Cutting a Mortise - Mortise chisel vs bevel edge chisel | Paul Sellers

Paul Sellers demonstrates cutting a mortise joint by hand. He is using a method of showing the inside view of cutting the joint previously shown by Peter Follansbee who attributes it to Roy Underhill. This is to cut the mortise up against a piece of plate glass.
In this demonstration Paul Sellers shows cutting the mortise first with a mortise chisel and then with a bevel edge chisel.

[@Paul.Sellers]

I hope you enjoyed learning more about chisels and mortise joinery. I release regular videos so please subscribe to my channel: kzbin.info

[@charlesegraham662]

Hi Paul ive not done wood work since my school days i'm just starting in wood work at the age of 66 due to a gift of a plane that my father left me when he past away at 94 so I watching how to sharpen and repair a stanley bench plane and I watched your video and it set me off thank you paul ive watched most of your video's now and i'm doing wood chisels and joints so thanks paul from Charles graham

[@The314moses]

That was a great demonstration, thank you. The beveled chisel looks like the way to go to chop out mortises.

[@keenowl1410]

Hi Paul. Superb video as always. There is another guy that says that you want to use a mortise chisel specifically because of the thick parallel sides is used to stabilize the chisel otherwise a normal chisel would want to walk or twist a certain direction with the blows of the mallet. Thoughts? Thanks Paul. Love your teaching.

[@stephenwood3010]

Love your videos Paul but can I ask why don’t you pre drill, them cut out!

[@stephenwood3010]

I fit mortise locks in doors and pre drill then chisel out, is it more controlled when it’s in a vice?

[@AESamuel]

That ending line is one reason I really admire Paul, "See how it works for you" He never tells you that there is only one way of doing things, he simply offers up his perspective and if it helps then that's great.

[@Paul.Sellers]

All the chisels try to twist, especially in softwoods, where the growth rings are so diverse and strong aspects of the two-part ring offers minimal resistance. It is really a question of feeling for and correcting any deviation at the moment and twisting carefully back to course and holding the position diligently every time.

[@sigaso28]

3 min on that second mortise, it takes me longer than that just to get off my ass and plug in my router. You sir are the Bob Ross of woodworking

[@solidstatejake]

idk if that’s a complement lol

[@sumnerhayes3411]

I just cut my first mortise, a 3/4" wide mortise using a 1/4" wide chisel. Came out okay, but took 1 hour 45 minutes. Watching this showed me that both my technique was awful and having an appropriate chisel width is crucial. Amazing demonstration. Also, Paul seems like a gentleman who would never stab his teacher in the back and steal credit the way Bob Ross did to William Alexander.

[@SD_makes]

I watch this video every time I'm about to spend money on a mortise chisel.

[@hardenpt2522]

🤣🤯

[@azielce]

Same

[@WorkingViews]

The good set of bevel edge chisels are really all you need. Really depends on what you make. The only time i've seen paul use anything but a bench chisel is on thin long mortises.

[@RGRGJKK]

Pura vida me too hahaahha but I want to practice paul's mortising technique

[@jaapgoddijn]

😂😂😂😂😂 That is just the funniest comment ever!!

[@neil6477]

Paul - not only are you a consummate craftsman but your are one hell of teacher - a very rare combination. PLUS you are inspirational- I am 65, retired and haven't done any woodwork since I was 14 but I sure want to try and learn. Thank you so much!

[@jeffbanfieldsflwr3537]

Empty Head do it man, don't wait another min.

[@ildefonsogiron4034]

2023. You may be 71 by now. Tell us about your experiences. Hope you are well.

[@neil6477]

@@ildefonsogiron4034 I tried - it didn't work though. No matter how many times I attempted to make a simple joint, I still ended up with tear outs and a loose fit. After about a year or so, I gave up. 😞

[@ildefonsogiron4034]

@@neil6477 The good news is you are still around and maybe you've found another motivations or hobbies. I am really really glad you answered me. Like yourself, I also tried my hand at making a couple mortises and I partially succeeded but, instead of half an hour, it took me a whole day. Best regards.

