How to Use Japanese Chisels: Tips & Techniques
Welcome to our comprehensive tutorial on using Japanese chisels, where we'll explore the techniques and intricacies of working with the ""striking chisel"" or Oire.
Step-by-step guidance: Achieve a perfectly chiseled hole, from wood marking to chisel selection.
The Oire chisel
There are two main types of chisels: those you strike and those you push.
Today, we'll explore using the 'striking chisel,' the Oire chisel, to creating a mortise.
1: Marking the Wood
Draw lines on the wood to mark where you want to chisel.
For a through-hole, make sure to draw lines on both sides of the wood.
2: Creating Guide Cuts
Choose the appropriate width of the chisel based on the size of the hole you're creating.
Align the flat side of the chisel, known as the 'blade back,' about 1.5mm inside the drawn lines.
Lightly strike the chisel to create a guiding cut on all four sides of your marked area.
3: Chiseling the Wood
Start chiseling from the center.
When chiseling, keep the blade back facing upwards, tilt the chisel at an angle, and strike it to remove 2-3mm of wood at a time.
Repeat the process on the opposite side, chiseling along the guide cuts.
It's important not to chisel too much at once.
Once you've chiseled halfway through, flip the wood and repeat the process from the back until the hole is complete.
The hole has been penetrated.
4: Finishing the Surface
Once the hole is through, refine it to align vertically with your markings.
For precise and neat chiseling, use a guide block and align the blade back of the chisel while working.
Now you know how to use the striking chisel, the 'oi-ire' chisel.
Enjoy woodworking with sharp Japanese chisels.
Check out our other articles for more great tips for using Japanese chisels!