Narex Czech Steel Premium 4-Piece Chisel Set

Introduction

This manual provides essential information for the proper use, maintenance, and care of your Narex Czech Steel Premium 4-Piece Chisel Set. These chisels are designed for woodworking tasks, featuring high-quality steel blades and durable hornbeam handles. Adhering to these instructions will ensure optimal performance and longevity of your tools.

Product Overview

The Narex Czech Steel Premium Chisel Set includes four chisels of varying sizes, crafted for precision and durability. Each chisel features a fine-grained, chrome-manganese steel blade hardened to Rc 59, ensuring excellent edge retention. The handles are made from stained European Hornbeam, designed for comfortable and secure grip during use.

Image 1: The Narex Czech Steel Premium 4-piece chisel set, showcasing the different sizes and hornbeam handles.

Set Contents:

• One 6 mm (1/4") Chisel
• One 12 mm (1/2") Chisel
• One 20 mm (13/16") Chisel
• One 26 mm (1 1/32") Chisel

Image 2: A detailed view of the chisel blades, highlighting the Narex branding and size markings.

Setup and Initial Preparation

Before first use, it is essential to properly prepare your chisels. While Narex chisels are accurately ground, all edge tools benefit from initial sharpening to achieve their optimal cutting performance.

Sharpening Procedure:

1. Flattening the Back: Inspect the back of each chisel blade. Some may have a slight concave shape. Use a sharpening stone (e.g., 1000-grit or finer) to flatten the back of the blade, especially the first 3/8 inch from the cutting edge. This ensures a stable reference surface for accurate cuts.
2. Establishing the Bevel: The chisels are factory ground at approximately a 25-degree bevel. Use a sharpening jig or freehand technique to refine this bevel on a sharpening stone. Progress through grits (e.g., 1000, 4000, 8000) to achieve a razor-sharp edge.
3. Honing: Finish with a stropping compound on leather or a very fine grit stone to remove any burr and polish the edge. A well-honed edge will allow the chisel to cut cleanly through wood.

This initial sharpening process may take some time, but it is crucial for the chisel's performance and your woodworking results.

Operating Instructions

Proper technique and safety are paramount when using chisels. Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including safety glasses.

General Usage Guidelines:

• Secure Workpiece: Always clamp your workpiece securely to prevent movement during chiseling.
• Grip: Hold the chisel firmly with one hand guiding the blade and the other applying force to the handle.
• Cutting Direction: Always cut away from your body and hands. Never place your hand in front of the cutting edge.
• Force Application: For fine work, use hand pressure. For heavier cuts, a wooden mallet can be used on the hornbeam handle. The brass ferrule and steel tang are designed to withstand mallet work.
• Grain Direction: Pay attention to the wood grain. Cutting with the grain is generally easier and produces cleaner results. Cutting across or against the grain requires more care and often a shallower angle.
• Shallow Cuts: Take multiple shallow cuts rather than one deep cut to maintain control and prevent splitting the wood.

Safety Precautions:

• Always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying debris.
• Keep chisels sharp. A dull chisel requires more force and is more likely to slip.
• Store chisels with blade guards or in a protective roll to prevent accidental cuts and damage to the edge.
• Do not use chisels for prying or as screwdrivers.

Maintenance and Care

Regular maintenance is crucial for preserving the quality and performance of your Narex chisels.

Sharpening:

Maintain a sharp edge by regularly honing your chisels. Even with high-quality steel, frequent use will dull the edge. A quick touch-up on a fine sharpening stone or strop before each use will significantly extend the time between full sharpening sessions.

Cleaning:

After each use, wipe down the blades to remove any wood dust, sap, or moisture. A light coat of camellia oil or similar rust preventative can be applied to the blades, especially if storing for extended periods or in humid environments.

Storage:

Store chisels in a dry environment. Use blade guards or a chisel roll to protect the cutting edges from damage and to prevent accidental injury. Avoid storing chisels loose where they can bang against each other or other tools.

Image 3: The Narex chisel set in its retail packaging, suitable for initial transport.

Troubleshooting

This section addresses common issues you might encounter with your chisels.

Dull Edge:

• Symptom: Chisel tears wood fibers, requires excessive force, or slips easily.
• Solution: Re-sharpen the chisel following the steps outlined in the "Setup and Initial Preparation" section. A sharp chisel is safer and more effective.

Rust on Blade:

• Symptom: Reddish-brown discoloration on the steel blade.
• Solution: Remove rust with fine abrasive paper or rust-removing compounds. Prevent future rust by keeping blades clean, dry, and lightly oiled, especially in humid conditions.

Loose or Cracked Ferrule/Handle:

• Symptom: The brass ferrule or hornbeam handle shows signs of cracking or feels loose.
• Solution: While Narex chisels are designed for durability, extreme temperature and humidity fluctuations can affect wood. If a ferrule or handle becomes damaged, contact Narex customer support for guidance on repair or replacement.

Specifications

Warranty and Support

For specific warranty information or technical support regarding your Narex Czech Steel Premium Chisel Set, please refer to the documentation included with your purchase or contact Narex directly through their official website. Ensure you have your model number (863201) and proof of purchase available when seeking support.