Restoring Old Chisels

I have a pair of old wood chisels that have had their share of abuse from someone striking them without a handle. But with a bit of work, I think we can restore both chisels back into good usable wood working tools.
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Blacksmithing and related activities can be hazardous. These videos are not a substitute for competent professional instruction. Your safety is your sole responsibility. Always use appropriate safety equipment including eye and ear protection when working in the shop. Follow manufactures safety guidelines for the use of all equipment. In the event something shown in one of these videos seems unsafe, it is up to you to make the appropriate changes to protect yourself.t yourself.

Пікірлер: 286

  • @Dorelaxen
    @DorelaxenАй бұрын

    Induction heating never ceases to amaze me. It's almost like magic. Thanks for bringing these old beauties back to life.

  • @welshhomestead

    @welshhomestead

    Ай бұрын

    I've never seen anything like that! What an amazing piece of kit - BTW - nice Avatar, Viv ;o)

  • @ollejonsson7175
    @ollejonsson71752 ай бұрын

    Your final comment was such a treat: "hope you get to go to your shop and make something today" - and that's happening, I will. Thanks for the reminder of that joy.

  • @roadyinzer2461
    @roadyinzer24614 ай бұрын

    As a hobbyist blacksmith I have just as much enjoyment restoring old tools as I do creating projects. Thanks for the video.

  • @barbarasimmons5882

    @barbarasimmons5882

    4 ай бұрын

    I haven't thought of any 'projects' yet, all I make is tools! Only a hobby for last three years, but love it

  • @rodwilliams5074

    @rodwilliams5074

    4 ай бұрын

    I treat it as meditation rather than returning them into workhorses.

  • @steveRBForge
    @steveRBForge4 ай бұрын

    Just to show how old I am, watching John is more fun than Saturday morning cartoons.

  • @dirtfarmer7472

    @dirtfarmer7472

    3 ай бұрын

    We’re both going back in time

  • @davidrose2815
    @davidrose28154 ай бұрын

    I am so thankful for the resurrection of these old tools thank you so much. beautiful craftsmanship!

  • @BlackBearForge

    @BlackBearForge

    4 ай бұрын

    Glad you like them!

  • @stevelambert6404
    @stevelambert64044 ай бұрын

    Disrespecting old tools is so heartbreaking, if those chisels could talk what a story that would be 👍

  • @MartinPaulsen87
    @MartinPaulsen874 ай бұрын

    You did these chisels great justice! Someone had abused them to a degree of where most people would throw them away. Now they can live another 100 years! I too love restoring chisels and have done at least 50 of them by now. I tend to go overboard and make them shine and fine a NOS handle or turn one myself. It's such a pleasureable feeling! Thanks for sharing

  • @bigoldgrizzly
    @bigoldgrizzly3 ай бұрын

    One little tip to prevent loss of temper when welding something like this is to stick the part you need to protect right into a big old potato or apple. this soaks up the heat nicely.

  • @S8tan7

    @S8tan7

    3 ай бұрын

    Prime example of "if it works, it aint stupid"

  • @bigoldgrizzly

    @bigoldgrizzly

    3 ай бұрын

    @@S8tan7 Same principle was used by shepherds in the Yorkshire Dales, but in reverse. A ram would sometimes get horns growing inwards that could eventually grow into the face causing injury. They would force a boiled turnip onto the horn for twenty minutes or so, the heat and moisture being enough to soften the horn so it could be bent and braced away till it cooled and set.... as you say .... if it works ;

  • @MarsG0Dofw4r_

    @MarsG0Dofw4r_

    2 ай бұрын

    He didn't lose his temper, I thought he was very cordial..... Pah-dum ... Tshhhhh! 🥁

  • @Faesharlyn

    @Faesharlyn

    2 ай бұрын

    I'm a jeweler and I do this with stones when I need to do a repair lol

  • @sdjnwhyNZ

    @sdjnwhyNZ

    Ай бұрын

    Very smart!

  • @ericwhitmire4610
    @ericwhitmire46104 ай бұрын

    That reminds me, i have some old socket chisels from my grandpa i need to fix. Good job!

  • @BlackBearForge

    @BlackBearForge

    4 ай бұрын

    Fixing up tools that have been in the family sounds like a great idea.

