What can you do with a chisel?

Learn how to use the chisel: the most versatile tool in your shop!
More video and exclusive content: / rexkrueger
Affordable chisel options! (Scroll down for affiliate links)
Narex True Imperial Chisels: amzn.to/2SBKsYc
(My favorite affordable chisels)
Narex Metric Chisels: amzn.to/3uIHfUS
(Same blades; beech handles; metric widths.)
Irwin Blue Chisels: amzn.to/3uG0lv2
(Affordable, reliable. This is the set I use for homemade tools like my rabbet plane.)
Grebskt Chisels: amzn.to/3vWu6Ib
(Ultra-cheap; totally decent. I used these for my handle-making video. For the price, they're pretty great.)
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Related Videos:
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• Make cheap chisels AMA...
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Use your chisels to make these tools!
Router Plane
• Make a router plane fr...
Rabbet Plane
• Make a rabbet plane fo...
Grooving Plane
• Cut perfect grooves wi...
Get the plans for all of these and more!
www.rexkrueger.com/store/spec...
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Wood Work for Humans Tool List (affiliate):
Cutting
Gyokucho Ryoba Saw: amzn.to/2Z5Wmda
Dewalt Panel Saw: amzn.to/2HJqGmO
Suizan Dozuki Handsaw: amzn.to/3abRyXB
(Winner of the affordable dovetail-saw shootout.)
Spear and Jackson Tenon Saw: amzn.to/2zykhs6
(Needs tune-up to work well.)
Crown Tenon Saw: amzn.to/3l89Dut
(Works out of the box)
Carving Knife: amzn.to/2DkbsnM
Narex True Imperial Chisels: amzn.to/2EX4xls
(My favorite affordable new chisels.)
Blue-Handled Marples Chisels: amzn.to/2tVJARY
(I use these to make the DIY specialty planes, but I also like them for general work.)
Sharpening
Honing Guide: amzn.to/2TaJEZM
Norton Coarse/Fine Oil Stone: amzn.to/36seh2m
Natural Arkansas Fine Oil Stone: amzn.to/3irDQmq
Green buffing compound: amzn.to/2XuUBE2
Marking and Measuring
Stockman Knife: amzn.to/2Pp4bWP
(For marking and the built-in awl).
Speed Square: amzn.to/3gSi6jK
Stanley Marking Knife: amzn.to/2Ewrxo3
(Excellent, inexpensive marking knife.)
Blue Kreg measuring jig: amzn.to/2QTnKYd
Round-head Protractor: amzn.to/37fJ6oz
Drilling
Forstener Bits: amzn.to/3jpBgPl
Spade Bits: amzn.to/2U5kvML
Work-Holding
Orange F Clamps: amzn.to/2u3tp4X
Screw Clamp: amzn.to/3gCa5i8
Get my woodturning book: www.rexkrueger.com/book
Follow me on Instagram: @rexkrueger

[@yomamma6756]

Thanks internet dad #45,546 you are helping people like me whose dads hobby was bad weed, avoiding the repo man unsuccessfully and hanging out with other smelly men who couldn’t afford their own cigarettes and always had to share.

[@Clem68W]

...damn mooches...

[@josuecaleb5053]

@@Clem68W damn scots

[@lindrajane1884]

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.

[@kyronnewbury]

Rex and Rex have great on screen chemistry. I hope Rex brings Rex back some time soon.

[@michaelritchie7703]

I don't know how Rex is so relatable. But I always love watching his videos. It's like I'm talking to a friend in their home or my dad is explaining how stuff works. I've learned so much watching this channel in the last two years and I cannot get enough.

[@ALCRAN2010]

And now there's two Rexesses! Lol

[@TheLamer5000]

He actually looks striking like my oldest brother, just with a very different voice. Makes it almost uncanny to watch, but his content is still great anyway

[@Ackbarfangirl]

Plus he doesn’t condescend. He understands if you don’t know the rules/principles you wouldn’t know something right off, like chisels.

[@marcelomeza4017]

@@ALCRAN2010 xh

[@guyprolly]

I was thinking the same thing: he teaches whilst talking like your mate. Love it.

[@kevinonbass44]

What's better than Rex Krueger? TWO Rex Kruegers!

