How To Use a Chisel (The Correct Method)

In this video, I teach you the principles and fundamentals of accurate, efficient and safe chiselling. Following this simple guidance will skyrocket your skills overnight, with only a few simple changes to your processes here and there.
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RECOMMENDED VIDEOS:
👉How To Sharpen a Chisel
• How To Sharpen a Chise...
👉Bevel Up or Bevel Down (Paul Sellers)
• When to use Bevel up o...
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PRODUCTS RECOMMENDED IN THIS VIDEO:
🔸 My Chisels
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🔸 My Mallets
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🔸 Workbench Plans
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CHAPTERS:
😤 Getting Impatient? Skip to the good stuff below: ⬇️
00:00 Intro
00:37 Don't Be an Idiot
01:27 Postitioning, Stance & Grip
02:00 Stance
02:52 Grip when Paring
04:27 Grip when Chopping
07:02 Line of Sight
09:40 Power Transfer
12:29 Efficiency and Accuracy
12:57 Halving Waste Material
14:56 Chisel Sizing
17:54 Understanding Grain
18:41 Severing Fibres
22:00 Splitting Grain
24:53 Bevel Up vs. Bevel Down
25:12 Outtro
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MY FREE ONLINE COURSES:
🚀 Purchasing and Using Tools Correctly
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WOODWORKING BOOKS I RECOMMEND:
📘 Collins Complete Woodworkers Manual
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📖 Workbenches: Design & Theory to Construction & Use
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📚 The Overstory - My Favourite Fiction Books about Trees
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MY FAVOURITE TOOLS:
🛠️ Knew Concepts Fret Saw
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⬜️ Faithfull Engineers Squares
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🔍 See EVERYTHING I Recommend HERE:
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💌 Monthly Newsletter: mattestlea.com/newsletter/
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🕵️‍♂️ WHO AM I?:
My name is Matt Estlea and I’m a Woodworker from Basingstoke, England. My aim is to make your woodworking less s***.
I come from 5 years of TRAINING at Rycotewood Furniture Centre in Oxford, 5 years of experience WORKING at Axminster Tools and Machinery in Basingstoke, and 3 years TEACHING both day classes and evening classes at Rycotewood Furniture Centre. All while trying to get this KZbin thing off the ground.
By September 2021, I packed it all in to focus on KZbin and my business full-time.
Want to know more about how I crammed all this experience into such a short period of time? See my experience and qualifications here:
🎓 mattestlea.com/blog/my-qualif...
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GET IN TOUCH:
While I take time to read every single message I receive whether it's emailed, DMed or asked publicly on social media, sadly I do not have time to reply to everything. If you have a short message you’d like to send, it’s best to send me a message on Twitter.
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For longer messages, please drop me a message via the contact page on my website.
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PS: Some of the links in this description are affiliate links that I get a lil’ commission from recommending at no extra cost to you. If you’d like to know more about how this works, and what businesses I work with, please read my affiliate disclaimer here:
😑 Affiliate Disclaimer: mattestlea.com/affiliate-disc...

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@Denzel1916]

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

[@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

[@anthonybiggs7133]

Good to see Matt posting again

[@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.....

[@paulruud5804]

Pure Estlea at his best. Bravo!

[@paulruud5804]

PS Excellent videography too.

[@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!

[@garrygiordano4059]

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

[@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

[@sleverlight]

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

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@andabien3]

Excellent information. Excellent presentation: clear and concise.

[@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!

[@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

[@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 🤘

[@eggster71]

Great video as always!

[@lazyhobo2454]

Another great video Matt, Keep em coming bud!

[@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

[@paulone-off7286]

Matt, these videos are so informative and well structured, thanks for the knowledge

[@sbs128]

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

[@Mr_Rick]

Very good Matt. Love the details you point out.

[@dickranmarsupialmusic3184]

Excellent advice throughout!

[@ww89]

I learn a lot today, thank you!

[@DarthSeanious]

Thanks Matt this was super helpful

[@TheInternetsBestClips]

I love your videos! thank you for blessing my day

[@angelaburt3266]

Such a useful tutorial. Thanks

[@chuckmeister6518]

Great tutorial on chisels!

[@glennvidler5837]

Always good tips Matt, there is always something to learn from these tutorials. Well done.

[@user-qg6fy4yp8t]

Thanks, good video, back to the basics

[@SethWilcock]

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

[@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.

[@jimrosson6702]

Great video very helpful thanks

[@m.a.p.5541]

Crazy generous. Thanks dude.

[@Andrea-bw8xm]

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

[@Offshoreorganbuilder]

Excellent presentation: Thanks!

[@cassselwood1566]

Excellent tutorial, just excellent. You’re a gifted teacher Estlea.

[@negotiableaffections]

Great video, watchable, enjoyable and informative, cheers Matt.

[@therelaxingwoodshop7495]

I can honestly say I love your videos. Great educational and fun to watch

[@PHONYJOSEPH]

Great video! Thank you 🙇‍♂️

[@davidsierra3300]

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

[@RonDavidowicz]

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

[@JeanMinutile]

Great video as always!!! You are a very good teacher keep it up!!!

[@tonyyak3990]

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

[@jgo5707]

Absurdly educational

[@mullinstech]

Fantastic tutorial. You never fail to convey knowledge perfectly. Thank You for sharing this!

[@FunoXXX]

Great video! I'm always impressed, that watching your videos I ALWAYS learn something! Thanks :)

[@samtheman0876534]

Great tutorial Matt. I'm really loving the new series of tutorials and I can't wait for more. The principles of reading the grain and choosing the method so helpful, it should help reduce mistakes in the future, thanks Matt

[@vosifle]

Best tutorials on KZbin! Thank you!

[@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.

[@tesuji2000]

great lesson, thanks

[@michaelduke2498]

Brilliant teacher

[@steve6271]

Matt Excellent video I really learned a lot today. Not just how to do things but the reasons why to do them this way. Thanks a bunch and keep up these types of videos

[@justinalang]

Incredible video. Thank you!

[@juliangreaves4727]

Excellent thanks Matt 😊👍

[@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

[@bpt006]

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

[@Secretsofsushi]

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

[@Wolfdude123]

Love these videos it’s really helpful to understand the details of technique very educational I hope I can pass this knowledge on to others

[@artswri]

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

[@bonnywoodinstruments]

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

[@peterwilliams6188]

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

[@flowleopard893]

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

[@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!

[@ddk1298]

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

[@PaulSmith-zs5je]

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

[@steveasula]

Very good tutorial.

[@doyalkrishna5656]

Outstanding video

[@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!

[@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!

[@doughsnakes]

Thank you. I'm learning a lot

[@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!

[@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!

[@hai99noi]

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

[@ruperthartop7202]

Great video Matt, thanks for sharing

[@HenkjanDeKaasboer]

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

[@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.

[@ChrisSmith-fz8ub]

Great Vid Matt, it’s on my saved list, really learnt a lot from you on this

[@tajz1]

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

[@conorlavery4762]

Don't care what the content is...... haven't even read the title...... can't wait to sit back with a coffee and enjoy.......👍

[@catgack]

So well done!

[@frankhill9527]

Great insights and useful chiseling tips.

[@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

[@user-xr2gv3ui6j]

i think you explain things very well

[@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.

[@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. 👌

[@torinhalsey6313]

Wow. Ton of good information here.

[@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!

[@timee16]

Thank you so much for your videos! They have been such a help. The refresh of the vids are on point. I’ll make sure I give something back and purchase some items from your site:)

[@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.

[@Sadowsky46]

Great lesson! Thanks mate! 👍

[@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!

[@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!)

[@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