The chisel must be sharp if we wish to do good and accurate work, and a cut on the hand made by such a sharp tool is liable to be a deep one. Special care must be used in handling it, keeping both hands away from the cutting edge, as shown in the sketch, and placing it when not in use where it cannot be pushed off the bench on to the floor or the student’s feet.
[Fig. 32] shows the method of using the tool on horizontal work, and [Fig. 33] for vertical cutting. For this kind of work only a small portion of the cutting edge can be used, the student judging for himself how heavy a cut to take by the hardness of the wood and amount of strength required. Good work can never be done when one has to exert all his strength on the tool. The best results are obtained when we work easily.
Fig. 33. Proper Position for Vertical Chiseling
Better work can usually be done with the chisel if, instead of pushing it straight ahead or straight downward, we incline it somewhat so as to secure a slight paring action.
Fig. 34. Sharpening Chisel on Oilstone
When the chisel becomes dull, unless its edge has been nicked or ruined by some accident, it is only necessary to sharpen it on the oilstone. Hold the tool with the bevel flat on the stone. A drop or two of oil may be used to lubricate the stone, the tool being worked back and forth on the face of it. Especial care must be taken to avoid a rocking motion, which will produce a curved edge instead of a flat one.
