Chisel Technique and Safety… Do and Don’ts

[rgarcia26]

I hope we can share some bad and good experiences on the subject
Few months ago I have a little accident while chopping my Bass, so I will start with my first Don’t:

1) Do not place your other hand on front of your Chisel Path

And my first Do:

And last week I saw an instructional DVD,
Chisel Techniques for Precision Joinery

With David Charlesworth

1) Do study the right technique and safety before start anything, special when using Chisels.

[Eric Swanson]

Hi David,

Glad that your injury wasn't worse. I have seen folks get serious nerve damage/loss of use from edge tool injuries.

Again, happy that you are okay.

[JtheJazzMan]

Learning to whittle was another childhood skill I survived. Im surprised I still have a thumb, especially since once I sunk a hooked shaped razor into it.

[Damon Rondeau]

Looks kinda nasty but I've seen far worse. Didja bleed all over the work piece? That's a real drag, too...

Newcomers -- and sometimes not-so-new comers -- often have the impression that hand tools are far safer than power tools. There's some truth to that, but fact is you can really mangle yourself with a chisel. It's definitely not true that you can't hurt yourself pretty darned good with hand tools.

You already learned one of the main lessons the hard way: think about what happens when the tool slips and minimize the damage when it happens. So you know now not to direct the chisel to your own flesh. Flesh can stop a chisel but it comes at a cost...

Something that comes along with this insight: do your best to keep that chisel (or knife, or gouge) under control, so it doesn't slip in the first place. Make sure it's sharp!! Sharp tools are easier to control than dull ones -- substantially less prone to slipping (and besides, if I'm gonna get cut I'd much rather it be with a razor-sharp tool than a dull one.) Learn how to hold the tool for control. Clamp the work, if you can, so you've got both hands available for working.

And the other things: good lighting, good attitude, clear head, etc....

[bassteban]

Don't do it when you're mad at the old lady.

[Big B.]

After years as a woodworker I can say that I have injured myself with hand tools, especially chisels, infinitely more times than power tools. I try to remember what my grandfather told me when he gave me my first pocketknife: "Never whittle towards yourself or piss into the wind." Smart man.

[Big B.]

Originally Posted by Damon Rondeau

Flesh can stop a chisel but it comes at a cost...

IME bone stops chisels, flesh merely slows them down...

[PaulCannon]

Learned this one the hard way: when refitting bridge feet that already have installed adjusters, take the foot off the bridge before chiseling.

I had a foot suddenly twist on me as I was chiseling, slicing right into my left index finger. I'm lucky I can still play the bass.

[bejoyous]

And be careful in the kitchen, too.

A while back I cut my finger while cutting some food. Nothing serious, but it bled a lot and really scared me.

Shortly after that, I was flipping through the channels and happened upon a documentary about a concert solo violinist who cut off the tip of a finger while chopping onions. It completely devastated her career and her mental stability. It took over 2 years before she could play again.

Now, before I cut food, I always make sure I can see all 4 fingers and thumb of my other hand before I move the knife and if someone talks to me, I stop and put the knife down before I talk.

[Rockingbird]

A good do:
Keep both hands on the chisel. Clamps exist for a reason.

And a don't:
Don't use it as a screwdriver. This dulls the blade, and a dull tool is more dangerous than a sharp one.

[rgarcia26]

Originally Posted by Eric Swanson

Hi David,

Glad that your injury wasn't worse. I have seen folks get serious nerve damage/loss of use from edge tool injuries.

Again, happy that you are okay.

It could be worst but it wasn't a nice one Lol... I was thinking to my self should I go to the hospital or put a bandage on it... blood everywhere and all that...
the Chisel was very sharp and it was the smallest chisel I have 1/4"
I haven't recover full tactile sensation in that area, but the accident happened because I was working on a top, and the top was is very unstable it was moving all around my table... I guess I need a caulk plaster mold

[Jake deVilliers]

Originally Posted by Big B.

IME bone stops chisels, flesh merely slows them down...

LOL

[360guy]

I am a trained woodcarver and I find that using chisels is a body thing. What I mean is my hands are only part of the equation. I use my elbows, back and torso to control the cuts as much as I use my hands.

I have a simple jig that holds the bass in place as well. I'm kinda amazed when I see basses being worked on that are not held down at all. I don't want to fight against myself when I am trying to work on the instrument.

[kurt ratering]

at least wounds from sharp tools heal quickly and cleanly

[rgarcia26]

Originally Posted by Rockingbird

A good do:
Keep both hands on the chisel. Clamps exist for a reason.

And a don't:
Don't use it as a screwdriver. This dulls the blade, and a dull tool is more dangerous than a sharp one.

Don't use it as a screwdriver. This dulls the blade, and a dull tool is more dangerous than a sharp one

Lol That's a Big one... I though about that before, but now with all the work and care that I take on sharpening this chisels that's 100% out of the question

[George700DL]

Originally Posted by Damon Rondeau

Make sure it's sharp!! Sharp tools are easier to control than dull ones -- substantially less prone to slipping (and besides, if I'm gonna get cut I'd much rather it be with a razor-sharp tool than a dull one.)

Good point. Last year, my neighbor was cutting some corrugated plastic with a dull razor knife. He ended up powering through it suddenly, and buried the knife into his wrist. It happened because he had to use more force on a dull knife. Another neighbor took him to emergency. Luckily, he came out of it OK with some stitches, but the doctor emphasized how dangerous dull hand tools are.

George

[Cody Sisk]

With a newborn in the house, I'm trying to avoid my razor-sharp chisels as much as possible right now. Lack of sleep and sharp tools don't mix...

[Jake deVilliers]

Originally Posted by DallasStrings

With a newborn in the house, I'm trying to avoid my razor-sharp chisels as much as possible right now. Lack of sleep and sharp tools don't mix...

Ah, that's where you've been - congratulations Cody!

[rgarcia26]

4) Don't be dumb... DONT watch TV while you carve.

(I got this pic from Mister Thomas Erickson, I hope that you don’t mind me showing your wounded leg Thomas )

5) New born and Chisels don't mix well and if you ad sleepiness
6) For real a good one that I learn Chisel using your legs a body not your arm, your arm force will make the Chisel Shooting out of control

[forester]

thankfully with an edge you don't have to worry about kerf...
as in...Oregon 3/8 pitch full chisel chain!