What are the different types of woodcarving chisel?

3rd March 2020

What are the different types of woodcarving chisel?


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		Woodworking chisels can be separated into two groups: chisels and gouges.

		The difference between a chisel and a gouge is that chisels have a straight cutting edge and gouges have a curved cutting edge. The curvature of the blade is known as the “sweep”.

		Straight chisel A straight chisel is a woodcarving tool used to flatten, smooth or pare (trim) a workpiece. They may also be used for detailing straight edges. Chisels do not have a sweep (curve) to their cutting edge but they are categorised on a sweep chart as #1.

		Skew chisel Skew chisels are almost exactly the same as straight chisels with the exception that their cutting edge is skewed to one side (typically at 45 degrees).

		Straight “U” gouge Gouges are the most commonly used woodcarving tools. They tend to have a U-shaped cutting edge in varying degrees of depth. They can remove relatively large pieces of stock and are typically used to rough out the basic shape of a workpiece prior to finer detailing. Narrow “U” gouges are known as “veiners”. Wide “U” gouges are known as “fluters”.

		Curved “U” gouge A curved gouge works in exactly the same way as its straight counterpart except that their curved shaft allows them to cut in recesses such as curves or bowls. They are frequently used to make deep cuts and for general roughing-out tasks.

		Spoon gouge There are several different types of spoon gouge. Generally speaking, spoon gouges are ideal for scooping out wood from tight or confined curved spaces. They are designed especially to get into inaccessible spaces that straight or curved gouges cannot reach. Note the longer shank and relatively small blade (or scoop). This set-up gives you greater control in confined spaces. Spoon gouge cutting edges come in a wide variety of sweeps including straight edged (#1sweep).

		Spoon gouge (left corner) Left corner spoon gouges have an angled cutting edge which is skewed to the left makes getting into those tight left-hand corners much easier.

		Spoon gouge (right corner) The right corner spoon gouge has its angled cutting edge skewed to the opposite side of its cutting edge. This design allows it to scoop out wood from tight right-hand corners.

		Spoon gouge (front bent) The front bent spoon gouge is used to remove wood from awkward spots: generally tight corners, curves and concave surfaces.

		Spoon gouge (back bent) A back bent spoon gouge has a reversed curve. This type of gouge is used to remove wood from awkward places, tight corners, curves and convex surfaces.

		Fishtail chisel A fishtail chisel has a thin shaft that tapers out, widening progressively up to its cutting edge, resembling a fish’s tail. The advantages of this tool are that its thin shank does not interfere when cutting in deep recesses and it also improves visibility in tight spaces.

		Fishtail gouge The fishtail gouge is similar to the fishtail chisel except that its blade has a curved sweep to it. Fishtail gouges are used for removing wood from curved surfaces and are chiefly beneficial when working in tight spaces.

		“V” gouge “V” shaped gouges belong to a sub-category of carving tools known as “parting tools”. Their “V” shaped cutting edge makes them ideal for carving grooves, outlining and letter-work. Most manufacturers offer low (60 degree), medium (75 degree), and high (90 degree) angled “V” gouges as well as a variety of different sizes.

		Dog-leg chisel Dog leg chisels have a straight shank with an offset blade which allows them to be used in awkward spaces and tight corners.