[@skylerbrycesmith]

This video was exactly what I needed! I was seriously struggling with mortises and after watching this video once I went our to the garage and cut a perfect mortise. You Sir, are a saint!

[@pauloreyfigueiredo]

after watching more than 10 videos on the subject, that view trough the glass really helped me out. you are simply a awesome teacher

[@nicholashaniotis3508]

I watched this at 2x speed to get a better idea of the method and how it progresses. It helped see each cut/stroke and how they flow from start to finish. It's also fun to listen to Paul's voice as he sounds young and energetic hehe

[@Pasquali369]

Thank you, Paul Sellers, for the excellent training videos. As a retired person on a limited income, I truly appreciate these videos as they allow me to learn how master woodworkers are able to achieve such incredibly good results without expensive power tools.

[@kathleenbasieiwcz4636]

Paul, you are my hero. I am a 66-year-old female, and just starting to put my workshop together. I have been a machinist for 14 yrs, but never really worked with wood. This is my retirement dream to keep my busy and young. I love the way you teach and explain everything. I just know that I have a future in woodworking with your videos to aid me.

[@stepheneyles2198]

There's hope for me yet then. I want to have a workshop but in rented accommodation. Have to wait a few more years I guess... :-)

[@JacksterDude12]

@@stepheneyles2198 I live in a rented semi detached council house over in the UK, and let me tell ya it's definitely possible to do hobbyist level woodwork, I'm even planning on building a workbench tomorrow. I'm lucky enough to have a modest garden, so I do all my work out there in the day (so there isn't any noise complaints). I've practiced making mortise and tenon joints on cheap Pine without a bench, admittedly I had to get creative when holding/clamping the workpiece down, so having a bench will make that easier. Don't be afraid of softwoods, Pine holds up pretty well for joinery. Just make sure your chisel is sharp! Anyway, just wanted to say that it is possible and good luck!

[@johnbesharian9965]

As they say: "You go, girl!"

[@hermit84]

@@stepheneyles2198 You can and should start now already - otherwise you might lose your interest. And you might rocognize that more years of woodworking are more better ;) With silent and almost dust-free handtools you can also start on a balcony, in the backyard, in front of your door or even in the kitchen. It is not as comfortable as working in a shop but it might even be more fun plus you get fresh air ;)

[@twh7011]

I appreciate the time you taken to make all of these videos. It's nice to see someone honor the hands on approach to woodworking. Keep making these videos. Thank you!

[@SirWhiteRabbit-gr5so]

Seeing the action of either-style chisel behind glass really helps understand what the cutting edges are doing.

[@martijnbeulens2241]

At first i did not want to subscribe, but after watching this video. I've got deep respect for your 50 years of experience. It just shows.

[@Paul.Sellers]

You are welcome and I am glad to bring some clarity.

[@Paul.Sellers]

Before I reach the end I turn the chisel around so that the flat face of the chisel approaches the vertical with about 4-5 angled cuts with each one moving toward the perpendicular and the last cut is perpendicular with the large flat face if the chisel creating the perfect wall.

[@ChuckCoy]

It's this kind of how to videos that makes me love youtube so much. Nice job and thanks! You have my subscription.

[@derekmbook]

The Bob Ross of woodwork. It is so satisfying to watch your work, how patient you are. You teach us all to be as patient and steady. You are a treasure.

[@sendittozach]

Mr. Sellers, I would be willing to bet that when you said you had taught 3500 people how to do this, that that number has substantially increased by the hundreds of thousands thanks to your worthwhile, instructive, and easy to follow straight forward videos. Thank you for sharing this time honored craft. I picked up a single chisel a few months ago and never looked back. I now have several beautiful and functional antique tools that I found at pawn shops and flea markets, and the joinery you have taught have been admired by many. Thank you for your time and effort, as well as your dedication. This is something that will become part of my legacy, just as it is yours. Thanks again.

