AZN-Catalog2014

HORIZONTAL PARING

STEP 4 The left hand controls the precision of the cut either by placing the four fingers of the left hand on top of the blade and the thumb underneath, or for very fine work place the thumb on top and index finger of the left hand underneath close up to the cutting edge.

STEP 1 Horizontal paring is the technique of removing waste material once the limits of the cut have been defined by either sawing or vertical paring with a chisel. By following this procedure the risk of damaging splits is minimised.

STEP 5 Before making any horizontal cut across or down the grain always ensure that you have sawn down to depth before you start to remove the waste material. To minimise the risk of splitting at the far edge of a through housing it is a good technique to work in from both sides to the middle.

NOTE: Take care when setting out your cutting lines to use a knife cut or a gauged line, this is more accurate than a pencil line.

TIP 1 If you have to strike the chisel it is much better to use a mallet than a hammer, because the larger striking face of the mallet can be brought down on the end of the handle without having to look at it, leaving you to concentrate on what the cutting edge is doing.

STEP 2 Secure the work in a vice or clamp to the bench.

STEP 3 For the right-handed person grip the handle of the chisel with the end tucked into the palm of the right hand and the thumb and index finger on either side of the handle. The right hand applies the power to the cut. Tuck your elbow into your side to give you more controlled power.

TIP 2 With only a few exceptions the chisel should be used with the bevel facing upwards or away from the user.

TIP 3 If you need to use a mallet when making a series of vertical cuts position the work over the leg of the bench to minimise vibration and to work more effectively.

TIP 4 Resist clamping the work in a vice unless you have supported the underside. Do not be tempted to use a hammer or mallet on wood held in the vice.

TOP TIP Drill out waste material from deep mortises before ‘cleaning up’ with a chisel.

99