Kerfing Chisel

[Hank Knight]

I ordered this stainless steel laboratory "spatula" to make a "kerfing chisel" after watching Derek's video. It is larger than most I've seen. It is approximately 3/4" wide and appears to very robust. I've received it from the seller, but I haven't had time to try it out. It looks likes it will work very well for this purpose.

https://www.calpaclab.com/double-ended-s...789-130-ea

[wmickley]

I never heard of a kerfing chisel.  Why is it a normal chisel can not work??

Nobody else has ever heard of a kerfing chisel either, Arlin. Regular chisels work just fine. 

I have been making lipped drawers for over forty years. I use a 1/4 inch chisel and a 5/8 chisel (or 3/4) to clean out the sockets. Here in Pennsylvania we have been making lipped drawers for 300 years. 

[Arlin Eastman]

Nobody else has ever heard of a kerfing chisel either, Arlin. Regular chisels work just fine. 

I have been making lipped drawers for over forty years. I use a 1/4 inch chisel and a 5/8 chisel (or 3/4) to clean out the sockets. Here in Pennsylvania we have been making lipped drawers for 300 years. 

I do ask because most everyone here knows more then me and that is why the question.  New tools come out all the time to make things either better or easier and this looks like one of them.

Until I watch the video I will know more but I just do not do any good dovetails year and hope to soon.

[Derek Cohen]

I do ask because most everyone here knows more then me and that is why the question.  New tools come out all the time to make things either better or easier and this looks like one of them.

Until I watch the video I will know more but I just do not do any good dovetails year and hope to soon.

Arlin, there are pictorials on my website which may assist your quest ...

Through dovetails: http://www.inthewoodshop.com/Furniture/T...ails3.html



Half-blind dovetails: http://www.inthewoodshop.com/Furniture/H...eTape.html



Mitred through dovetails: http://www.inthewoodshop.com/Furniture/A...able2.html



Practice. Try the blue tape method. Take your time. Don’t be tentative - go for it!

Regards from Perth

Derek

[bandit571]

IF I need a "kerfing chisel"....I do have a "made in" Union N. J.   U.S.A.  Red Devil 4101

A stiff steel blade, walnut handle, brass rivets.   1-1/4" wide.


may get it cleaned up, after a bit.....


Cleaned up nicely.

   
Details?

   
And the logo..
 

   

Brass riveted handle...wood MIGHT be either Walnut, or Rosewood.   Blade is NOT the flexible style,  it takes a lot of force to even start it to bend.  

wasn't a "cheap" one...either.  Was from before the age of "hanger holed handles" ..

[rectangle618]

IF I need a "kerfing chisel"....I do have a "made in" Union N. J.   U.S.A.  Red Devil 4101

A stiff steel blade, walnut handle, brass rivets.   1-1/4" wide.

That should work. Grind the business end flat across and the corners of the blade should be square. If rounded, even slightly, it won't drive straight down.

[bandit571]

Just tried it a bit ago....drove straight down in end grain Pine...might be a keeper..

[Tony Z]

I've used a card scraper, but, generally don't get too excited about trying to remember where I laid down that "special tool" (spoken generically).

[RonB1957]

IF I need a "kerfing chisel"....I do have a "made in" Union N. J.   U.S.A.  Red Devil 4101

A stiff steel blade, walnut handle, brass rivets.   1-1/4" wide.


may get it cleaned up, after a bit.....


Cleaned up nicely.


Details?

And the logo..
 


Brass riveted handle...wood MIGHT be either Walnut, or Rosewood.   Blade is NOT the flexible style,  it takes a lot of force to even start it to bend.  

wasn't a "cheap" one...either.  Was from before the age of "hanger holed handles" ..

I couldn't count the number of times I used that red devil putty knife when I was a painter's apprentice. That is the only brand I would use. It was/ is a painter's primary tool. Glazed a lot of old windows too. About 40 years ago.
Always in my putty knife pocket. Wedge, scraper, chisel, etc. I always kept a sharp edge on mine. I still have a couple in my tool box. The stiff ones. I don't think you can get the wooden handled ones any longer.

[Tapper]

Nobody else has ever heard of a kerfing chisel either, Arlin. Regular chisels work just fine. 

I have been making lipped drawers for over forty years. I use a 1/4 inch chisel and a 5/8 chisel (or 3/4) to clean out the sockets. Here in Pennsylvania we have been making lipped drawers for 300 years. 

Did you watch the video?

Doug