An essential part of a woodworking toolbox is a good chisel. And starting from beginner to professional woodworkers, everyone has them.
So, why should you miss out on them when there are plenty of great ones available out there? We are here to help you find the best chisels for woodworking just according to your project requirements, giving you nothing to fret about.
Hence, you won’t have to go through any extra hassle by doing research and such because we have already done it all for you.
So just sit back and go through our comprehensive article, because it will help you find the right one in no time!
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5 Best Chisels for Woodworking Reviews
Finding chisels for woodworking is not difficult— however, finding the right one is. But with our top five picks, you have got nothing to worry about. You will be provided with all the details that you can possibly need to choose the best one.
1. VonHaus 8 pc Craftsman Woodworking Wood Chisel Set
Are you looking for an apt chisel set that will be suitable for both professional and domestic projects? In that case, here’s one, which has been designed to suit the needs of both home woodworking and that of professional craftsman. Find out more about the incredible aspects of this item in our review.
If you are concerned about the set not containing all the accessories that you will need to complete your tasks, then we would suggest you to stop fretting right away. That is because it comes with six different sized chisels, a honing guide, and a sharpening stone — so you won’t have to get anything extra.
On the other hand, the items have been stored in a plastic storage case, which you will be able to carry pretty conveniently everywhere. The storage case has been blow-molded, so it comes in a suitable shape. Hence, you will never have to question the portability of the item - making it one of the best wood chisels.
When it comes to the sharpness of the chisels, you have nothing to worry about. That is because the blades are made of chrome vanadium steel alloy and have been heat-treated for extra preciseness. Other than that, the item includes narrow side bevels as well.
Along with that, the product prioritizes your comfort as well, to make sure you have a nice experience with it. Hence, it comes with ergonomically designed handles that will allow you to gain more control while enhancing comfort while you are working.
You will have to be careful when using the sharpening stone, however, because it can become warped pretty easily. Moreover, the chisels aren’t long-lasting, so you will have to make sure not to apply too much pressure on them.
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2. IRWIN Tools 6-Piece Woodworking Chisel Set with Sharpening Kit (1788115)
When spending a considerable amount of money on a chisel set, you would definitely want it to be worth the money — or else, it will turn out to be a great disappointment. But that’s not an issue you will be facing with this product, because it provides great value for money. Find out more about it right here.
If you are looking for a chisel set with top-notch versatility, then no other set would be more suitable for you than this one. The chisels have been designed to be used with a wood mallet as well as the palm of a hand. Hence, you will be able to operate the tools however you want to, without any hassle.
What makes it even more versatile is its blade, which is reliable for all sorts of tasks, including the removal of wood slab epoxy materials. The solid-forged and hardened steel blade contains high carbon content, which ensures not only superior performance but also guarantees maximum edge retention. Therefore, it will always live up to your expectations.
But a good blade needs an equally dependable handle for the item to perform well. For that, the polypropylene handle is slim and contoured, which provides comfort and precision along with improved control. Hence, you will be able to woodwork with it however you’d like to.
Furthermore, you won’t have to invest your time and energy into getting extra items for your projects because this kit contains everything that you could possibly need. Such as, it includes three chisels along with three sharpening tools, which will save not only your costs but also your effort.
Although the chisels are top-notch, the case provided is quite the opposite. It can break into pieces if not handled carefully, so be a little careful. On the other hand, the product description mentions that the box includes six chisels, whereas in actuality, it only contains about three chisels.
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3. STANLEY Chisel Set, 150 Series, Short Blade, Wood
Whether it's the countersink bit for wood or a high-quality chisel set, it's hard to find them in reliable packaging. If the package seems to break down or last shorter than the chisels, then that would be rather hassle-some. However, that’s not something for you to worry about with this item, because along with durable chisels, it also offers a durable case.
