If the facets are ground under on one side, those on the other, as in [Fig. 2159], the edge will not be parallel with the flats of the chisel, so that in holding it the flats will not form a guide to determine when the edge lies parallel to the work surface as it should do. The edge should also be at a right angle to the length of chisel, as denoted by the lines, as in [Fig. 2160], for if not at a right angle the chisel will be apt to move sideways after each blow, and cannot be held steadily.
The chisel should be held as close to its head as possible, so that the hand will steady the head as much as possible, and should be pushed forward firmly and steadily to its cut, which will greatly facilitate rapid and smooth chipping, and for wrought iron and copper it is found better to occasionally moisten the chisel with oil or water, the former being preferable.
Fig. 2161.
Messrs Tangye, of Birmingham, have introduced the employment of chisel holders, such as shown in [Fig. 2161], the object being to fit to each holder a number of short pieces of steel for chisels so that a number can be ground or forged at one time; obviously chisels of different shapes require different forms of handle.