[@MrVanhoden]

See I'm not english and only recently began my carpentry apprenticeship but I bet my life that when he sais teaching the use of a chivel it means that he stood over these boy and gals and watched their every move. That's the reason he didn't include viewership numbers, the man is not dumb he just has some very strict principles.

[@anthonythibodeau81]

Awesome demonstration! Paul you are the best ! Thank you for being who you are!

[@pedrosarkissian1937]

Paul, you are like Michelangelo using the chisel. Please never stop with this videos, I'm learning from you. Congratulations!!!

[@lokinya]

From a 10 minute video to a life long skill. I was fitting some doors at my brothers house and while doing the mortises for the strike plates with this technique I suddenly remembered this video where I learned it years ago. Thank you for that!

[@eduardo_k]

I’m a novice at best. While I “know” how how furniture is built, I lack the techniques to do it well. This video has been a tremendous help for me. I have a power router I can use to cut mortises quickly, I don’t have dust collection and it makes a huge mess. I use a bevel chisel and find using this technique for cutting mortises slower and more enjoyable than zipping them out with my 2 1/2 hp router. Thanks for posting this video!

[@briarfox637]

@ 8:53 is my favorite part. The bevel just rides against the wall all the way down. Paul, I am so grateful that you post these videos. I've purchased your dvd's as soon as I found out about you and have been woodworking with hand-tools for only about 3 months. I'm in the process of building your bench. It has been great and your experience has definitely helped me seem more experienced. Hopefully one day, I can make it out to Northern Wales and work alongside of your instruction in a class setting.

[@matthegedus6513]

Thanks Paul! I watched this video when I first started woodworking last January. It helped me a great deal but after rewatching it I realized I've been doing it wrong! It's always great to learn from you. I appreciate the lessons!

[@haroldschultz5864]

Mr . Sellers , as soon as I watched this video I went straight away to my wood shop and grabbed the first piece of scrap wood I could find . Within minutes I realized all of the other techniques I'd used beforehand were colossal wastes of time . You have my sincere gratitude . God bless you .

[@jlinkels]

I know viewers often comment that Paul makes his techniques look so easy. Well I can tell you if you follow Paul's guidelines and techniques it IS easy. My first few mortises using this method were adequate, not great. However they improved quickly and now I don't even know how to cut mortises differently. This is a great instruction.

[@YolotLanda]

Excelente demostración, gracias señor Paul.

[@gazpal42]

Tape can be fixed to the chisel blade as a rough depth gauge, or a combination square with the rule set to your working depth. The downside to using tape is it tends to wear away or wrinkle up and needs re-setting fairly often, so instead I'd recommend marking the blade using a marker pen.

[@ForestWoodworks]

Y'all I've watched so many of Paul's videos lately! For about a year and a half I've been totally consumed by my table saw restoration project, but now that I'm nearing the finish line I will soon be able to start actually woodworking. Yes, the table saw is a machine, but I'm also interested in hand tools, so here I am watching a 10 year old video that's just as relevant and absolutely golden. i❤it!

[@ioannisalexopoulos8748]

As always, excellent video and narration! Mr Sellers, you are a master craftsman, and a superb teacher to many of us. Thank you for sharing this upload!

[@CherryzB]

Wow. I clicked on this video not realizing that it offered a solution to a problem I never knew I had. Awesome!

[@TheMayflowerPilgrem]

Thanks for all the advice. Means alot to people who have to learn everything on their own. Been dabling in woodworking for 2 years now. I've built a few boxes and stands all with my hands and feet. No power tools no bench.

[@evantoli5636]

Thanks. I really appreciated how simple and quick this method is. So much faster to learn from someone truly experienced. Thanks.

[@fightingamaish1017]

Mr. Sellers you have changed my life. Thank you, you are an excellent teacher.

