Chisel Musing

[Papaw]

Scott, here is a blog article from Toolemera linked to by Tony Seo on Facebook- It is by Gary Roberts-

Recently a question came up on a forum concerning what is, or what is not, a firmer chisel. I put my foot in my mouth and said that firmer chisels were typically socketed and of heavier build than regular chisels. Afterwards I took a look at some edge tool catalogs on my shelves. Lo and behold, but what did I see, but a whole lot of confusion.

http://toolemerablog.typepad.com/toolemera/2008/02/firming-up-on-c.html

[Branson]

>I put my foot in my mouth and said that firmer chisels were typically socketed and of heavier build than regular chisels.

What I *can* say, regardless of the usage in the L.&I.J. White catalog, is that the US Ordnance Department, at least as early as 1841, agreed that firmer chisels are "typically socketed and of heavier build."   For use in the field, both firmer and framing chisels were issued, the framing chisels being heavier yet than firmers.  Both were socket chisels.  Both had relatively long blades.  Somewhere I can't find at the moment, there's a list of definitions and descriptions of tools issued by the Ordnance Department.  I'll keep looking for it.

The old Audel's carpenter books (originally published in 1923, reprinted at least as late as 1947) show firmers and framing chisels.  The framing chisels are thicker and heavier, clearly.  Audel's differences show framers ground to 25 degrees while the firmers are sharpened to 20 degrees.  Both are socket chisels, and both are not bevel edged.

Catalogs are very useful, but tool names used?  Sometimes at the mercy of copy writers and marketing schemes.  That 1905 catalog clearly goes against the general understanding of what in the world a firmer chisel might be. 

[lauver]

Been trying to figure out how to suggest Roy Underhill to do a show on "Chisels", like has done on planes and saws and other things.

Anybody know how to email him?

leg17,

I don't have his email, but must say Roy Underhill is a national treasure.  I have a few of his old books in paperback and try to watch his show every Sunday.  Time well spent.

[Branson]

Been trying to figure out how to suggest Roy Underhill to do a show on "Chisels", like has done on planes and saws and other things.
Anybody know how to email him?

Go to his website:

http://www.woodwrightschool.com/

On the right hand side you can click on "contact me."

[leg17]

Been trying to figure out how to suggest Roy Underhill to do a show on "Chisels", like has done on planes and saws and other things.
Anybody know how to email him?

Go to his website:

http://www.woodwrightschool.com/

On the right hand side you can click on "contact me."

Branson, Thanks.
Makes me want to listen for the sound of "DUH"!
Thanks

[scottg]

Scott, here is a blog article from Toolemera linked to by Tony Seo on Facebook- It is by Gary Roberts-

Recently a question came up on a forum concerning what is, or what is not, a firmer chisel. I put my foot in my mouth and said that firmer chisels were typically socketed and of heavier build than regular chisels. Afterwards I took a look at some edge tool catalogs on my shelves. Lo and behold, but what did I see, but a whole lot of confusion.

http://toolemerablog.typepad.com/toolemera/2008/02/firming-up-on-c.html

These are both close friends of mine,.... So its kind of saying,
"your brother said to your other brother"_................heh

  Another way to address Roy is to make friends with him on facebook.
I suspect he pays someone else to to maintain the F-book page but messages can be passed anyway
 

[johnsironsanctuary]

After all of the conjecture about names of chisels, I found this page that spells it out. It is in the 1923 Audels Carpenter and Builders Guide.  I figure that this was published before all of the names got pureed by the uninformed.

[OilyRascal]

After all of the conjecture about names of chisels, I found this page that spells it out. It is in the 1923 Audels Carpenter and Builders Guide.  I figure that this was published before all of the names got pureed by the uninformed.

Interesting, John.  I had read the same last evening and thought of this thread.

[Branson]

Audel's is one of the best book investments I ever made.  Got one set in the house, and one set in the shop.  Both sets are the 1947 printing of the 1923 edition.  The author is a right curmudgeon at times, I'm happy to say.  The illustration on page 246 is a good example.  My court of first resorts most of the time.