  • @jerrywestaway9316
    @jerrywestaway93162 ай бұрын

    Nice Looking Shop And I Bet Everyone Was Drooling Over That Awesome Anvil

  • @JavierBonillaC

    @JavierBonillaC

    2 ай бұрын

    No, I was drooling over the heating machine.

  • @imager8763
    @imager87633 ай бұрын

    Finally! Someone honest about how long it takes to flatten the back of chisel!!!!

  • @332mcdaniel
    @332mcdaniel4 ай бұрын

    Absolutely makes my day seeing something repaired back into service vs being scraped and bought new. Great job John! Thx for sharing.

  • @dirtfarmer7472

    @dirtfarmer7472

    3 ай бұрын

    Since I don’t have any of the tools needed to do this I would’ve thrown them away & bought new

  • @drenowegetary372
    @drenowegetary372Ай бұрын

    Brawo,mistrzowskie rzemiosło i wszechstronność

  • @Jay-kk2rd
    @Jay-kk2rd4 ай бұрын

    John, I have been watching your videos since starting this craft five years ago. Thank you once again for inviting us into your shop to watch you at work. I loved this video as much as any of the others.

  • @bigoldgrizzly
    @bigoldgrizzly3 ай бұрын

    if a socketed handle starts getting a bit loose, try dissolving a few bits of pine resin in acetone and wipe this onto the wood. leave this to dry out and refit the handle with a warm socket and leave to cool. This has worked well for me in the past. I guess it is a glue of sorts, but warming it makes for easy release if needs be.

  • @suzisaintjames
    @suzisaintjames4 ай бұрын

    I've seen craftsmen turn wide, broken chisels like these into block plane irons too! 👍. 💖🌞🌵😷

  • @mikelastname
    @mikelastname4 ай бұрын

    I really liked the look of that "too small" handle - those burnished lines look A1.

  • @BlackBearForge

    @BlackBearForge

    4 ай бұрын

    Thanks

  • @timocsutube
    @timocsutube4 ай бұрын

    Fun little side project..Thanks John!

  • @BlackBearForge

    @BlackBearForge

    4 ай бұрын

    Glad you like it!

  • @Vic1943_
    @Vic1943_4 ай бұрын

    Beautiful job on restoring the tool anybody who would destroy a wood working tool don't need to be in a shop my 2cents worth thanks for sharing God bless you and yours ✝️

  • @alanpayne1442
    @alanpayne14422 ай бұрын

    I really enjoyed watching a skilled craftsman at work - amazing amount of different skills and techniques used in this gratifying restoration work.

  • @bobbillock879
    @bobbillock8794 ай бұрын

    Makes me wish I paid attention to my older family members that were excellent craftsmen unfortunately there long gone, but you guys on the channels are awesome thanks

  • @user-pt8mq2xf1p
    @user-pt8mq2xf1p3 ай бұрын

    Osage Orange wood. There is no hardwood like it. I'm surprised it is not more in demand. It will not rot, it's so hard and beautiful. It will fine sand into a lasting gloss-yellow finish.

  • @DrihunGaming
    @DrihunGaming2 ай бұрын

    I wish I could listen to you read books or short-stories, you have a wonderful voice to listen to.

  • @danandashleyhayes3159
    @danandashleyhayes31594 ай бұрын

    I love my old Butcher chisels. I have a couple I need to refurbish and you're given me the kick in the pants to do it. Thanks, John.

  • @ricktalerico893
    @ricktalerico8934 ай бұрын

    Thank you John. You have inspired me to take out my grandfathers smiles and do some needed repairs.

  • @martinswiney2192
    @martinswiney21923 ай бұрын

    New sub. Just found your channel. Nice looking work. Good to see you wearing a respirator while working. Im a 38 year machinist with all my fingers and eyes but three years ago I finally got worried about my lungs. People. Protect your lungs.

  • @michaelsewell3706
    @michaelsewell37064 ай бұрын

    So rewarding to refurbish old tools and equipment , even if it's only for display.

