Why you should try mortising by hand

[@johnslaughter5475]

I'm going to Woodcraft Saturday. I think I'll see about picking up a mortising chisel. The 3/8" costs $47. I've always got a bunch of scrap 2x4s that'll be perfect for practicing. I might be 70, but I don't consider myself too old to learn something new. In fact, I've always lived by the old adage, "If the day goes by that you don't learn something new, it's a wasted day." Thanks, James.

[@jeffreythompson9549]

That's the trouble with you young blokes, impetuous. (I've two years on you, if that makes you feel better.)

[@larryfinfrock4857]

77 AND ORDERING MY NEW SET OF EIGHT!

[@deany5709]

Thanks guys. I'm 64 and thought it was too late for me. Taylor Tools, here I come.

[@amy4387]

Well said words of wisdom!

[@johnslaughter5475]

Went in to Woodcraft. They had the Sorby chisels in that morning and a single person came in and took all of them. Aaaarrrrgggghhhhhh!!!!!! I placed my order and paid for it. It'll be there when next I get in.

[@garlandmusic]

I work on Hammond Organs. These were extremely expensive and considered high-end mass-produced furniture in their day. My earliest organ is a 1937 model, and I have been trying to figure out how they made their mortises: there are pencil marks on the stretchers, indicating they had not moved to a purpose-built machine yet. I have no doubt they used mortising chisels. I have also been trying to figure out how to replace a stretcher - two tenons, one mortise - for about 8 years. Now I know exactly how to tackle this problem. Thank you!

[@fiberinspector1304]

ok James, love your video's. Please consider adding closed caption to them so old, and I mean old woodworkers like myself can follow when we cannot hear the words. Thanks BobT

[@brydonlidle9283]

The only saving thing without Closed captions, is that you face the camera and enunciate very well. I do not usually subscribe to channels that do not turn them on..

[@Dennis-ud2nh]

Auto generated captions have come a long way since this comment was written.

[@coreygrua3271]

CONSISTENTLY a fine and fun learning experience from a presenter who is CONSISTENTLY a fine and fun teacher.

[@guitar_slay1623]

I am in my first year as a woodworker. I've been a carpenter by trade since my early 20s. It is so clear that you not only are a wealth of knowledge but a passionate woodworker! Thank you for the content you create! And the website is legit sir. What a wonderful resource you have created to share with all of us! Dying breeds? Nope. Keep it alive!

[@butlergl]

We were talking about planes and chisels at work the other day. As always it comes down to the ability to sharpen the tool which seems to be a lost art for many!

[@brucelangridge6302]

You gotter practise

[@SteveC38]

It's always a pleasure to watch a skilled craftsman at his trade!

[@dataphool]

You make this look so easy. The only time I cut a mortise by hand, it took me at least 30 minutes, not the two minutes you took. Neat!

[@АлексейМаринчев-м1з]

Live and learn, indeed. I started chopping mortises when I was ten years old. How I am 66, and watching this video I realised how it should be done properly. Thanks a lot for it👍

[@no-whereman1257]

Your tutorials are easy to comprehend because of your articulation and introduction of the tools that are required for the task at hand. You make learning fun and interesting! Thank you for all you do!

[@brucelangridge6302]

I was always taught to drill out the waste with a brace and bit, then chisel out the waste keeping well away from the ends. The ends are the last thing to be cut out. Sorry that's showing my age a bit as some younger readers may not use a brace and bit. Excellent video once again. I always learn something from them

[@StumpyNubs]

The chisel method has been around for hundreds of years as well.

[@sdcofer52]

One more point may be that by leaving that 1/8 inch margin at each end you are able to lever without damaging the ends of your mortise. Nicely done.

[@bluewren65]

Best demo of a hand cut mortise I have ever seen.

