk about what to do with your body while using a chisel. Demystify woodworking for the masses! 🙌🏼✨

[@helenjohnson7583]

Definitely good body mechanics.

[@bradleytuckwell4854]

Man am I so glad your back to dropping videos again.I don’t think you can get a better Tutorial than that it was well covered and so helpful.thanks for sharing and like I said before so glad your back

[@Zie_carpentry]

Hiii friend

[@Razvan10]

I just discovered your chanel. Great teacher, so many tips and tricks in 25 min, you have a gift to explain and make undertood

[@rayfischer9936]

Matt - really good video. Your teaching style is wonderful. Not only are you imparting knowledge you're doing it in an easy understandable manner. Thanks for the content!

[@Secretsofsushi]

This video is SO well done. Thank you for putting in the extra details!

[@Danny-ul4sq]

I was thinking about that lesson and I reckon that was the most complete, concise, well structured lesson vid I've seen. Can't say much more than that.

[@JimmiWazEre]

I shit you not Matt, this video was just interrupted by a Belvita ad. Gratz man, you made it

[@tajz1]

you are a great wood worker in growing ... good luck .

[@jimeads3460]

Matt, what a great video!! I really liked the tip about chopping the shoulders first, severing the end grains, then pairing the cheeks last. Makes pairing a lot easier. 👌

[@davidlove1887]

Matt, I echo everyone else in sayi g how good it is that you're doi g regular videos again. I really think your KZbin work will explode if you can remain consistent. You're one of the best KZbin teachers I have come across. I consider myself pretty competent but I regularly learn new things from you and often find myself going back to your videos for refreshers. Keep it up!

[@wlmounce]

Love your content! It is pretty embarrassing but I always assumed hand planes often tore out and damaged work. I watched your hand plane video and jeez, I had my planes set up so messed up I don’t know how they cut. Thanks for making good content!

[@garrygiordano4059]

Very thorough tutorial. I’ll need to watch video a few times and use these techniques until they become automatic and habit.

[@Suicaedere666]

Once again, here we have ourselves, another great treasure of a tip.. from the soon to be sir, MattEstlea..absolutely cracking video here brother.. hahaha, rock on M.E and Team, ya'll guys and gals kick serious ass as of late.. definitely keep this up please and please

[@secksualloogie]

really nice video! I've done some hacking at wood with chisels and despite watching a bunch of videos on it, this video honestly pointed out a number of things I've not understood... great stuff!

[@jaqhass]

Thank you. Translating thought to reality is why all too few people are explaining the tools clear enough. Doesn't need to be much. Coupling that with in depth tool-specific videos like this is all it takes. Boom, just like that people watch a second video AND they become able to "translate".

[@sleverlight]

novice woodworker here its so hard to use those man, thank you for the tips will try them out

[@dorsetdumpling5387]

Really enjoying your videos - I like that you don’t just tell us how to do it, but also why you need to do it that way (also took a little while to work out why your vids seemed more ‘natural’ to me than many others - we’re both left handed!)

[@bpt006]

Awesome content. More of this please. Tool by tool.

[@lazyhobo2454]

Another great video Matt, Keep em coming bud!

[@FireAngelOfLondon]

This is the kind of video from you that is most valuable. You're a really good woodwork teacher, keep teaching! Referencing Paul Sellers is a good sign too, most of us can learn a lot from him!

[@Ivo_Serra]

Only you could do a second vídeo on how to chisel, that is even better than the first one. I highly recommend for everybody to see the first video also. It was fundamental on my learning process, and I always come back to these videos from time to time, just to check if I'm doing it well. Thanks for everything you've done!

[@orellinvvardengra6775]

All this seemed second nature to me but I might just chalk that up to previous work experience as a welder and all that jazz. Body positioning is definitely something that I need to work on more. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I love videos that are this in-depth for the most "basic" things. I might naturally know these things but someone with a new found hobby could be entirely unsure of any number of processes. Love your content and I wish you the best of luck with your new project!

[@Denzel1916]

Paul Sellers video you mentioned was great fair play for sending us over there too!