  • @craigmonteforte1478
    @craigmonteforte14783 ай бұрын

    I am a retired Wodworker and i’ve suffered. some Traumatic Brain Injuries that caused some Paralysis in my Extremities i have some family members that own and Operate Machine Shops and I’ve done a bit of Volunteer work for them as one of my Areas of Expertise inWoodworking was setting up and moving new Machinery in our Shop so Inknow how to move big heavy machinery ,Shim ,Anchor ,and plumb ,Wire ,Duct ,etc into the Shops existing Systems so i often would give my Family a hand. whenever they had new Equipment in their Facility BTW. we did exchange business with each other as well whenever it was mutually beneficial to do so i find it extremely relaxing and therapeutic to watch these types of videos on KZread plus i enjoy the knowledge i can get

  • @B3ll3r0ph0nt3s
    @B3ll3r0ph0nt3s4 ай бұрын

    They both look absolutely gorgeous, I think you have breathed life into these two wonderful tools again. Very much in the spirit of appreciating and restoring old tools! I absolutely love it

  • @BlackBearForge

    @BlackBearForge

    4 ай бұрын

    Thank you! 😊

  • @trailblazerforgeco
    @trailblazerforgeco4 ай бұрын

    John, thank you for this video. I really enjoy your long form, talk-me-through-every-step type videos. But, I also really love the for-the-love-of-the-tool be quiet videos. Great stuff. Again, proving why you’re the best blacksmith on KZread. Keep it up.

  • @BlackBearForge

    @BlackBearForge

    4 ай бұрын

    Glad you like them!

  • @me3333
    @me33333 ай бұрын

    I normally am a "right tool for the job" type of guy, but I have to admit I am very guilty of beating the daylights out of a wood chisel in a time of need. Love the tool restoration videos

  • @CrustyRestorations
    @CrustyRestorations3 ай бұрын

    A lifetime of skills and experience, another piece saved 👍👍

  • @rbfcaf
    @rbfcaf4 ай бұрын

    I love restoring old tools and I think you just made beautiful works of art. Thanks for the video as always.

  • @BlackBearForge

    @BlackBearForge

    4 ай бұрын

    Glad you like them!

  • @johnwest9786
    @johnwest97864 ай бұрын

    I'm glad you resurrected them. Well done John.

  • @glennwilck5459
    @glennwilck54594 ай бұрын

    Very nice old chisels that will serve you well no doubt..good thing they found you so you could help them!

  • @lukearts2954
    @lukearts29544 ай бұрын

    That's an amazing inductive forge... Interesting that it's water-cooled. Smart solution...

  • @BlackBearForge

    @BlackBearForge

    4 ай бұрын

    I think it will be a real game changer.

  • @lukearts2954

    @lukearts2954

    4 ай бұрын

    @@BlackBearForge It most certainly will, especially for home shop knife and tool makers... It also allows for very focused heat very fast. Though I wonder what the effect will be for internal stress and warping. I think when really forging out a small portion of a larger piece, it's going to require annealing/normalization in order to prevent cracking later on. But like you demonstrated, it's great for repairs too where you forge weld one side of the tool without destroying the temper of the other end of it. I'm going to look into procuring one here (watching from Europe)

  • @lukearts2954

    @lukearts2954

    4 ай бұрын

    @@BlackBearForge Have you covered this tool in one of your videos? I'd like to find out more about it (make, model, requirements, etc)

  • @Barnagh1
    @Barnagh13 ай бұрын

    Very nice work. Especially the suggestion about the hairspray 😂

  • @jeffgrier8488
    @jeffgrier84884 ай бұрын

    Nice work on the chisels John, it's always great to bring old tools back to life. It's a shame that someone had to abuse them so badly though.

  • @toddavis8603
    @toddavis86033 ай бұрын

    Great job! A sharp chisel is a valuable tool in the wood shop!

  • @thisolesignguy2733
    @thisolesignguy27332 ай бұрын

    Osage Orange (we call it hedgeapple here in Indiana) was a great choice for that handle. I use it for wood signs all the time and it just turns so beautiful after awhile, and it doesn't split & rot in the weather like oak or walnut. But you're right that it chips and splinters really bad. I use extremely sharp tools when working it, and sand as much as possible. Absolutely NO power tools. A router will turn the entire piece into a projectile...nothing like digging a 2" long splinter out your arm.