[@drysdale1979]

I am brand new to wood-working and I would like to thank you for taking the time to produce this video. I have been trying to teach myself to cut mortice and tenons from a book. I have particularly struggled to cut a neat mortice. Since following the method you describe I have cut my best mortice so far in a fraction of the time. Improving is so rewarding. I find your resources inspiring and have found a real passion to improve my skills and keep learning. Thank you. I am very grateful.

[@maxgonzalez777]

Master Sellers what an inspiration you are to us all

[@davidbutts8642]

Paul, thanks for the excellent video. I now understand much better what you were demonstrating in your other videos on mortises and tenons. The glass wall idea was a terrific visual aid . . . and used very effectively by a great instructor.

[@danhessler]

That was an amazing demonstration with the glass. Thank you!

[@John-eq7fm]

another great video Paul & expertly done i've been a carpenter for 15 years every time i watch one of your videos it helps take my carpentry & joinery to the next level.

[@drtomasdds]

clean right angles, gets me in the feels every time

[@Yimi410]

Thank for sharing Paul!! You’re my go to for woodworking videos

[@dmbadcat]

Work of a true professional.

[@TomKaren94]

As a 45-year woodworker I can say that this is one of the best instructions I have ever gotten. What a revelation.

[@peterh9907]

Thank you Paul for making this video and sharing your knowledge.

[@kurtgoodwin9490]

The visualization here is great - I'll go try this today while it's fresh in my mind. Paul is a great teacher because of his clear descriptions, but also because he really knows his craft. Some of the "how-to" channels don't by some fresh youngster can be a lot of fun, and I enjoy them, but it's not the same as learning from someone who's practiced his craft for years on different pieces, different materials, different tools. This has quickly become my #1 learning channel. thanks very much, Paul.

[@KTK4321]

Excellent demonstration. It's amazing to see that the bevel edge chisel leaves a smoother finish, reaches the corners better and does the job faster. Thanks a lot Paul for sharing this very insightful VDO. Cheers, Kem

[@5lowethechamp964]

I have never considered woodworking as a source of fun and entertainment until i saw steve ramsy videos, when i viewed paul sellers' i sort of dropped the machines and picked up planes and chisels and the sharpening station. Thx paul

[@caerlynn7942]

I saw this technique in 2012 when it came out. I use it ever since. there ain't no better way, thanks Paul!!!

[@adampeplau3998]

Without ever seeking instruction on mortise cutting this is exactly how I attempted and achieved cutting my first mortise and find this style very controlling and comfortable. Thanks Paul

[@sagecouncil]

Paul, thanks for showing me how! I really appreciate you passing on your experience.

[@samp4656]

begginer here. I just did my firsts mortises thanks to you. It was across the grain though, first one ended too wide. I took a narrower chisel for the others and it ended ok. 40mn for the first one (with pauses to re-check the vidéo). It took 20minutes for the others. Thanks again for your instructions.

[@The-nn6kr]

A fantastic example of why i do certain things the old school way....coming from a machinist background I was all about machines, but after watching carpenters like Paul I realized that actually the old way is often so much faster....he had that mortise chopped b4 I could even set up a router Paul Sellers sir you are living legend thanks for your videos

[@robertwilson4704]

I am so new to working with hand tools I didn't even know that there was a different type of chisel for mortise work. thanks for the lesson. very informative and interesting to know about all the old tools out there.

[@jlq2752]

The chopping with the bevel edge chisel is still the best that I have seen. Done with the least amount of chop possible. The key is turning the chisel around when going back to the starting line and using the bevel of the chisel to pry out the waste. I've watched about a dozen mortise chopping videos and no one does it like Paul.

[@seanporter113]

I refer to your videos over anyone else’s. I consider you to be the benchmark for all hand tool woodworking. There has never been a video of yours that I haven’t learned multiple things. This even though I have woodworked for over 20 years.

[@duklyful]

Thank you for this informative instructional on a fundamental joinery skill.

[@maryc8070]

Holy cow! Great tutorial. Never ever would have attempted one without using the drill press, but after seeing that, I may find the courage yet. Many thanks for sharing your talents.

