I'm trying to repurpose a 1/4" x 3/16" x 8" O1 steel rod that I initially shaped for a grooving plane, but it didn't harden properly and has a slight curve. Instead of tossing it out, I want to make it into a mortise chisel. I'm looking for advice on how to do this effectively. I'm not expecting it to last forever, just need it to be functional and somewhat durable for regular use. Also, any tips on how to properly attach the steel rod to a wooden handle would be greatly appreciated!
1 Answer
To attach the steel rod to a wooden handle, you can drill a hole in the wood that’s slightly smaller than the rod’s diameter. Heat the end of the steel rod until it turns red hot, then shove it into the hole. This method allows the steel to essentially burn its way into the wood. You might need to repeat this for a snug fit. Also, remember to grind the leading face of the chisel a bit wider than the back to create a trapezoidal shape for better performance as a mortise chisel. I found this method to be really effective! Check out this article on drawboring for some handle-making tips, too! [link]
That's interesting about the trapezoidal design! Some guides say standard mortising chisels work well too. Have you tested both shapes? I'm curious about how much the shape impacts mortising precision."