  • @LukeLong-oi4uc
    @LukeLong-oi4uc3 ай бұрын

    Excellent content and great job on the restorations. They look fantastic. I to enjoy reviving old abused tools and giving them a new lease on life.

  • @dannelson2563
    @dannelson25634 ай бұрын

    Showcases your tools and talents. Thanks

  • @ChristopherTrybus
    @ChristopherTrybus3 ай бұрын

    Thanks for the post. I have a drawer of chisels that need this! One at a time.

  • @BlackBearForge

    @BlackBearForge

    3 ай бұрын

    Glad it was helpful!

  • @ga5743
    @ga57434 ай бұрын

    Sweet job on those fine tools John, I love using old tools and wonder just how many people used them before me. Enjoy your day..

  • @scottswineford6714
    @scottswineford67144 ай бұрын

    Mushroomed chisels seem to be the norm at garage sales and flea markets around here. Hadn't thought about using tubing for a repair, thank you. I don't often need or want a 1 1/4" or larger but now I know I can pick up a $2.00 special and fix it. Good to see I'm not the only gas welder around, most of you youngsters seem to not know how.

  • @BlackBearForge

    @BlackBearForge

    4 ай бұрын

    At 65 calling me a youngster is quite the compliment, thanks

  • @glencrandall7051
    @glencrandall70514 ай бұрын

    You are a man of many skills. Two old tools that now have a new life. I hope they never need this kind of restoration again. Thank you for sharing. Have a great day and stay safe.🙂🙂

  • @robprupe
    @robprupe4 ай бұрын

    Nice to see a bit of Sheffield Steel.

  • @davem4423
    @davem44233 ай бұрын

    Fantastic, you remind me of my late father , skills learned over many years & the ability to make these crafts look easy, which we know are not easy to master . its a testement to your patience & attention to detail & pride in your work , thank you sir for bringing tears of joy & memories of a great man , best wishes from great britain

  • @pathardage1880
    @pathardage18803 ай бұрын

    That was a very satisfying save and put back to work video. Thank you. I agree with Steve; this was a whole lot better than the Saturday morning cartoons.

  • @garrockwaters304
    @garrockwaters3044 ай бұрын

    That is the most awesome anvil I have ever seen in my long life! Wonderful tools and the knowledge to use them.

  • @mikerobertson4041
    @mikerobertson40414 ай бұрын

    I have always enjoyed watching a true craftsman at work, I guess because I've never been much good at that sort of thing.

  • @fireotters
    @fireotters3 ай бұрын

    I have a few framing chisels I picked up because they were exactly in the same shape and I was hoping to do the same repair, I was so thrilled when I saw you had posted this video, thank you!

  • @BlackBearForge

    @BlackBearForge

    3 ай бұрын

    Glad I could help

  • @steadfasttherenowned2460
    @steadfasttherenowned24603 ай бұрын

    Violin Rosen works great to keep the handle from falling out of the socket when you don't want it too

  • @budmartin8297
    @budmartin82974 ай бұрын

    Great recovery of two deserving tools.

  • @dragonstonegemironworkscra4740
    @dragonstonegemironworkscra47404 ай бұрын

    Morning mr John. Such a nice project with great results. Thanks for sharing. Im sure it will unspire some others to do something similar with their old tools. Blessings abundant Sir Crawford out 🙏🏻🔥⚒️🧙🏻‍♂️

  • @robphone4895
    @robphone48954 ай бұрын

    Real craftmanship John! Love it.

  • @BlackBearForge

    @BlackBearForge

    4 ай бұрын

    Thank you

  • @lev53420
    @lev534204 ай бұрын

    Always beautiful work! You are a craftsman sir

  • @michaelmcallister4781
    @michaelmcallister47814 ай бұрын

    I use those Sandflex blocks all the time for rust and tarnish removal. Very underrated tool. Nice video.

  • @jeffreydickson8888
    @jeffreydickson88883 ай бұрын

    I have restored several old socket chisels with turned handles. If you leave the handle just slightly oversized you can tap them handle side down on a bench or block to seat the handle in the chisel. No glue - they can still be removed but they also hold quite well. Not foolproof, but pretty good.