[@simonmills2375]

Mate, I think I might actually be able to get good at this after mullering quite a few chiesels and bits of wood, your detailed video has got me to understand what I was doing wrong. (Everything). Cheers much appreciated

[@DeanBayliss-b4s]

i think you explain things very well

[@markp6062]

Excellent! Very useful and insightful. As I'm just getting started, I find tips/tricks to be like shortcuts in travel. Usually longer and more arduous than just following the path.

[@lincolndickerson1293]

Wow! This is so amazing. Because this all makes sense and so basic in principle I will be able to carry the concepts into the shop without constantly saying “What was that about…?” My eyes are opened and now I cant help but see. Thank you

[@GrantHendrick]

Thank you for so many great tips.

[@flowleopard893]

I am incredibly grateful for your channel. Planers last time and now chisels, thanks for the accurate and above all useful info.

[@chuckmeister6518]

Great tutorial on chisels!

[@JamesKelly89]

I've already cut my finger a couple of times with a chisel not while doing work but while just handling them and not paying attention. I've sharpened them so sharp even the slightest touch against skin will cause a really bad bleed. My current project is covered in blood from just such an incident.

[@ADwOS]

That's a feature - everyone will know it's hand made, and they get to take home some of that hand as a bonus!

[@The_man_himself_67]

Yeah I had a bad encounter with a chisel that has left me with a partially numb finger. Be careful folks.

[@Rocodil]

Thanks Matt, the videos are super nice and helpful. I just started a woodworkers course. They taught me to firstly cut the line with a large chisel. Not deep, but just to carve a proper line. So your work looks always nice when done. Secondly we need to create a small ditch next to the line exactly to prevent the chisel to move. Thirdly you start cutting halves as you explained. The issue is that when you do not start with cutting the line to start with is that when you get to the final end it is much more difficult to put your chisel on the line because you have to work on the edge. Maybe this is a Dutch way (I am Dutch). What do you think?

[@ww89]

I learn a lot today, thank you!

[@hai99noi]

Thank you for the tutorial. Your presentation is very clear and very efficient.

[@alexisgarridotecnologia]

Excellent resource for my high school students. The first year of the curriculum is dedicated to the wood as a technical material. A lot of point to review and highlight in class thanks to this video. Many thanks for share. Best regards from Alicante, Spain.

[@DonnyKanone]

Crazy generous. Thanks dude.

[@johncoops6897]

Great video that covers all the basics. What amazed me is that, whilst I have absolutely zero formal training, I already knew all of this stuff. It was just common sense, so I wouldn't normally have considered that any of it needed explaining. Yet I read from the comments below that many people considered it a revelation!

[@HWCism]

Nice job. No matter who you are, there is always something to learn.👍

[@pjhalchemy]

Well Done Matt! Always a treat to see someone explain really well, the ideas of body mechanics and tool use. Common sense for some and yet we all compromise at times to get it done. Also enjoyed the grain processes and referring to Paul Sellers vid on bevel positioning! Thank You! Love to see more of this from you.

[@legodragon2363]

(3/4 minutes in) Useing your hand to prevent it from cutting to far is something that i actually started doing on my own. I guess it just sort of clicked in my mind as a way to keep consistent cuts when i was woodturning. Just now realized i was doing it

[@jghseraier]

Due to space and noise considerations, I am moving over to using all hand tools. Besides getting quality tools, I find your videos extremely helpful in learning how to use those tools properly. Too often, some woodworking videos take for granted the viewer knows the basics. You clearly teach the basics. Thank you.

[@ddk1298]

Great video, love your expertise and attwntion to details. Pointing out mistakes I make helps me do better next time.

[@Craftsman1984]

head on the nail! exactly what I've been asking for! tips for dummies with over explanation haha

[@TheInternetsBestClips]

I love your videos! thank you for blessing my day

[@ggeog73]

I love your lessons! There are so many videos about sharpening and chiselling that I wonder what else can be said about these topics. The coolest thing is that you can't really add anything else :) But! But you can say it in such a way that you no longer have to look for more lessons. You are a really great teacher.

