Modifying an already good tool for the job

[Jerry Crawford]

I do a lot of fine paring of wood in stocking a flintlock or any woodworking project. I recently had a brainstorm regarding a really nice 1/2" Witherby socket chisel I've had laying in my extra's drawer for several years. It's about 6" long and just wide enough to be a nice shaping & paring chisel with good reach. The problem was the socket handle that came on the chisel was designed for a mallet blow, just massive, and completly unwieldy freehand. So I pulled the old handle and shaped another knob that fits the palm of my hand sweetly. This is the result. Now it's a perfect hand tool.
https://home.comcast.net/~boondocker1/DSCN0108.JPG

https://home.comcast.net/~boondocker1/DSCN0109.JPG

I was making a second "palm chisel" and remembered I had a bag full of these shaker style coat hanger's. I trimmed one down and it makes another perfect palm for a push chisel.

https://home.comcast.net/~boondocker1/palm%20chisel%20handles.jpg

[Alan Turner]

Very nice. I also have old Witherbys -- paring and others. They are great. I use paring chisels quite a bit, so will try your handle idea. thx.
Alan

[Jerry Crawford]

Thanks Alan, I think we all have the occasional bright flash of brilliance. As my wife say's even a blind hog will pick up the ocasional acorn. I've learned a number of clever things from other gent's on this and other site's so sharing of the ideas is a good thing

[Jerry Crawford]

FWIW - this weekend I installed two more barrels/tangs and was very pleased how these two chisles worked for me. Even if you have a drawer full of chisels I recommend you look into turning some of them into palm chisels like I have. You'll be surprised at the leap in control you gain for detail work holding the chisel against your palm and pushing the edge. If anyone has an orphaned 1/4" and 1/8" Whitherby they want to pass onto a good home I'm shoping.