Learning to use a Chisel

I use a lot of power tools but when it comes to hand tools I have a lot to learn.  So this week I decided to take it easy on my holidays and try to learn how to use a chisel.  There isn't much to this post.  It's mainly just to show that I'm still here, still working on things.

First of all I used a marking knife to score the wood in the area I wanted to remove.  This gives the chisel tip a starting point an it also cuts the wood fibre to prevent the wood splintering.

Scored Area

From there I slowly removed the wood, working my way down to the desired level.

Chiselled Rebate

The sides weren't completely straight and the cut ended up a little larger than I had hoped.

Chiselled Rebate

Next time I think I'll remove a lot of material from the centre before bring the rebate to the final size.  That should produce a better result.  I also need to use a sharper chisel.  Another tool that would come in handy would be a woodworkers vice and bench.  It would hold the wood in place better and prevent it from moving.

Chiselled Rebate

Thanks to Masters for the discounted wood to play with. :-)