Chisels

How To Choose A Chisel
Click the chart above to enlarge
Notes
The specifics of how well a chisel performs in a given instance depends on a multitude of factors including the type of stone, the angle the chisel is being held, how hard the chisel is struck etc. This table should be used as general guide, but there will be many exceptions depending on the specific factors in any given case.
General Concepts
  • Points and tools that have a narrower blade will be best on hard stone as the force is concentrated to a smaller area.
  • Tools like tracer chisels that have a finer (sharper) angle are best for splitting with the grain. They can more easily be damaged when used in other ways especially on hard stone.
  • Tools with a blunt or square end (Chipper & Pitching) are best for trimming against the grain in level bedded stone as well as trimming stone with no
  • Shaping done with chisels will give more precise control than working with just hammers. However, hammers tend to be more powerful and faster.