[@Amanda_Harper]

I was delighted to see you cover the bevel up/down question. I already knew it, but so few creators bother to explain it so clearly with excellent examples. Just wanted to applaud a far above average educator.

[@BradsWorkbench]

What am i, harry potter? 😄

[@fletchro789]

"It's like hitting the top of the Eiffel Tower!" Good hyperbole.

[@ardenthebibliophile]

See Rex DEFINITELY NOT looking at a recording of himself to time the split cut as best he can 🤣

[@RexKrueger]

I was NOT. i did it live!!!

[@paulmaryon9088]

Another great vid, thanks Rex keep up the good work and stay safe

[@Zolbat]

I loved chisels long before I had some. Recently bought a really cheap set at my local hardware store and already got some quite satisfying use out of them, learning some of the tricks you've shown here. They're my favourite tool and it's just so nice to get a great surface with a simple tool like that

[@davidsneddon2242]

“This video is about what’s possible more than how too” Rex this throwaway comment sums you up, I’ve watched a few of your videos now and I have to say you are a very gifted communicator but and more importantly you are a skilled technician in the art of woodworking. The dexterity in your hands is remarkable for such a young guy, either you are perfect mimicker or this is a practiced skill set, either way you impart knowledge better than most and for that I thank you. Please continue to educate in your own erudite way. Be safe my friend. This a genuine affidavit from a (old) novice at your feet.

[@cashel1111]

wow that double conversation was very well done, great timing

[@bonzai2oo]

The stack of drinking straws really helped me visualize the wood grain and what will happen with the 4 cuts chisels make. You're a great educator Rex! Thanks again.

[@groupsphera]

Made a workspace for myself in my parents' shed. The whole process can be divided into "before" and "after" I bought the chisel. I've used this for just a few elements, but how beautiful and docile the wood under chisel. The work was similar to the song and I got carried away a few times. Fortunately, the result of the work was within acceptable limits.

[@rexcrabb]

Thanks for the great intro to the chisel, Rex!

[@ADPuckey]

Fantastic video! Can't wait to apply this next time I'm in the shop!

[@Traquan]

Such an informative video. I really enjoy your videos and I'm learning a ton. Keep up the great work!

[@thesweetone]

Awesome video, perfect timing too, I need to trim up a piece I'm working on today was trying to figure how to do it... now to be done with a chisel.

[@270jonp]

As someone only a couple months into my journey, I have found I love chisel work more than anything else. I would love some short videos on using them. Carving could also be a cool thing to move into afterwards but doesn't seem like it would be as popular.

[@Caromaros]

Definitely seconding a series of short videos about just what in general you CAN DO with a chisel, as someone still learning I often spend a lot of time trying to figure out which tool I should be using for a certain thing, but so much can be done with chisels to much the same end result as anything else

[@ironheadrondo5596]

Sometimes I think how old guys like to whittle, and if I start now and just whittle a little then by the time I'm grown I could own all my friends at the retirement home Rhett or Link (I don't know which ones which, the one with lighter brown shorter hair, taller) "I'm a thoughtful guy" Paraphrased, they incorporate the word hone somehow, as in honing a skill Your comment made me think of that.

[@davogifman542]

Look into "Mary May" wood carving/sculpting. She is badass!

[@Some1special]

Great video, I really appreciate the depth and scope of your explanations. It really helps to better understand the ways a tool can function.

[@trewyatt2159]

I am always patiently waiting on another video and look forward to them. I know it takes time to make these, but I wish they came out more often. I love your videos Rex, thanks man.

[@RexKrueger]

It really takes the whole week. Thanks for being patient.

[@randazzoworld8940]

The straws analogy is the best, I was taught that when i started and I even use it myself when I teach! Btw I always tell my students to watch your channel !🤣😇

[@brentmoseley3176]

Man, this is amazing!! Can't wait to start practicing with my new chisels! Had no idea you could do so much. Thanks Rex for the incredibly done videos - you are a natural teacher!

[@coreygrua3271]

“Hi. I’m Rex...and this is my other brother Rex.” Clever, as usual

[@foos.998]

Great video, Rex. I didn’t know how much I didn’t know about chisels!