[@TheSMEAC]

Thanks for the video Matt! I always enjoy the learning and entertainment you bring to us. Practical, no fluff, and direct. I love the woodworking school and your main channel both. Hope your doing well brother!

[@MattEstlea]

Good to hear from you Shannon. Glad you enjoyed it! 👍

[@sbs128]

Excellent. Thank you. Glad you’re back on technique

[@Mark_Provan]

What an absolutely brilliant video. I have learned things i never even considered before. Thank you 👍

[@NiklasEkman42]

Absolutely fantastic video Matt! Great content with a large entertainment value 👌 Had I seen this before cutting my first dovetails...

[@Zie_carpentry]

Salam 🤝🤝🤝

[@1pcfred]

Your first dovetails don't have to be your last dovetails. They're probably not going to be the best dovetails you ever cut if you cut a lot of dovetails too. As dovetails are one of those things that you get better at the more of them you do.

[@NiklasEkman42]

@@1pcfred Thanks for the encouragement! No, they'll not be my last, but hopefully my next will be less crappy than my first, much thanks to Matt :)

[@1pcfred]

@@NiklasEkman42 I'm going to give you some bad advice but it may help you out. It took me a while to come around to this but I think it's right. When you're cutting dovetails try to focus on just what you're going to see when the joint is closed up. Give less weight to the geometric ideal shape of things. You can't see most of a closed up dovetail joint. So just be extra careful with the bits you can see. You can absolutely butcher most of a dovetail and it can look perfect assembled. In fact as you get better at cutting them you may over cut parts of the joint intentionally just to make it easier. The inside bits can be eased a lot for clearance. It's just the joins on the outside that you have to keep tight. And try to bear in mind that wood can compress too. Basically you can cheat. Once it's glued up no one can ever know. You have to make a conscious effort to cheat though. You have to cheat right. It's mental shift from what's perfect to what looks perfect. Because if you're trying to make bits that you can't see perfect it makes getting the parts that have to be perfect harder.

[@SethWilcock]

Phenomenal video. Exactly what I needed. Earned a sub. Thank you!

[@peterwilliams6188]

Hi Matt - thank you for posting these tutorials; they are so beneficial. Peter

[@andabien3]

Excellent information. Excellent presentation: clear and concise.

[@pemtax557]

As always Matt, very informative, well demonstrated and above all entertaining to the point that the 25 minutes flew by. Your videos were the foundation of my chisel skills that I've been employing for a couple of years now and because of it, I'm pretty confident in my chisel skill set. Thanks for the time and effort you put into these videos, there are a lot of us that have benefited greatly because of it. Cheers Mate!

[@Offshoreorganbuilder]

Excellent presentation: Thanks!

[@maierwoodworks]

Absolutely phenomenal presentation. Thank you for all the help as it gives me a lot more confidence in my work

[@Zie_carpentry]

👍👍👍

[@מעייןהמלבלבתחייםםםם]

Thanks, good video, back to the basics

[@gedog77]

Another well structured and well considered post. As a beginner and chisel owner this does more for me than a niche trick. Thank you!

[@Andrea-bw8xm]

Well said...well done. Thanks. Will keep this for future refernce.

[@Onix64]

Very nice splitting grain example

[@juliangreaves4727]

Excellent thanks Matt 😊👍

[@artswri]

Great video, includes all the best techniques, clearly and succinctly. Excellent job, thanks for another fine job!

[@Danny-ul4sq]

Loving it. The only thing wrong with that lesson is it finished. Q Does going too hard on a chisel (having to really whollop it) make it blunt quicker.

[@1pcfred]

The answer to that is a definite maybe. If you're cutting balsa wood with a RC 63 mortise chisel you can wail away on it. If you have a paring chisel and you're cutting into Lignum Vitae the edge may not hold up very long.

[@cathellis6015]

Thank you. I have chisels with very heavy handles which makes them very difficult to hold like a pencil, they are top heavy. I think I need some with lighter handles.

[@tonyyak3990]

Thanks Matt, you’re an excellent teacher and the quality of your videos is top shelf.

[@stevenlarsen1691]

Very well explained. Common sense is not that common. Thank you very much!