[Jackson]

After a prolonged waiting for some the tool manufacturers to begin producing mortising chisels again, I decided to take Joshua’s advice and purchased a vintage “pig sticker” mortise chisel from Jim Bode tools.  I have a couple questions for those who have purchased this type of chisel before.  First, was it necessary to flatten/polish the back of the chisel, and second, do you generally hone a micro bevel on a mortise chisel?

Thanks to any and all for your helpful suggestions.

Regards,

JT

Topic

[Joshua Farnsworth]

#2079439

Hi JT,

Great idea about the pig sticker! I find that it’s easiest to just use a 25 degree bevel. It makes resharpening much easier. I use a belt sander to establish the bevel. Just be very careful. I drew the correct angle on the sides of the chisel (with a protractor), and put the bevel to the belt sander until I reached that angle. Be mindful to make sure there is absolutely no wood saw dust in your belt sander, and don’t use a shop vac. Because the metal sparks can cause a fire. And there’s not much need to hone a mortise chisel to a fine grit. This is a wedging tool, rather than a paring tool.

Cheers,

Joshua

[Jackson]

#2079440

Thanks for the helpful suggestions

Thanks for your response Joshua and the helpful suggestions, especially bringing to my attention the primary purpose of a mortising chisel.

[Joshua Farnsworth]

#2079441

You’re most welcome my friend!

[Author]

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