[@kassiog.6595]

I was in need of some chisel's, including some for carving wood sheaths, some rounded blades , and i couldn't find good quality ones anywhere near me, so i started forging them, now i have a nice set of hand forged chisels

[@YahushuaMessiah777]

Best visual explanation of wood grain ever, thank you so much!

[@lrochfort]

This was excellent. There are many videos on this subject, but very few that are as informative and illustrative as this

[@Robin-rr2ue]

Great intro to the world of chisels

[@tayriggles]

Thank you this is very helpful for 4 upcoming projects I'm working on

[@subyhandstands285]

Your tutorials and edits are incredible.

[@TrikeRoadPoet]

solid advise and clear usage illustrating the point with clarity, many thanks for all the work to teach us fumble fingers!

[@isaacplaysbass8568]

Fantastic use of straws as a teaching tool to illustrate how the cuts relate to the fibres! Very smart :)

[@sindarpeacheyeisacommie8688]

I have GOT to learn to sharpen my tools that well!

[@awatt]

Re your comment on the ergonomics of the chisel. An engineer I had a lot of respect for used to talk about tools "coming to hand" which I thought was a wonderful phrase that summed the whole thing up nicely.

[@OtterBeSwimming]

Great video, thank you, something I will watch over again I expect. I also like that it isn't the cost of the tool that matters but how it is made and how one takes care of it. Keep up the great work.

[@larsfrandsen2501]

One of the greatest teachers I have watched. Bravo!

[@bluenoser1567]

Great topic and well executed. The editing was a 'hoot'. Fun way to learn ... Cheers

[@ryanvess6162]

This episode should do well, hats off to the man

[@DavZell]

I've watched a bunch of chisel videos and this one is very good. I also like that Rex shows some "mistakes" and comments on them.

[@karlkinder8952]

I like this video style and make up. Its as though it highlights what is really necessary and what one should pay attention to. Also, it defines the takeaways named in the video.

[@L0STH1K3R]

I just bought some chisels! Ended up getting Stanley sweet heart chisels.

[@murraypotts924]

I have the Narex Rictor chisels and love the fit and feel and they hold there edge well. Bought them after watching James Wright's video on testing chisels.

[@rjmac3001]

Amazing video and it's like you read my mind lol. Just got a set of Stanley bailey chisels. Been using some buck bros my dad gave me but they were already about 15 years old so the handles were beginning to crack.

[@lisakennealy1695]

Loved that. Thanks Rex! I was setting D shaped hinges this week. Interesting... As far as I know there's no video on that shape of hinge and it's a chiselly workout. Be nice to see.

[@geraldetto3404]

Great video on how to use chisels!

[@copperhead228]

Your channel is one of my favorite's when it comes to learning about woodworking. I never really understood the purpose of chisels. But I learned so much from this one video. I just want to say thank you!

[@DanDDirges]

Excellent video Rex! Would love to see you carve a wood spirit with chisels!

[@no_handle_required]

This is exactly the video I needed. I'm hooked on chisels now but I had no idea what to "really" do with them.

[@ClownbaretTV]

I haven't even started to build anything just gathering information from videos and getting my tools ready. Just yesterday I was thinking... so I'm going to try to sharpen my cheap chisels... and then what?. Thank you for another great video. Enjoying your channel very much. I'd love to see these small chisel videos.

[@ianmoore2850]

This is one of the best ways I've ever been taught via KZbin heck yea thank you

[@robinmarwick1982]

Another great, entertaining and very helpful video... thanks Rex.

[@jtelevenoyd1571]

Wonderfully lucid video, and easily the best overview of bevel up / bevel down I've ever seen. Then I looked at your existing list of videos. You, sir, have a new subscriber.

[@JamesWilliams-en3os]

Great video. I love my chisels.

[@jfitzpatrick3763]

Rex, I love your videos and have for a while now. I have learned so much from you and appreciate your recommendations, your relatability, and your humor. I’ve noticed that sometimes when using hand tools you have on PPE and sometimes you don’t. Would you please consider doing a video about woodworking with hand tools and PPE? I can’t find a lot of information on this topic on the web; most of it seems geared toward power tools. Thank you!