Speaking of long-lasting chisels, the items have been designed in such a way that will ensure durability like no other. For that, the carbon-steel blades have been heat-tempered and forged. Other than that, the blades have been coated using lacquer as well, which provides top-notch resistance to rust.
But durability is not enough for a chisel to be deemed as great — sharpness is equally, if not more, important. Hence, sharpness has been focused on while designing the items, which is why, on all the faces, you will find fully-precision ground blades. And thanks to this laser-like precision, you can use these to remove finishes for wooden kitchen tables, including wood varnish.
A chisel would not be complete without stunning handles. And that is why the handle has been designed to be durable and comfortable as well. This part of the product has been made using polypropylene, which not only ensures sturdiness but also maintains the comfort of the users throughout the task.
What’s more, you will be finding three chisels in the box, which will all make your operation easier than it’s supposed to be. Furthermore, you will be finding the item at a great price, which makes it worth every penny that you will be spending on it.
But you will have to be a little careful when using them because the blades can get chipped after a few uses. On the other hand, you might have to sharp the blades from time to time because they can get dull if used once, which can be quite troublesome.
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4. Narex (Made in Czech Republic) 4 pc set
Are you looking for a set of chisels that can take as well as hold an excellent edge? Or do you want one that is accurately ground and comes with a thinner cross-section? Because in that case, here’s one set that you wouldn’t want to miss out on. Find out more about this item in our comprehensive review.
What makes this set of chisels truly unique is that all of them come with a bevel ground of about 25-degree bevel. Now the benefit of this aspect is that you will be able to execute various tasks with the utmost ease. You won’t be facing any sort of hassle while taking on versatile tasks whatsoever.
You will be able to take care of different projects even more easily because the blades of the chisels are absolutely top-notch. Chrome manganese steel has been used to make them, which are fine-grained and have been nicely tempered and hardened for the best results.
But a top-grade blade isn’t enough to make a chisel commendable — an equally stunning handle is required, and that is exactly what this item offers. For that, the handles are made using lacquered European Beachwood, which would provide comfort and durability like no other.
You will be getting even more versatility from this set because it contains four different sized chisels. As a result, you will be able to use each of them according to your convenience. You will be getting 6mm, 12mm, 20mm, and 26mm chisels in the set.
However, the chisels are a little too soft, and hence, they are not suitable for professionals but are rather apt for beginners. On the other hand, the blades can get chipped pretty quickly, so you will have to be careful when working.
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5. Trend Basics Wood Carving Chisel Set: 6-Pack
We all have loved ones who are quite a fan of woodworking, and it can often be difficult to find a suitable gift for them. However, here’s a set of chisels that would make a great gift for them. In fact, it comes in really nice packaging with a reasonable price — so there’s nothing for you to hesitate about.
If you need a set of chisels for woodcarving, DIY, or carpentry, then you can blindly rely on this one. Now, of course, this suggests that the product is suitable for both professional and domestic projects, which makes it not only versatile but also rather handy.
What makes it even more suitable for its professional and domestic tasks is its comfortable handle, which ensures a firm grip no matter what. Hence, you won’t have to worry about your hands slipping or not being steady enough while you are working with these.
But of course, what is a set of chisels if it doesn’t contain reliable blades? Fret no more because all of the chisels included come with razor-sharp blades. They have been sharpened and hardened well, so you will be able to rely on their performances under all circumstances.
While most chisel sets only contain about three or four chisels, this set offers more, which makes it all the more versatile for its users. Hence, even if one goes bad, you will have five more to rely on — which makes it very user-oriented in the long run.
Although the blades are very sharp initially, they can get dull rather quickly. So you may have to sharpen them from time to time. Moreover, be careful not to put too much pressure on the handle, as that can result in the handle breaking down while working.
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What to Look for Before Buying
Whether or not you have purchased chisels for woodworking before, there is some thoughts that you will have to put behind getting one. Otherwise, you will end up with something not very suitable for your work.
