Thread: Why the difference?

Hi Wongdai,
This is a much discussed question.
There is a very good treatise by Bob Smalser which you will likely find useful.
If you have any questions after reading it then there will be plenty of good advice here.
So have a look at:
"http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=13734"

Happy reading
SG

Basically, the straight sided one I'd use for removing bulk quickly with the aid of a mallet, while the bevel-sided one is better for corners or anywhere that's "tight."

Does it really matter what they're called, though?

Purely from my own personal point of view (which doesn't necessarily bear any relation whatsoever to opinions held elsewhere ) they're both Mortice chisels because of the hooped & tanged handle; to me a Firmer is hooped & socketed.

(Actually, I'd call 'em Framing chisels, but I've been in several long-winded beer-assisted arguments along the lines of "there's no such thing as a Framing chisel." )

Wongdai, if you don't want them, send them to me

The big one with flat sides, to me, is a Firmer, for rough carpentry and the Bevel edged one looks to be a "Bench" chisel.

The beveled sides are for dove tails.

http://www.technologystudent.com/equip1/chisels.htm

The shorter one looks like what I'd call a bevel edge bench chisel – basicly a general purpose chisel
If the blade were thinner or the side bevels flatter it would be a paring chisel – not to be hit with a mallet

I'd call the longer one a firmer, some might call it a sash mortise chisel but to my understanding, sash mortises chisels typically have narrower blades that the one you've shown
You should be able to belt it with a mallet


ian