How to Chisel a Channel

Chiseling a channel is a necessary skill to learn in woodworking.

One of the fundamental basics of woodworking is working a chisel. Carving out a channel is a required skill, as many projects will require cutting grooves or channels into the wood. This is a simple technique that, once mastered, will allow you to build more complicated skills.

Things You'll Need

• Sharp chisel
• Chisel hammer
• Wood
• Pencil

Instructions

Lay Out the Line

1. Draw a straight line on a block of wood, working with the grain of the wood, not against it. For this exercise, the length of the line does not matter.

2. Draw a line parallel to the first one. For your first channel, keep the lines the same width apart as the width of the chisel. You'll carve the channel between the lines.

3. Draw two lines at the ends of the parallel lines. This will result in a rectangle on the block.

Carving the Channel

1. Place the chisel along the edge of one of the parallel lines. The beveled edge of the chisel should be down, and the flat surface should be on top.

2. Hit the chisel lightly with the hammer. A few taps will set the depth of the initial groove.

3. Move the chisel along the line about half the width of the chisel head. Moving the chisel more than half the width can result in an uneven channel. Repeat Steps 1-3 until you reach the end of the first line.

4. Move to the other line and repeat. Switch lines until the channel is the desired depth.

5. Place the chisel in the bottom of the channel, beveled side down, and use the hammer to tap the chisel, removing any remaining wood in the center.

6. Move the chisel about half its width and repeat Step 5 until the raised center is removed.

Squaring the Channel

1. Flip the chisel over, with the flat section against one of the outer edges of the groove. Hold the chisel vertical to the block.

2. Hit the chisel with the hammer. This will remove any angled edges of the channel, leaving a nice, square corner.

3. Move the chisel half the width of the chisel and repeat Steps 1 and 2 until the channel is square.

4. Place the chisel, flat side down, in the bottom of one end of the channel.

5. Drag the chisel along the channel, leading with the flat edge, toward the opposite end of the channel. This will remove the high spots in the channel, resulting in a flat floor.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure your chisels are sharp. A dull tool is dangerous.

• Always wear eye protection when working with wood.

Resources

• Woodmagazine.com: Woodworking Techniques