Stanley 16-904 Wood Chisel User Manual

1. Product Overview

The Stanley 16-904 is a 9-inch x 3/8-inch short blade wood chisel, engineered for precision and durability in woodworking tasks. It features a high-quality chrome carbon ball bearing grade steel blade, designed for strength and control.

Image: The Stanley 16-904 wood chisel, featuring its distinctive amber-colored cellulose acetate handle and polished steel blade. The handle is designed for impact resistance, and the blade is precision ground with a descriptive etch mark.

Key Features:

• Sheffield blades made from high quality chrome carbon ball bearing grade steel.
• Short series blade for enhanced strength and control during use.
• Blades are precision ground to high standards of accuracy, with size etch marks.
• Hardened and tempered to 58-60HRC for outstanding cutting edge durability.
• Electrophoretic lacquered for corrosion protection.
• Impact-resistant amber-colored cellulose acetate handle with a longer design for shock and shatter resistance.
• Steel striking cap allows for use with a steel hammer.

2. Safety Information

Always prioritize safety when using hand tools. Failure to follow these guidelines may result in injury or damage to the tool or workpiece.

• Eye Protection: Always wear safety glasses or goggles to protect against flying debris.
• Hand Protection: Consider wearing gloves to improve grip and protect hands.
• Sharp Edges: Chisels are extremely sharp. Handle with care and keep fingers away from the cutting edge.
• Workpiece Security: Always secure your workpiece firmly in a vise or with clamps to prevent movement during chiseling.
• Proper Grip: Maintain a firm, controlled grip on the chisel handle.
• Striking: When using a hammer or mallet, ensure the striking cap is clean and free of obstructions. Strike squarely.
• Storage: Store chisels with blade guards or in a tool roll to protect the edge and prevent accidental injury.
• Inspection: Before each use, inspect the chisel for any damage, such as a chipped blade or cracked handle. Do not use damaged tools.

3. Setup

Before using your Stanley wood chisel, ensure it is properly prepared for optimal performance and safety.

• Unpacking: Carefully remove the chisel from its packaging. Retain any blade guards for future storage.
• Initial Inspection: Check the blade for any factory burrs or imperfections. Ensure the handle is securely attached and undamaged.
• Sharpening: While Stanley chisels come precision ground, a fresh sharpening to your preferred angle (typically 25-30 degrees for general woodworking) can enhance performance. Use appropriate sharpening stones or jigs.
• Work Area: Prepare a clean, well-lit work area. Ensure adequate space for safe tool operation and workpiece handling.

4. Operating Instructions

Using a wood chisel effectively requires proper technique and control.

1. Marking: Clearly mark your cutting lines on the workpiece.
2. Positioning: Place the chisel's bevel side down for paring cuts or bevel side up for chopping cuts, depending on the desired action. Align the cutting edge precisely with your marked line.
3. Grip: Hold the chisel firmly with one hand guiding the blade close to the cutting edge, and the other hand on the handle.
4. Paring Cuts: For fine, controlled cuts, push the chisel through the wood using hand pressure. Use your guiding hand to control the depth and direction.
5. Chopping/Mortising: For deeper cuts or removing larger amounts of material, use a mallet or hammer to strike the steel striking cap on the handle. Ensure the chisel is held perpendicular to the surface for chopping.
6. Grain Direction: Always consider the wood grain. Cutting with the grain is generally easier and produces cleaner results. Cutting against the grain can lead to tear-out.
7. Shaving Thin Layers: For precise removal, take multiple shallow passes rather than one deep cut.

5. Maintenance

Proper maintenance will extend the life and performance of your Stanley wood chisel.

• Cleaning: After each use, wipe the blade and handle clean of any wood dust, sap, or debris.
• Sharpening: A sharp chisel is a safe and effective chisel. Sharpen the blade regularly using appropriate sharpening stones (coarse to fine grit) or a sharpening system. Maintain the original bevel angle.
• Honing: After sharpening, hone the edge with a leather strop and honing compound to achieve a razor-sharp finish.
• Rust Prevention: Apply a thin coat of camellia oil, mineral oil, or a rust preventative spray to the blade after cleaning, especially if storing for extended periods or in humid environments.
• Storage: Store the chisel with a blade guard to protect the cutting edge and prevent accidental injury. Keep in a dry place, away from extreme temperatures and humidity.

6. Troubleshooting

While wood chisels are simple tools, some common issues can arise:

• Dull Edge: If the chisel is tearing wood or requires excessive force, the edge is likely dull. Refer to the "Maintenance" section for sharpening instructions.
• Chipped Edge: A chipped edge can occur from striking hard objects (like nails), dropping the chisel, or improper sharpening. The chip must be ground out and the blade re-sharpened.
• Tear-out: This often happens when cutting against the grain or taking too deep a cut. Try cutting with the grain, taking shallower passes, or scoring the cut line first.
• Rust: If rust appears, it can be removed with fine abrasive paper or rust remover, followed by re-oiling. Prevent rust by keeping the blade clean and oiled.

7. Specifications

8. Warranty and Support

Limited Lifetime Warranty:

Stanley warrants this product to the original purchaser for its useful life against deficiencies in material and workmanship. This LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY does not cover products that are improperly used, abused, altered, or repaired. Deficient products will be replaced or repaired at Stanley's discretion.

Customer Support:

For further assistance, product inquiries, or warranty claims, please contact Stanley customer support through their official website or authorized service centers. Always provide your product model number (16-904) when seeking support.

You can visit the official STANLEY store for more information: STANLEY Store on Amazon