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Tool of the Month October 2017

31/10/2017

1 Comment

 
Welcome to October's Tool of the Month blog post! This month I'll look at socket bevel edged chisels!
David’s set of Lie Nielsen socket chisels.
David’s set of Lie Nielsen socket chisels.
The socket chisel is not a particularly common type of chisel these days due to the more complex design and therefore cost when compared to the more common tang chisels.
Socket chisel with the handle removed to show how it fits.
Socket chisel with the handle removed to show how it fits.
The difference between tang and socket chisels is how the handle is attached to the blade. A tang chisel has a pointed metal tang formed on the opposite end of the blade, this is embedded into the handle, whereas a socket chisel handle has a cone shaped end that fits snugly inside the socket formed on the opposite end of the blade.

The disadvantage of a tang chisel is that the pointed tang can act like a wedge and split the handle when repeatedly struck excessively with a mallet, this doesn’t happen with the socket chisels. Though occasionally the handles on socket chisels can come loose due to the wood shrinking as part of natural seasonal movement, however a sharp tap and they will be tight again!
Lie Nielsen socket chisel next to a tang chisel by Ashley Iles
Lie Nielsen socket chisel next to a tang chisel by Ashley Iles
My socket chisels are made by American company Lie Nielsen Tool-Works and are based on an old Stanley design. The blades are made from A2 steel which takes and holds a good edge. The sides of the blades are very finely ground which make them brilliant for working on very fine joints.


That’s all for October, look out for November’s blog post in a few weeks time.


Happy Halloween 🎃
1 Comment
Matthew Platt
10/11/2017 03:47:18 pm

Hi David,

When correctly fitted, a tanged chisel should have a small air gap behind the tang (for exactly the reason you mention). It's only on tools that won't be struck - rasps, files etc - that the tang is allowed to bottom out inside the handle.

Cheers,

Matthew

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Beautiful bespoke freestanding furniture, designed and made in Hampshire.
Woodworking and furniture making courses and tuition.
Phone: 0754 556 2669
7 The Fairground Craft & Design Centre, Weyhill, Andover, Hampshire UK SP11 0QN
  • Welcome
  • Meet the Maker
    • Meet the Workshop Dog
  • Bespoke Furniture Making
  • Courses
    • One day courses >
      • One day taster course
      • Introduction to woodworking machinery
      • Sharpening and setting up hand tools
      • Introduction to hand-cut dovetail joints
      • Introduction to hand applied finishes
      • Introduction day to furniture joinery
    • Two Day Courses >
      • Mix and Match
      • Introduction to Furniture Joinery
      • Build an oak console table
      • Build an oak coffee table
    • Three Day Build a Roubo Workbench Project
    • Woodworking Courses for Two >
      • Taster day for Two
      • Machinery day for two
      • Dovetail day for two
      • Introduction day to furniture joinery for two
    • Course Gift Vouchers
    • Frequently asked questions for woodworking courses.
  • Collections
    • The Stable Furniture Collection
    • Kingston Table Collection
    • Home Accessories & Kitchenware
    • Aftercare Information
  • Etsy Shop
  • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Returns and cancellations
    • COVID-19 additional information
  • Blog