[@bruce7595]

Thanks Paul. This video was an excellent demonstration.

[@thomasarussellsr]

Paul Sellers, The Great and Powerful Oz, of woodworking. "We're not worthy". you rock for offering so much masterful information to us mere learners and apprentices, for free, in a medium where we can go back and review as often as we want. Gof bless you sir. I see why so many channels refer to you.

[@DanielGomes-gk2nz]

Geniusly explained!

[@pjculbertson55]

Darned impressive demonstration!

[@ecaff9515]

The first one I completed was a bit rough, however, the next one I started to see what I need to do and also, what I should not do. Excellent video and process. Thank you for sharing.

[@edwinmiranda8174]

Paul After watching ur video . You gave me hope with the right technique how to use a chisel and at the same time a better understanding why is so important to sharp the chisel with the right technique too. I have respect for ur wisdom in carpentry.

[@tykerthereto9041]

Thank you Mr. Paul sellers. I've learned so much from your video's.

[@MrBjeun]

absolutely love this vid. i am a beginner myself and just the fact that i don't need to buy an extra tool on it's own is great. plus the technique works just fine for me

[@Chogogo717]

This was really helpful. I am working in building my first table for a friend. It’ll be an 8 person farmhouse style, and I wanted to make a couple of through tenons with wedge locks in the skirt to help support the top and make it a little more sturdy. I was afraid I’d have to go buy more chisels, and that’s not really an option for me right now being off work. Being able to work with what I’ve got is great. Much appreciated!

[@mikewilliams2419]

I love the video! I have to make four farm tables and I'm to the point of cutting my mortise and tenons! Thank you again and stay blessed!

[@twistn-grips]

Mr. Paul Sellers, I'm not sure if you actually read these comments, but if so, I would like to personally thank you for giving your time to put out these videos showing your AMAZING woodworking skills with HAND tools. You have a way of explaining the things you're doing and just your calm, laid back, personality makes it a PLEASURE to sit and watch. You sir, are someone I would LOVE to meet learn from. This is something I'm just VERY recently trying out and of ALL the other videos I've come across on KZbin, you are and ALWAYS will be my go to. Cheers from a little town in South Louisiana WAAYYY in the southern USofA

[@JayCWhiteCloud]

Hello Paul, I was referenced here by a student for his own guidance and understanding... Over all, I think your demonstration of chopping a mortise with two different types of chisels is a wonderful educational tool..most excellent! You validate just enough to establish specific expertise, and offer this method as your view compared to other's modalities. If I may respectfully offer...this is a traditional method... and the way I was taught by Old Order Amish and since those days long past, have seen mortise chopping done in very similar fashion countless times with a number of chisel types in several different wood cultures. You are in excellent company by that standard. In general (and from my observations)...mortise chopping...is an individual skill set of the Master, their material and work style with the tool type or style dictating a given approach. My only actual critique (if I may offer one) is that the mallet/hammer selection for the heavy mortise chisel was not well matched or in balance to its form and style of use typically. For that heavy style of mortise chisel employed first, a much more robust hammer/sledge is what would traditionally be used, and with much heavier blows. Grant you I am a Timberwright, and use a 3lb (and sometimes 4lb) Metal Mallet/Sledge used by carvers. This speaks to style and traditional approach. Again, much thanks for your video, and what you do for the craft!

[@sdjnwhyNZ]

Thank you, Paul. From you, I finally know some real culture of UK.

[@hokaidosax]

Excellent explanation and teaching method! I’ve been watching your videos and learnt a ton from you! Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge Paul!

[@gillianburns933]

Really great video, made a difficult job for an amateur so much easier with some simple tips. Definitely worth following.

[@ThGoSies]

Thank you, Paul - both methods are very spectacular; as a newbie I start the second method first. The ending performance indicators offer excellent motivation to my work: highly appreciated! Kind regards from Hungary

[@as1erix]

You, Genius of woodworking. Thanks a Lot to share tour knowledge.

