Choice of Chisel

[SteveF]

I have a small project

an engagement ring box
this i my first attempt at anything so small
plan is to cut a round block 3" diameter 1" thick
saw the bottom off the round so it sits flat
simples
I then want to chisel inside the flat to accept another box inside..to hold the ring
I would like this to be delicate so would prefer to leave just about 3mm wood either side of hole
I then want to make a box to fit this but to the same thickness of walls about 3mm

so what chisel...wide enough for the hole ...or a small one and just keep working at it?
i know for a mortise you would just use the same width , but i am worried about splitting it

I am on a tight schedule to get this done...and panicking

I don't want to cut up thin pieces and glue back together

any advice?

Steve

 

[Jacob]

I'd chisel the hole to size first, from a larger blank (with whatever you have in the way of chisels) and only then cut the sides to 3mm from the hole.

 

[SteveF]

that is fantastic plan

I will sharpen up a pig and have a test go

 

[Cheshirechappie]

An alternative plan - make up the round with the flat, then mark out the hole. Hold in vice. Use a medium-sized drill (say 8mm or so) to drill several holes inside the lines, but as close to them as you can safely get, and as much as the middle as you can manage. Then using a medium chisel, take out the middle waste. Carefully pare the rest out bit by bit - finish at the bottom of the hole will be the tricky bit, but patience should get it clean enough. Careful paring with the largest chisels that will go in will clean the sides, and will fit the sides to the 'inner' box once that's made.

 

[owen]

Why not drill out with a fostner bit then chisel the hole square

 

[SteveF]

forstner may be my answer
and leave enough stock to cut afterwards

 

[SteveF]

Thankyou for advice

I made it..far from perfect
I am more used to working with large timbers and mitre saw
and not little bits of rock hard heartwood

can't believe how difficult it was for such an average result

 

[Jacob]

Looks good!

...
can't believe how difficult it was for such an average result

Always the way with one offs. If you'd made 10 the last one would have been a piece of p|ss!

 

[SteveF]

i guess that is true
I think a band \ scroll saw would have made life easier as well

steve