[@edwinghysebrechts9377]

Blue Wren you should watch the paul seller’s too, but i agree he does explane it well

[@bluewren65]

@@edwinghysebrechts9377 I find Paul Sellers presentation a little dry although he is no doubt an excellent teacher. I do like Rob Cosman though and Matt Estlea and Steve Hay of Woodworking Masterclass.

[@edwinghysebrechts9377]

Blue Wren a matter of preference i suppose, i do enjoy matt estlea’s enthousiastic video’s too, but can’t seem to get over rob cosman’s short pants.

[@cgrovespsyd]

Damn. Kick ass tutorial! I now have to buy even more Narex chisels!

[@johne7100]

Marking and cutting a mortise this way was my second ever woodworking lesson at school when I was 10, the first lesson being how to use a tenon saw. To hold the wood on the bench we put all four of our workpieces on it side by side then hopped up and sat on them. It never occurred to us, of course, that we had been supplied with nicely planed wood. I wonder how many schools these days would supply 10-year-olds with mahogany for a first project.

[@lako7531]

Oh its so nice to see so many woodworkers in US use Czech Narex chisels.

[@sajidrafique375]

This video has removed my doubt that i couldn't do chiseling..thank u

[@kenburnette1121]

Thanks Stumpy, I have been woodworking for 30 years, I did not know about mortising chisels.

[@cliveturner2664]

Brilliant tutorial containing great advice. Thank you Stumpy Nubs.

[@mauroaurelio6534]

Hi Stumpy! Thanks for the clear instructions. Just ordered a 13mm Narex Richter mortis...when i improve i will probably fork out for Lie Nielsens!!! Cheers from Stockport, UK.

[@msgwood2]

I've only just come across your videos. You are a natural educator and an excellent teacher. Thank you for making your videos!

[@VickyAmaru]

Extremely simple, very easy to follow. I used to think I just needed conventional wood chisels, but now I will definitely buy a couple of mortising chisels.

[@redsalem7686]

I learned way more in this video than I thought I would. I've had this exact chisel in my shop but always used a bench chisel for mortises. No wonder I found it so time consuming. Thanks for posting.

[@davidhill5684]

Very satisfying to see a sharp chisel expertly handled!

[@Control-Freak]

Watched this for the fun of it and liked it, I just finished chopping mortises in a window sash I am making. Yes, I can mark and cut faster than any setup on a machine. No need to buy a set of chisels, you typically only use two sizes in most work. Practice makes perfect, so I practice more.

[@maxwellmcisaac9901]

What an incredibly well done tutorial. As a cabinet maker I am thoroughly impressed

[@ilive4livemusic]

Wonderfully clear. Just tried my first mortise earlier today, got lots of room for improvement but I was still really happy, Can’t wait to see how much better it would be with a mortising chisel.

[@ConfiscatedZyra]

ya i remember when i first got a mortising chisel and was in awe of how clean the sides came out because of the squared sides on the chisel. just have to keep it perpendicular to the piece and keep all your chops parallel. easy peasy

[@jools5509]

Thank you for your very helpful video. I'm in Malaysia and yr tutorials are really beneficial. I did my first mortise and I'm really pleased.

[@MrCigar911]

I waste my time in so many ways, buts time with you is never wasted.

[@jlmfoy365]

I can endorse what James says about Narex chisels, they are very good and really affordable. Regards Jim UK

[@tomzettel105]

I have the one quarter in. to 1 in. I love them my wife bought them for Christmas and they sharpen with great edge. do not have a mortising chisel and will soon add to my tools @ 70 years old . Tom from Canada.

[@bluewanderer9903]

Hi Jim, where do you get them in uk if you dont mind me asking? Thank you

[@paintingwithatwistfriendsw392]

I tried using a chisel for a mortise and made a mess. However, after watching your video it all made sense. It was easier and enjoyable. Thank you for sharing!

[@Dennis-ud2nh]

I followed your steps and was able to make a snug mortise and tenon on my first attempt. The mortising chisel makes the job easy. The trick to the tenon for me was to saw it a bit larger than the mortise and sneak up on the fit with a sharp chisel.

