IRWIN Marples MS500 Soft Touch Bevel Edge Chisel 2-Inch User Manual

1. Product Overview

The IRWIN Marples MS500 Soft Touch Bevel Edge Chisel is engineered for precision and durability in joinery and light commercial woodworking. Designed with the user in mind, it combines robust construction with ergonomic features for comfortable and efficient use.

Figure 1: The IRWIN Marples MS500 Soft Touch Bevel Edge Chisel (2-inch).

Key Features:

• Metal Striking Cap: Allows for use with a hammer, prolongs handle life, and prevents mushrooming.
• Soft Touch Handle: Oil and water resistant, providing improved comfort and reduced slippage during prolonged use. Designed to reduce vibrations and hand fatigue.
• One-Piece Blade Forging: Ensures added strength and durability for demanding tasks.
• Special Tool Steel Blade: Guarantees a much sharper cutting edge for quicker and easier operation.
• Hardened Blade: A special hardening process extends the edge's longevity, reducing the frequency of re-sharpening. The blade is hardened to its full working length.
• Pre-Honed and Sharpened: Each chisel is honed and sharpened at the factory, ready for immediate use upon unboxing.
• Blade Lacquered: Provides protection against rust.
• Large, Strong Tang: Securely keeps the handle attached to the blade.

2. Setup

Your IRWIN Marples MS500 Chisel is designed to be ready for use directly out of its packaging. Minimal setup is required.

Initial Inspection:

1. Carefully remove the chisel from its packaging.
2. Inspect the blade for any visible damage or imperfections that may have occurred during shipping.
3. Verify the sharpness of the edge. While pre-honed, a quick check ensures optimal performance.

Safety Precautions:

• Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, when using chisels.
• Ensure your work area is clean, well-lit, and free of obstructions.
• Secure your workpiece firmly to prevent movement during chiseling.
• Keep hands and fingers clear of the cutting path.

3. Operating Instructions

Proper technique is essential for effective and safe use of your chisel.

Holding the Chisel:

Figure 2: Ergonomic soft-touch handle for comfortable grip.

• Grip the soft-touch handle firmly but comfortably. Your dominant hand should control the handle, while your non-dominant hand guides the blade.
• For fine work, use both hands to control the chisel, pushing it through the material.
• For heavier cuts, use a mallet or hammer on the metal striking cap.

Cutting Techniques:

Figure 3: The hardened 2-inch bevel edge blade.

• Paring: For delicate, controlled cuts, hold the chisel with both hands and push it forward. Keep the bevel side down for shallow cuts, or up for deeper cuts.
• Chopping: For removing larger amounts of material, position the chisel and strike the metal cap with a mallet. Ensure the chisel is perpendicular to the grain for cross-grain cuts, or angled for splitting with the grain.
• Waste Removal: Use the chisel to clean out mortises, dadoes, and other joints.

Important Tips:

• Always cut away from your body.
• Make shallow cuts rather than trying to remove too much material at once. This provides better control and reduces the risk of splitting the wood or damaging the chisel.
• Keep the blade sharp. A dull chisel is more dangerous and less effective.

4. Maintenance

Proper maintenance will extend the life and performance of your IRWIN Marples chisel.

Sharpening:

Even with its long-lasting edge, your chisel will eventually require re-sharpening. A sharp chisel is safer and performs better.

• Use a sharpening stone (waterstone or oilstone) with appropriate grits.
• Maintain the factory bevel angle (typically 25-30 degrees) when sharpening. A honing guide can assist in maintaining a consistent angle.
• Finish with a finer grit stone or stropping to achieve a razor-sharp edge.

Cleaning:

• After each use, wipe the blade clean of any wood dust or debris.
• If the blade becomes sticky with resin, use a suitable cleaner designed for woodworking tools.

Storage:

• Store the chisel in a dry environment to prevent rust.
• Always use a blade guard or store the chisel in a tool roll or box to protect the edge and prevent accidental injury.
• Avoid storing chisels where the blade can come into contact with other metal tools, which can dull or chip the edge.

5. Troubleshooting

Most issues with chisels relate to their edge or handling.

Common Issues and Solutions:

6. Specifications

7. Warranty and Support

Specific warranty details for the IRWIN Marples MS500 Chisel are not provided in this manual. For comprehensive warranty information, product registration, or to contact customer support, please visit the official IRWIN Tools website or refer to the documentation included with your purchase.

You can typically find support resources, FAQs, and contact information on the manufacturer's official website:

• IRWIN Tools Official Website: www.irwin.com