  • @danceswithaardvarks3284
    @danceswithaardvarks32844 ай бұрын

    Fantastic job. I can't help thinking that the socket chisel would have been a good candidate for a full tang and socket, as implemented in Ward and Paynes award winning Aristrocrat chisels, which were the forerunner of the Stanley Sweetheart and Lie Nielson chisels.

  • @packerbacker9109
    @packerbacker91093 ай бұрын

    A true craftsman! This is why I love KZread

  • @ironhead65
    @ironhead654 ай бұрын

    That was great that you showed the dust collection side! Great idea!

  • @threeriversforge1997
    @threeriversforge19974 ай бұрын

    Great stuff, and a really solid return on your investment! Honestly, I'd have been tempted to incorporate that mushroomed end into the new socket just because it was so neat. 🤣 Seriously, though, it's a good illustration of an aspect of smithing that a lot of people have turned their backs on -- repairing old tools. Back in the day, repairs probably made up the lion's share of a smith's daily workload. Today, it's not much of a paying gig, but it's still very good practice since you can often get worn out tools for pennies at a yard sale. A great way to practice the techniques and build yourself a nice collection of serviceable tools to help further your smithing career.

  • @cottrilltoolwoodworks
    @cottrilltoolwoodworks4 ай бұрын

    Nice. Osage is one of my favorite woods to use, love that golden hue after it oxidizes a while.

  • @ray1283
    @ray12833 ай бұрын

    Great job! Much respect for a man at home around a forge AND the woodshop. I grew up on a farm with all these tools available to learn how to use. We had many such 'old farmers' that could make or repair most anything.

  • @KellyPhillips-yn1mw
    @KellyPhillips-yn1mw3 ай бұрын

    Wow. Well done. I could watch you all day. Heck now that I have an injury that keeps me out of the shop, I just might do that.😂

  • @PGSchroe
    @PGSchroe4 ай бұрын

    Good job with that socket taper! I have the hardest time getting those right.

  • @user-po7iv4ni3o
    @user-po7iv4ni3o2 ай бұрын

    Yeah, I'd say Elmer Fudd got ahold of that socket chisel at some point and used it as a muzzle loading shotgun pistol 😂

  • @jamesfino7962
    @jamesfino7962Ай бұрын

    Thanks for the video.

  • @kendalljimsmith2111
    @kendalljimsmith21114 ай бұрын

    Nice job sir! Great to see a fellow tool restorer in action!

  • @PuissantPike
    @PuissantPike4 ай бұрын

    The way you kept the socket tubing rotating continuously as you reduced it was really impressive to watch. I had to go back and watch how you were doing it. As far as I could see, it's just great tongs control! Very impressed with what could easily be an overlooked skill!

  • @BlackBearForge

    @BlackBearForge

    4 ай бұрын

    Thanks, it just a matter of practice

  • @dankenney7827
    @dankenney78274 ай бұрын

    Nice job! Glad to see those back in service.

  • @arlineastman
    @arlineastman3 ай бұрын

    I loved how you saved the chisels and wish I had the tools to do it. I miss the days in the military machine shop. I also do wood turning now and to keep wood looking the color it was once i a while I put on a sunscreen of 75 spf and the wood will not change color for years. Did some mulberry 7 years ago and it is still nice and yellow

  • @sirkai007
    @sirkai0074 ай бұрын

    There should be a pillory in the town square for people who abuse tools in such a way.

  • @sylvainmorency7061
    @sylvainmorency70613 ай бұрын

    Always love to see old tools return to service God bless you 🙏🏻

  • @RRINTHESHOP
    @RRINTHESHOP4 ай бұрын

    Great timing John, I have a neighbors chisel to repair, the shotgun barrel look. Thanks for sharing.

  • @BlackBearForge

    @BlackBearForge

    4 ай бұрын

    You're welcome

  • @richardcary978
    @richardcary9783 ай бұрын

    Awesome anvil. Nice work!

  • @j.d.1488
    @j.d.14883 ай бұрын

    My man it is beautiful watching you work. Woodworker as well a Smith. Awesome.

  • @centerededgedesignusa7957
    @centerededgedesignusa79574 ай бұрын

    Loved this video! Showcasing lots of skills, great production quality, and saving/restoring tools is great, too! THANK YOU!