[@MarkHarrisonBNE]

That may be the clearest explanation I've ever heard of the mortising process. The way I was taught (in what seems a 100 years ago now) was to start in the middle of the mortise by chopping a V and working outwards. I am NOT saying this is THE method, in fact I think I like your method better. Just that (like everything else) there are many methods to accomplish the same outcome. The other thing is that perversely, it is easier chopping wider mortises with a mortise chisel than smaller ones. By easier, I mean more consistent. Thank you.

[@CatonaWall175]

Thanks for this video. I am starting a job next week as a carpentry and joinery tutor and I am watching videos like yours to brush up on my skills as I have not worked as a carpenter/joiner for some time. I found your video very good. Thanks.

[@octavmandru9219]

Have seen many videos about chopping morteses but nobody has said it so simple and "tasty". I understand now how important are the correct chisels. Thanks

[@edmundnyamupepema]

Thank you sir! I just stumbled upon some antique Ulmia morticing chisels and grabbed them. Thank you so much for this tutorial, it helped me the most.💯/💯

[@timothydaniels504]

I have several Narex chisels, mortise and bench. The handles are a bit large for me but they’re excellent and reasonably priced.

[@AncoraImparoPiper]

I just tried this with an ordinary 10 mm wood chisel. A bit of effort but it got easier by the second one and now I'm confident I can hand make a tenon (with my japanese pull saw) and a mortice with my plain ordinary wood chisel. And yes, it is satisfying!

[@WiltonSilveira]

Saudações. Excelente vídeo, que me ensinou algumas diferenças importantes entre os formões. Este canal é excelente nos detalhes técnicos e aprecio ver os vídeos. --- Greetings. Excellent video, which taught me some important differences between chisels. This channel is excellent in the technical details and I enjoy watching the videos.

[@jakubmakalowski6428]

This makes it look so clean and easy compared to my attempts haha. I will see if next one goes better with more proper technique

[@markpalmer3071]

I think that's the best tutorial I've seen on this topic, thank you.

[@davnunn1]

Thanks, that was very helpful. Great to see how this approach was used on a real project.

[@willemkossen]

It's actually very satisfying to do this. And old mortising chisels are quite easy to find second hand, as most people don't know what they are, and throw them out. And one more thing, they can be used for other things except cutting mortises. Maybe not for everyone, but i have used them a lot for wood turning. I don't have an official bedan. but the big mortising chisel works the same way. and it's heavy enough to be stable. heck, that's how i got started turning, and i still reach for the mortising chisels to quickly make things round. You probably should not try that at your place. but for me, it works.

[@morrisonsusan]

Loved this!!! More, more, more on hand tool wood working. Thanks.

[@CitizenAyellowblue]

That’s the clearest explanation I have seen. Thanks!

[@orbitalair2103]

Great video, just ordered a decent mortise chisel for my table project where I need to do this in hardwood. Now to get it done!

[@robertbarry6392]

Excellent video, all the little details that count, thanks.

[@Carp4125]

You're the best. Always something new to learn with everyone of your videos.

[@Charlesredporsche]

Terrific video. Extremely clear and helpful. I'm going to give my router a break.

[@ronl6060]

I want to thank you for making all the videos, i look forward to and really enjoy them

[@martinwoodworking]

Paul Sellers has an amazing video on cutting mortises

[@erictheviking672]

You explain things so well, James. I'm yet another of your viewers about to go into the shed and give this a try. I think I even have an inherited mortise chisel. Many thanks.

[@davidquirk8097]

Paul Sellers has a good video on how to use a bevel chisel to cut mortices. He says a mortice chisel is best but if you only have a bevel chisel his method works really well. Obviously you don't get the extra guidance that a true mortice chisel gives so it takes a little longer to get a good result but if you only have a bevel chisel...