That is why, to get one that you will be truly satisfied with, there are some fundamental aspects to adhere to. And if you have never purchased one before, then you should focus on those aspects even more.
To make the task easier for you, we have mentioned all the essential factors right here, while providing necessary details along with it. Go through them, and you will be able to pick the right one.
Is Its Blade Strong and Sharp Enough?
Most chisels come with steel blades, but the real trick is to find the type of steel blade that it contains.
You will hardly find one that includes a pure steel blade, and hence, you will constantly come across various alloys.
Among them, you will have to choose wisely and go for the one that is both long-lasting and sharp, such as chromium steel alloy, or mixtures of nickel and aluminum, etc.
Is the Handle Comfortable?
The blade isn’t the only part that determines top-notch performance. To get amazing results, and equally reliable handle is necessary as well.
A great handle is one that will bring comfort along with control. It will make sure to reduce hand fatigue even if you work for prolonged hours.
Hence, you should go for wooden handles. Especially the ones made of softwood, but they should ensure durability as well.
Will It Be Providing Accuracy?
The sharpness of the blade, along with its length and diameter, plays a role in determining the accuracy that it provides. Therefore, you should focus on all of that instead of just the sharpness if you want top-notch preciseness.
For detailed-work, this aspect is absolutely necessary, and hence shouldn’t be overlooked at all costs.
Does It Come in a Durable Package?
To make sure your chisel lasts for a prolonged period, you will need to make sure that the package it is wrapped in is durable as well.
A protective storage case is necessary to keep the chisels sharp and durable when it is not in use.
Therefore, make sure the package included is reusable and made of sturdy and reliable plastic.
Who Is It Made For?
Not all tools are made for both professionals and hobbyists, and the case isn’t much different when it comes to chisels.
Some are specifically made for people who have been working for years with these, whereas others are constructed for amateurs.
Therefore, you should make a choice depending on your level of experience.
Is It Worth It?
A lot of factors determine whether or not a tool is worth the money. And quite obviously, the first factor is its cost.
If it is too expensive with little to no commendable features, then it would make it apparent that it won’t be worth purchasing.
Furthermore, it should also last for a considerable period.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a chisel needed for in woodworking?
Chisels are mostly needed for carving or cutting on hard material, such as wood, metal, stone, etc. This tool comes with a shaped cutting edge, which has a blade by its end that serves the purpose well. Therefore, you will be able to use this item for various purposes—including the removal of the paints for wood exterior—in the field of woodworking, which offers diversity as well.
2. Would it be wise to use a cold chisel on wood?
Yes, you can use cold chisel on wood, and it wouldn’t be an issue whatsoever. However, it would be wise not to use that on masonry, as that can result in unwanted consequences.
3. What are some important safety precautions when using chisels?
To make sure to avoid accidents and disappointments when working, you will have to put an effort to keep the chisels sharp. Other than that, it is wise not to hold the work with one hand while you are using the other to chisel. Not to mention, you should secure the work on a benchtop.
4. At which angle should a wood chisel be?
If you have purchased a new chisel, then it will have only one level, which will be at 25 degrees. However, to create a new bevel entirely, you will have to sharpen it to 30 degrees. Other angles can be worked with as well, but these two are the most recommended ones.
5. What is the number one safety rule when using a chisel?
Many don’t give importance to this particular aspect, but chisels should always be stored in a plastic or cloth storage roll to cover the cutting edges when it is not being used. Aside from that, any chisel that has been bent, cracked, or chipped should be replaced immediately to avoid casualties.
Final Words
Finding the best chisels for woodworking is both convenient and tricky. It is convenient in the sense that you have all the information that you could need, but tricky because it’s difficult to figure as to which one is best for your tasks.
However, all the chisels included in this article are commendable in their own ways and come with their own set of benefits. Hence, you won’t have regrets no matter which one you choose to purchase. Also, if you're interested in buying a wood router lift, click here now.