[@annscrazyworld2576]

I'm new to your channel and really enjoying your videos. I'm a relatively new woodworker that has recently graduated from hobby projects for friends and family to actual clients and a growing woodworking business. I really appreciate your knowledge and teaching techniques. Thanks!

[@Klarinet2011]

Hey Rex! I wish I had watched this video before I made some breadboard ends for a bench project. I’d love to see you tackle that with hand tools and give us your tips on it. Mine, um, had to go through some “repairs” before the ends were done. I cut the mortise and tendon with chisels though! It was a blast to try.

[@adamwilks]

Superb video. As always. Thanks for sharing.

[@uncut_cowboy]

Rex, may I suggest some KZbin shorts of the chisel techniques? I really like the format and I would love to see your channel in that feed. Thanks for all the work, dude! You have seriously changed my life.

[@briancohen-doherty4392]

Yes to chisel videos! I'd love to see you splurge on intermediate chisel finishing skills, and how to work on various woods with the same technique (if possible). Maybe do a fancy japanese locking mortice to show off your skills?!

[@MrMander87]

I thought I knew how to use chisels, but I learned more techniques today! Thanks!

[@cheryldawkins7486]

I bought Narex Richter chisels after seeing several you tubers recommend them. Several said they flat when they arrived. I found the same thing you did these chisels are not flat.

[@craigbowman1656]

Thanks Rex, as usual a very good vid

[@daveturnbull7221]

This has to be the best intro ever! Even if I hated woodwork I'd be subscribed to Rex for the pure entertainment but being a sawdust addict I keep learning stuff while getting entertained. If I ever win the lottery Rex is going to be top of the list of folks to get a share. Awesome entertainer and fantastic educator.

[@CSGraves]

Something that helped me figure out my bevel-up/down cuts was thinking of the bevel as acting like a fulcrum, allowing more control over the depth & direction of cut when bevel-down, or wedging material away aggressively when bevel-up.It's funny how a lot of these basics just emerge naturally as common sense when you dive in to work with wood. But then there's always the more subtle techniques Rex & others show that I wouldn't have thought of with my very limited experience that give one an 'A-HA!' moment.

[@worstworkshop]

I'd love to see some discussion on use of a common pocketknife in woodworking. It's a little different than a chisel, and has some interesting applications.

[@ratsalad346]

This is going to help, thank you!

[@chriscunicelli7070]

Great video Rex thanks I really enjoyed it

[@RaaghavWoodWorks]

The double shot with your brother rexcalibur was really cool😎😎👍👍👍👍

[@thomashverring9484]

Excellent and very funny video!

[@Citizen_JQP]

I did enjoy your video. But I'll say, you've earned my respect. The insight at the end regarding the tool critique and keeping it real was refreshing.

[@Downtheshed]

All though you said this video was for beginners, it’s a good reminder for more seasoned individuals. 👍

[@james9789]

Very enjoyable and interesting video thanks Rex

[@robertnewell5057]

Thanks, Rex. I have never heard chisel use described with such brevity and elegance. Also refreshing to hear what is basically a NEGATIVE review of a tool on KZbin!

[@ErikBongers]

This is a perfect beginners video.

[@nobnobnobnob]

From this channel I learned how to sharpen chisels the less expensive way and worth of investing in stones. That's why I've been expecting the mention about cross grain cuts makes chisel dulls faster than along the grain.

[@edwarddubois7046]

Fantastic explanation for a complete novice like myself. 👍

[@porkroll-egg-and-cheese]

Excellent, thanks Rex.

[@ProgramistaNaBudowie]

Many thanks for the video!

[@simonmountford4291]

You’ve inspired me 🤓 I’m going to have a go at making a bench…I just need to settle on a design…I’ll be woodworking 🪚🪵 in my garage with no power source, hence interested in hand tools ⚒️

[@lauraaqui219]

I'm a total beginner, I really appreciated this video, it is such great information I didnt know how to use all the functions of a chisel but this was clearly demonstrated here, I liked the part when you showed how to make curves on the end grain and how to use the chisel, flat side up to concave and bezel that was really nice, I learn such great information from watching this and it gave me confidence to have a go myself, I gave this thumbs up I'm a new subscriber and watcher, thank you Rex. Laura in uk

[@cookdislander4372]

What a great lesson. Im a framing carpenter. Nobody ever had the time to sit down and give me a 30min rundown on chisel basics everything i know is self taught. Appreciate it heaps thank you Sir!