[@9700am]

Learned something new, once again. 🇬🇧

[@franciscosahagunjr6792]

That was shown and explained very well thanks!

[@magans21]

Agree

[@jprassl]

Fantastic tutorial. You just took all of my angst out hand cutting mortises.

[@urbanlumberjack]

Best mortise and tenon video on KZbin. Good stuff!

[@mikegrawvunder6346]

Love your videos. This was a very clear explanation of how to chisel a mortise. Thank you. Seems less scary now.

[@joeyleerobbins]

This is an awesome tutorial! Thank you for this video! I am terrible at mortises and I think this will really help me! The proper tool is as always key! Thank you!

[@katherynlamarche7308]

I have been avoiding mortising but now i will get the mortising chisel and try it . Thanks aging .Julien Lamarche

[@backpacker3421]

Ok... I just ordered a mortiser a few days ago, and now I am planning to return it unopened. For my uses, it seemed like overkill, but I was not getting the results I wanted. Now I know that I was using chisels not meant for the task. All I need is a dedicated chisel or two?... You just saved me a good chunk of change. Next time, could you post the video *before* I order the expensive tool I don't need? All that requires is an ability to see a couple/few days into the future. Should be easy enough, right? Seriously though, many thanks for this and all the other tips. Love the channel!

[@usafa1987]

Hey! Don’t encourage him to delay. I wanna see these as fast as he can crank them out

[@brucelangridge6302]

Depends how many mortises you have to cut and if you do them on a regular basis. My mortiser stands fairly idle these days, as I am sort of retired. But it is there when I need it and takes out a out of the slog from the days when I cut all of them by hand

[@phillipelwood5760]

Nice presentation and nice mortise.

[@_P0tat07_]

Quick and to the point! I feel like maybe you could have been a bit more detailed with cleaning up the bottom of the mortise, but I’m sure most people will be able to figure that out pretty easily.

[@williamfitzer4805]

I have used a 1/2” mortising chisel to hand cut mortises up to 2” wide and 2 1/2” long on a table whose legs were thru tennons and wedged. Takes more time and some care but it did great.

[@crazy_dreamer7616]

Thank you very very much for this really great video! So far I didn't know how fast and exact it is to make a mortise by hand! Greetings from Germany, Robert.

[@SwearingenTurnings]

I just got my first set of proper mortising chisels for Christmas. I'm really looking forward to chopping a mortise with them! Their Narex, too, like my bench chisels. Mortising with my bench chisels is *not* fun.

[@davida369]

Apparently, the flat sides on narex chisels are not at right angles to the flat face of the bottom of the chisel they are tapered allowing the chisel to twist, some manufactures say this is a feature that prevents the chisel from jamming in the mortise.

[@markforrestsm]

Friggin brilliant James! Great explanation and example. When you see it, it's bloody logical, but without that insight it was damn frustrating. Gotta get me a mortising chisel. As always, thatnk you James - stay blessed and regards, Mark (South Africa)

[@danielbell2288]

All I can say is thank you!

[@gabrielkoby6308]

I like old school methods. 👍

[@dhc1802]

Would you consider making a video on hand cutting mortises larger than the chisel you have? Thanks for all of your education. My hand tool game exists because of you.

[@frankcornfield5915]

Great content. Really useful for someone having problems cutting mortises with standard chisels.

[@steveholloway738]

Thanks for this tutorial. M and T is one of those joints that has always scared me to try, so I have gravitated towards dowels. This looks like something I think I could do with a bit of practice.

[@BentusiProgenitors]

I'm so thankful for you and your videos. Its cool to think that all your knowledge will be available to me and the rest of the world forever, helping us to be the best woodworkers we can be and pass this on to others the way you do for us. Your a hero. Thank you for everything you do.