[@johnbull5394]

This changed my life when I was building my post and rail fencing with interlocking wedged tenons last year. Saved me so much time. I had bought an auger bit to help drill out the mortises and then discovered your bevel down technique was quicker and easier. Thank you!

[@SuperDeinVadda]

well thats actually basic knowlege and can be found in any carpentry book atleast in mine :P

[@johnbull5394]

Lucky you! My books all had me chiselling from the centre out with the chisel perpendicular. What is the title of your book - sounds like a good one.

[@SuperDeinVadda]

german one :P there is also a wepsite (also in german) showing all joints step by step including nice techniques

[@johnbull5394]

And you won't show me a link to that either presumably. Oh well, we did win the world cup once though at least :S

[@SuperDeinVadda]

i thought you could type those things in yourself :P

[@kevinm8865]

You have a new subscriber in me sir! Thank you for sharing this and showing us newbies (and vets) that you don't have to buy super-expensive tools to do woodworking. It's disheartening for me starting out to read in the forums most people saying "just bite the bullet and buy Lie-Nielsen" quality chisels and planes. Starting out, I don't want to shell out $150 for three chisels when a basic chisel set will do. I look forward to consuming your other content and learning these skills because I want to have hard skills I can pass onto next generations. Thanks Paul for your passion and wisdom!

[@iestynjones5796]

Brilliant video. Thanks for posting.

[@TheSage1984]

Thank you Paul I enjoy your videos very much! Keep them coming.

[@dr.christianrapp]

Thank you so much Paul! That was the last bit I was missing from the longer video on the three joints (mortise and tenon).

[@738polarbear]

I use bevel edged bench chisels all the time . I have a nice set of mortice chisels but they are only use on BIG ,and I mean BIG,joinery . Excellent teaching video .he does not force his ideas on you ,he always leaves it up to you.

[@scottroy6195]

Thank you thank you thank you. I don't have a mortise chisel and didn't know what to do. Love the use of glass so we can really see what is going on

[@boywonder6659]

I could watch this all day.

[@winstonfraser7784]

Good night Sir it's the high technical of our TEACHER Mr Paul Sellers

[@MrWoody135]

Great video, as usual Paul. "Make your own mind up".........I wish I had the diplomacy that you have. Great technique, simply demonstrated. Oh if it were all quite so simple.

[@jimmeigs623]

What a thrill to learn this!!! Works like a dream!

[@jimporter3414]

Thanks Paul, a very good video.

[@thomashanson6607]

I sure wish I had found your videos when I started serious woodworking 11 years ago. I would have save many hours of trial and error on dovetails and mortises. I'm certain I have much more to learn here. Thanks so much.

[@brotherlove100]

excellent presentation, well done. Thankyou for posting this.

[@jeffdeluca1153]

I like that you think outside the box and don't allow tradition to stifle your creativity! Nice mortises!

[@battarangman3265]

Great demonstration!

[@mixpotato23]

Thank you for teaching! I learnt something today. Will help a lot in my practice.

[@JorgeAraujo]

Started a new project today… A Morris chair, and I needed a good way to make all the mortises necessary and I have started to use this method and by my 3rd one its amazing how good my mortises are coming out using this method with a bevel chisel. Really amazing video and great tutorial.

[@lgallant]

I agree, by my 3rd one, I was flying along too!

[@andrewharmon7929]

I always come back to this video!

[@lgallant]

Love the bevel-edge chisel method that I've learned from Paul! Amazing how quick and clean it is!

[@whenwillwesail]

Wow. You are fantastic. What workmanship. Great videos.

[@fruitbread3250]

Just started a joinery course. Wow you really are an artist. Very nice watching you make this look so easy.

[@sigogglin]

As a visual person that side view was so helpful.

[@bedevere007]

Awesome!!! I'm saving this video on my favorites

[@bati800]

Thank you for the excellent and awesome training demonstration. thanks for sharing god pless you