[@FatsoSquirrel]

Great video Rex, thanks for sharing. I would love to have more like this. I am a complete beginner, having never picked up any woodworking tools or taking any classes, even when I was at school. It is great to get a clear and concise explanation of the different cuts and which way to hold the chisel to get them. Could you please do some more of the absolute beginner videos for other tools. This time last year I had no idea what a jig is but I have watched so many videos on making them, I now know how useful they can be. What would be useful is to see when you need to go from using a chisel to using a scraper and then all about sanding. All the videos I have watched say sanding is so important, so could you also please show the correct way to sand, how to work through the grits and whether you use wet or dry sanding. Just some ideas from a real complete beginner (but enthusiastic about learning). Thank you. From Lincolnshire UK. 😊

[@majorhoffman2936]

I love that mallet

[@BartoszBanachewicz]

Thanks for another great video! A chisel is by far my single most favorite tool for woodworking. The "freehand" aspect of it that you mentioned doesn't just mean you get more power (and danger) - it makes the end result entirely depend on the craftsman's experience. Anyone can buy a very expensive plane and get decent results with it, but with a chisel there's just no substitute for skill and feel. I've seen a few people talk about more chisel videos, and if I could ask for one it'd be explicitly about mistakes and things that can go wrong - for example the part with rising grain you've shown is something I've encountered just a few days ago, ripping a chunk off my mallet's handle! It must be really hard for a professional to go back to their beginner mistakes, so maybe asking your friend for help again could work? :)

[@jangalexisruiz7491]

Thank you I learned alot from this

[@douglashopkins8070]

I love both my sets of narex chisels. My personal preference is for the Richters. I find them very comfortable. I also have a bunch of old socket chisels. I must confess that if I am having to chop hard I go for the sockets... partly because I know the handle arrangement is stronger and also because I don't want to mess up my expensive paring chisels 😊 I suspect that there is a lesson here about having tools that are too expensive to use.... Of course when I do manage to break a handle on one of my cheap chisels (which I also love) I know exactly how to reconstruct the ha does because I made all of those handles myself with instructions from one of your videos.

[@klammbaer]

Thanks for that video. Greeting from Germany

[@mehaquearon]

what a nice efect you done here :D i love your videos

[@ToeCutter454]

had to think for a minute where i remember that Narex brand name, little while back i bought an Adze that's made by them! they certainly do have great steel over there!

[@whisperingeaglelanders2339]

You are very informative and funny!😆

[@jblewis1975]

Great video! I really learned a lot, thanks!

[@corymiller9854]

Great vid. I have many sharp chisels now and wanted to put them to use better. My Narex dark brown handle chisels are good enough for me but they took a good time to flatten. A 3/8 mortise and a 2" bench chisel cost me $55 no complaints.

[@adamking3506]

Hey Rex, I just so happened to see this video right as I was wondering the right way to use a chisel to square off a chamfered inside corner done with a router. And since you asked for suggestions on things to demonstrate with a chisel, well...there you are.

[@ivanemilov522]

I like scrolling through the second hand sites or go to flea markets to find good vintage chisels for literal pennies, I managed to collect almost a whole set of Kirschens for like 40-50$

[@OdyMeister]

Amazing as always

[@timort2260]

Great video rex. I've been wanting to make a rabbiting chisel jigs. Also installing cedar shiplap on day 2 and dang should of fixed my chamfers from my block plane on the not so flat cedar board. Valley in the middle so maybe If I would of use a chisel to make the chamfered perfect. Thanks man very helpful video.

[@alanhill4334]

If I ran a woodwork class I would ensure that all my students watched this video. Real good basic stuff that everyone should know.

[@jeffhildreth9244]

I must confess, I pre-judged the video based on that chisel.. a silly affectation of "style" before function. Thanks for the clarification. Excellent video.

[@beck645]

Fantastic video. JUST WHAT I NEEDED!!!