[@rpavlik1]

Wow, that's pretty impressive how quick and easily that went. I definitely would have done that wrong, too, if I had tried. (Would have tried chopping out at an angle). Definitely agree that your explanations are great and easy to understand. I'll have to keep my eyes peeled once garage sales start again... I don't do enough woodworking (or really, any fine hardwood woodworking) to justify buying a new mortising chisel but I could definitely see having one around the shop would be useful by opening "mortising" as a reasonable way to connect pieces.

[@מעייןהמלבלבתחייםםםם]

Thanks!!! thanks for the explanation. I made small coffee table last month and i looked at it as experiment to use and improve hand skills ( I'm new to it) i chose to make it with mortise and tenons, i used my chisels set ( Narex) very comfortable set, but the mortises didn't go as expected i finished the table so it hard to notice they didn't go as expected, but after watching Rob Cosman video and techniques if mortising i bought 2 mortise chisels, and after your explanation it is much more clearly technique!!!

[@I-Love-Taylor-Swift]

Another superb video with great explanation.

[@VAspeed3]

Nice demo. Ive had a 3/8 mortising chisel for ten years and enjoy using it, but i dont remember seeing this technique before. Ill sure try this next time !

[@-ZIO]

Excellent! I am going to use this exact method in the next few weeks for a chest project I finally have the material to get started.

[@BaconDanish]

Yet another well explained how to video. Good job.

[@stefanocalandri4027]

Thank you so much, really crear and useful! Stefano

[@Renassainceman]

This may be too basic for some, but it's this kind of instruction and detail in that instruction, that some of us need. It makes us all better at working the details of woodworking that, in this day of all power tools, we may not get exposed to. Thanks, and I'm looking forward to more like this.

[@markbryan9989]

Good Simple Clear. Thanks James!

[@mustafanaser4099]

Very good explanation

[@olddawgdreaming5715]

Great job and excellent information James, thanks for sharing with us. 👍👍👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@andrewsmith4075]

thank you very much, this was extremely informative!

[@mikeromeo922]

I had a pair of narex chisel maded in old chekoslovakia and they cut like a katana.

[@harrypowers9412]

Thanks James-very instructive!

[@matttirmizi8008]

This is the best clip under 10 mins

[@boeldridge2939]

WOW! You made that look easy, I will be adding to my list of skills to learn. Will be picking up a mortising chisel soon. Thank you.

[@alexvonbosse5090]

That was an excellent demonstration on cutting mortises by hand! Thank you so much for sharing and keep up your great work!

[@stevenprice4810]

Stumpy nubs is the man 👍🏻

[@JayBoorum]

Fantastic video.Thank you.

[@billdiehl156]

Loved this tutorial!! Heading to the shop as soon as my mortising chisel arrives!

[@DessieTots]

Paul Sellers cut a mortise with a bevel edge chisel and got a smoother, more finished looking surface than that made by the mortise chisel.

[@jimmowers7675]

Good morning. Have you made a video on how to make tenons by hand? Great video.

[@shopcatt643]

I just noticed you have a can of Billy beer! Atter years of watching is this the first time I've noticed!

[@ETs-Everend]

yea, what's with the Billy beer? I noticed it a few videos ago. It looks to be standing a little taller in the coozy in this video than the last one. I wonder if Stumpy thinks we didn't notice before so he's making it easier to see :) I remember my dad had a six pack in the garage when I was a kid, just last week I noticed one in my customer's curio cabinet.

[@shopcatt643]

Maybe I should make a couple koozies that look like a can of Billy beer

[@kerryfoster1]

Beautifully cut! Its so long since I used a Mortice chisel I had forgotten all about them. Must look out for one at a car boot sale. Not too hopeful though!!

[@klinej54]

Nice mortise. Paul Sellers would approve!

[@janschatteman3873]

In fact, Paul Sellers has a youtube video where he demonstrates how you actually can chop a perfect mortise with a normal bench chisel .... one of those he got from Aldi no less, I believe

[@martinneff4675]

Thank you.