  • @nathvanvolsom5213
    @nathvanvolsom52134 ай бұрын

    I put my safety glass everytime I forge now! I’m not sure why forging can be dangerous for my eyes but if you say it everytime mister, it’s for a good reason! Thank you!

  • @bruceprosser8332
    @bruceprosser83324 ай бұрын

    I really enjoyed this John!

  • @markburkey3659
    @markburkey36594 ай бұрын

    I hauled home a leather bag full of chisels that looked just like this from my grandfathers house after he passed. Wished i’d have kept them.

  • @MrTimobrian
    @MrTimobrian3 ай бұрын

    GOOD VIDEO AND BEST INFO WAS REGARDING SOCKET CHISEL HANDLES PRONE TO SEPARATING ... I ACQUIRED SEVERAL ANTIQUE WOODWORKING CHISELS MADE IN SWEDEN AND HANDLES ARE LOOSE .. hate to replace with new wood

  • @SchysCraftCo.
    @SchysCraftCo.4 ай бұрын

    Wow that is crazy. Very nice job fixing them

  • @jzrgrmm
    @jzrgrmm2 ай бұрын

    What a nice video. I would love to just be around the shop in silence and total attention, just learning.

  • @anoka114
    @anoka1143 ай бұрын

    Quite the workshop you have. Nice!!!!

  • @BlackBearForge

    @BlackBearForge

    3 ай бұрын

    Thanks 👍

  • @kenzeiszler8213
    @kenzeiszler82133 ай бұрын

    Love your craftsmanship as well as all the time you have spent building your shop with all those wonderful tools. Thanks for sharing, I enjoyed it greatly.

  • @RaymondWKing-dn8wf
    @RaymondWKing-dn8wf3 ай бұрын

    Makes excellent Bows worked out with Broken Glas and files, better backed with Sinue

  • @CausticPuffin
    @CausticPuffin3 ай бұрын

    Good use of old guitar string! It’s a pretty good trick.

  • @airford13
    @airford133 ай бұрын

    love old tools! thanks for the vid!!

  • @danbreyfogle8486
    @danbreyfogle84864 ай бұрын

    Nice save on both chisels.

  • @mattcable6379
    @mattcable63793 ай бұрын

    Wow. just found you and what a joy. I might have to think of you as Pops now... looking forward to enjoying your vids and learning lots. Thanks Pops 😁

  • @timothyeldridge6822
    @timothyeldridge68222 ай бұрын

    Excellent work!

  • @eazyduzzit6626
    @eazyduzzit66264 ай бұрын

    I love your work. Thanks for the videos.

  • @TalRohan
    @TalRohan4 ай бұрын

    Now thats the way to fix chisels properly... there is nothing quite like getting that clean cut across end grain with a chisel you just worked on yourself thanks for sharing John I keep meaning to ask, is your big wire brush Switser made, Ive never seen another like it but I really like how well it works

  • @BlackBearForge

    @BlackBearForge

    4 ай бұрын

    Those are called casting brushes. I usually buy them from Peih Tool

  • @TalRohan

    @TalRohan

    4 ай бұрын

    @@BlackBearForge oh cool thankyou I will look those up ...I am reasonably sure I can find some somewhere Peih tool doesnt appear to sell them anymore

  • @MrJamesjustin
    @MrJamesjustin4 ай бұрын

    Nice job John. As usual.

  • @barryhunt5357
    @barryhunt53572 ай бұрын

    Great restoration!

  • @garetkonigsfeld2
    @garetkonigsfeld24 ай бұрын

    I can see doing this to Harbor Fraight Chisels. But those are nice tools. Nice job.

  • @MASI_forging
    @MASI_forging4 ай бұрын

    Such a great restoration 🥰🥰

  • @oldpup2182
    @oldpup21824 ай бұрын

    Thank you for your patience in restoring these chisels. It REALLY ticks me off to see that someone has abused such wonderful old tools.

  • @xNecromancerxxx

    @xNecromancerxxx

    4 ай бұрын

    Oh, God, me too makes me so mad and I see it every single day at work… i’m a termite technician, so I spend my days crawling under peoples houses. You wouldn’t believe the old tools I find under there that would just throw on their years ago and left for the Earth to take but the ones salvageable I take them, take them back home and restore them to the best of my ability.