Hello,I have a new set of Marples blue-chip chisels that is flat across thechisel face (as much as I can tell), but is slightly convex along itslength, maybe about 1mm out at the end if I lay a ruler flat at thebase of the face.Is this slight convexity normal, or should I return the set? I amaware I have to "flatten" the face before honing, but with a slightround along the length, getting a straight cut by, for example, liningup a chisel against a block of wood clamped to your workpiece is mademore difficult. Most discussions on flattening the face discuss thearea right at and behind the bevel.Thank you!- Daniel

Return the set, the back needs to be flat. My own are like mirrors overabout 2".Bernard R

Mike schreef+ + +It seems to me that having a slipping chisel (convex), shooting off towherever, is worse than a chisel digging in (concave). In both cases youwill have to correct and orient the chisel by feel, but I'd say that achisel that tends to dig in is safer and and easier to correct than a chiselthat loses its grip?PvR

flat chisel back - only at cutting edge or along entire length?

Apr 06, 2004 62 Replies

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cornytheclown 22 years ago

I would have just taken the chisel set back to the store and asked them to provide me with a better set....opening up the packages till I found a set I could be happy with. Most stores with a reasonable and educated staff would be willing to do this.

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Hitch 22 years ago

"P van Rijckevorsel" wrote in news:40853460$0$72210 $ snipped-for-privacy@news.wanadoo.nl:

Japanese chisels typically are hollowed on the back, either ground or hammered. The back is then flattened so that there is a flat surrounding the hollow. I've read that this is for easier flattening in the future as the chisel is sharpened (and thus shortened), and for less friction during use. After many flattenings the back may need to be rehollowed with a little hammering.

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P van Rijckevorsel 22 years ago

Mike schreef

+ + It seems to me that having a slipping chisel (convex), shooting off to wherever, is worse than a chisel digging in (concave). In both cases you will have to correct and orient the chisel by feel, but I'd say that a chisel that tends to dig in is safer and and easier to correct than a chisel that loses its grip? PvR

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