Thread: What is this chisel for

Opening paint tins.

Aren't they all...

I would venture to say it is for cleaning up around dovetails. It has no ferrule at the end of the handle hinting that it is intended to be used in paring operations rather than digging out a mortice

Thanks Rob.
Obvious now you point it out. No hammer marks on the end of the handle.
But why have the sharp bevel only on one side?
If it is used for cleaning out dovetails and mortices wouldn't it have the bevel on both sides?
Otherwise you could only do the cleanup from one side then have to turn the job over to do the other side of the mortise/dovetail????

It looks home made. Those lines on the body look a bit like a knife steel was used to make it although it is perhaps a bit thick for that. The maker would have had a use in mind. Turning perhaps. I have seen all sorts of strange home made turning tools. Some useful some not.
Regards
John

I'm guessing it's user made from what was originally a file.

Originally Posted by hiroller

I'm guessing it's user made from what was originally a file.

that's what I thought when I saw it

Possibly a V-groove chisel for turning

I would add my vote to Hiroller and Sawdust Maker in that it is an old triangular file. In fact I might even be tempted to bet body parts on that: Unusual for me (betting that is, not the body part bit). As to it's use, it was probably an improvised tool to suit a particular job probably merely requiring that width. I doubt that it was as contrived as a parer or a corner chisel.

Old files are not normally recommended for making into turning tools because of the potential for stress fractures. Also that file would be a little small for most turning jobs.

Regards
Paul

Originally Posted by hiroller

I'm guessing it's user made from what was originally a file.

Try sharpening it. Files are super hard so it would likely be noticeably harder than any other vintage chisels you'd have kicking around.

As far as what it's for, I'd say the best answer is "It's for avoiding buying a purpose-made chisel".

Cheers,
Luke

Luke

The sharpening test will only work if the maker did not do a proper job. By that I mean if the file was not first annealed, then re-hardened and finally tempered.

I fully agree with your "use."

Regards
Paul

its a mortise chisel; used to clean out mortise holes before everything was automated, the thicker shaft gives more heft for a deeper angle when cutting down into the mortice.

Originally Posted by Zed

its a mortise chisel; used to clean out mortise holes before everything was automated, the thicker shaft gives more heft for a deeper angle when cutting down into the mortice.

A triangular mortise chisel? I don't think so...

Its just a thing. The maker could have wanted something to push putty with or spread stuff so he shaped it , then later he sharpened it for another job . After making things for 40 years I come across things like this I made myself and don't remember what they were for sometimes.
Rob