Greetings, I want to know what variety of chisel Chris Gochnour is using in his hand cut dovetail demonstration? I am cutting some dovetails in quarter sawn white oak drawer fronts and my 20 year old Freud Chrome Vanadium chisels are taking a beating. What variety of chisels do you recommend for cutting the heavy work and then what variety do you recommend for the final pairing work in the white oak?
Thank you,
Brew
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Replies
Dear Brew,
Here's Chris Gochnour's reply to your question about the brand of chisels he uses:
Thanks so much for your interest in the multi-drawer cabinet. I used Two Cherries brand chisels to dovetail the drawers in the cabinet. I've used many chisels over the years, and I do find the Two Cherries hold up quite well in use. I can appreciate your challenge in working white oak. White oak is particularly hard on chisel edges. A couple of things that you might try ... Sharpen the edge of your chisel with a steeper bevel angle. Also try to strop your chisels on smooth wood or leather with some stroping compound. I found that even though my edge fractures and breaks down when working hard woods, the stroping will restore a sharp enough edge that I can continue working without going back to the stones.
I hope this helps,
Chris Gochnour
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