Chisels

Stonemasonry Department 2012

Masonry ChiselsIntroduction for Stonemasons

Head

Shaft

Shoulders

Tip

Parts of a Chisel

Masonry chisels are most commonly manufactured

using high carbon tool steels with a tungsten

carbide tip (TCT) fused into the end.

Alternatively they can be firesharp which is where they are made using high

carbon tool steels only which are hardened and tempered to a sharp tip.

Materials and Manufacture

Mallet Headed

Hammer Headed

Pneumatic Headed

Chisel Heads

Standard masonry chisels have a high carbon steel shaft and head with a tungsten carbide (TCT) straight tip. They are

available in a range of sizes from 1/8th inch to 2 inch and with pneumatic, ball and hammer heads. These chisels are used to produce a variety of surface finishes and should be kept sharp

at all times.

Standard TCT Chisels

Bullnose chisels are forged using the same materials as standard

masonry chisels but are specifically designed for cutting internally curved

mouldings such as cavettos and cyma-

reversas. The curved tip is available in a range of sizes from 1/8th inch to 2

inch.

Bullnose Chisels

Fishtail chisels are particularly suitable for carving work. They are waisted or “fishtailed” to provide clearance when carving intricate curves and grooves. Although forged using the same

materials as standard masonry chisels, these chisels are generally thinner and flatter at the tip.

Fishtail Chisels

As the name suggests, these chisels are used for fine lettering work. They have a high carbon steel shaft with TCT tip and

hammer head designed for use with a dummy mallet. Lettering chisels are generally shorter in length than standard

chisels and have narrow shoulders.

Lettering Chisels

Granite and marble chisels are generally heavier than standard masonry chisels as the materials they are used to cut

are much harder than sandstone and limestone. Granite chisels are normally left with a hammer head to

accommodate the extra force required when cutting granite.

Granite and Marble Chisels

Chisels can be sharpened either manually or mechanically. Bench grinders are the most common machine used to sharpen chisels mechanically whilst the Kaindl see-through grinding wheel is a more expensive alternative. Diamond sharpening blocks are used to sharpen tools manually but require continuous use throughout the day.

Sharpening Chisels

1. Name the two main materials used to produce masonry chisels.

2. What do the letters TCT represent?

3. What is a bullnose chisel commonly used for?

4. Identify two methods of sharpening chisels.

5. Why are granite and marble chisels designed to be more durable than standard masonry chisels?

6. Sketch a masonry chisel and name each of its sections.

Activity

1. The two main materials are high carbon tool steel and tungsten carbide

2. TCT stands for Tungsten Carbide Tipped.

3. A bullnose chisel is generally used for cutting rounded moulds?

4. Chisels can be sharpened manually or mechanically.

5. Granite and marble chisels are more durable as granites and marbles are generally harder than sandstones and limestones.

Activity Answers

You have placed the following order with a masonry tool manufacturer. Calculate the total cost of the order including a

£15.00 delivery charge.Name Quantity Cost per Unit (£) Total Cost (£)

½ inch standard TCT MH chisel 5 £17.03

1 inch standard TCT MH chisel 10 £21.34

¾ inch bullnose TCT MH chisel 7 £21.09

2 inch bullnose TCT HH chisel 12 £34.94

1 ½ inch marble TCT HH chisel 4 £32.02

1/8th inch lettering chisel 8 £13.60

Activity

You have placed the following order with a masonry tool manufacturer. Calculate the total cost of the order including a

£15.00 delivery charge.Name Quantity Cost per Unit (£) Total Cost (£)

½ inch standard TCT MH chisel 5 £17.03 £85.15

1 inch standard TCT MH chisel 10 £21.34 £213.40

¾ inch bullnose TCT MH chisel 7 £21.09 £147.63

2 inch bullnose TCT HH chisel 12 £34.94 £419.28

1 ½ inch marble TCT HH chisel 4 £32.02 £128.08

1/8th inch lettering chisel 8 £13.60 £108.80

+ £15.00 £1117.34

Activity Answers

http://www.e4wardmarketing.com/Kelso/index1.html

http://www.shop.g-gibson.com/stone-working-tools-11-c.asp

http://www.harbrosupplies.com/

http://www.stonemachineryuk.co.uk/pageflip/natmas_consumables/index.html

Suppliers

Developed by The Stonemasonry DepartmentCity of Glasgow College

2012