Mortice Chisels

About Mortice Chisels

Mortice chisels are heavy-duty woodworking tools specifically designed for cutting deep, square-sided mortice joints in timber. Unlike standard bench chisels, mortice chisels feature exceptionally thick, robust blades with a rectangular cross-section that can withstand repeated heavy mallet blows without bending or breaking. The substantial blade thickness allows these chisels to lever out waste material from deep mortices whilst maintaining rigidity and control throughout the cutting process.

The mortice chisels available from Tooled-Up.com are manufactured from high carbon steel that has been hardened and tempered to create a durable cutting edge capable of tackling hardwoods and softwoods alike. Many products in this category feature hollow square mortice chisels paired with matching auger bits, designed for use with bench morticing machines and power drill attachments. These combination sets provide both the drilling action to remove the bulk of waste material and the chiselling action to create clean, square-sided mortices with precision.

Tooled-Up stocks mortice chisels in various sizes, from compact 13mm options through to wider 19mm and 13/16" models, allowing woodworkers to match the chisel width to their specific joinery requirements. Brands such as Draper, Record Power, and Sealey are represented in this category, offering both individual chisels and complete sets for workshop versatility.

Jargon Buster

• Mortice Joint: A traditional woodworking joint where a rectangular hole (mortice) in one piece of timber receives a matching projection (tenon) from another piece, creating a strong mechanical connection.
• Hollow Square Mortice Chisel: A specialised four-sided chisel with a hollow centre through which an auger bit passes, allowing simultaneous drilling and chiselling actions when used with morticing machines.
• Auger Bit: A spiral drill bit designed to remove waste material from the centre of a mortice whilst the surrounding hollow chisel cuts the square edges.
• Shank: The upper portion of the mortice chisel that fits into the morticing machine or drill chuck, typically specified by diameter such as 13/16" or 19mm.
• Hardened and Tempered: A heat treatment process that increases the steel's hardness for edge retention whilst maintaining sufficient toughness to resist chipping under impact.
• Honed Cutting Edge: A finely sharpened blade edge that has been ground to precise angles and polished to achieve optimal cutting performance.

Who Uses Mortice Chisels?

• Joiners and Carpenters: Creating traditional mortice and tenon joints for door frames, window frames, and structural timber work
• Cabinet Makers: Producing fine furniture joints requiring precision mortices in hardwoods
• Bench Joiners: Workshop-based professionals manufacturing bespoke joinery components
• Shopfitters: Installing timber fixtures requiring strong traditional joinery methods
• Heritage and Restoration Specialists: Repairing period properties using authentic traditional joinery techniques
• Woodworking Tutors: Teaching traditional joinery skills in colleges and training centres
• Serious DIY Enthusiasts: Home woodworkers creating quality furniture and timber projects
• Set Builders: Theatre and film professionals constructing timber frameworks and scenery

How to Choose the Right Mortice Chisels

Chisel Size and Width: Select mortice chisel widths based on your typical project requirements. Common sizes range from 6mm through to 19mm (or imperial equivalents like 1/4", 3/8", 1/2", and 3/4"). The chisel width should match the mortice dimensions required for your joinery work, typically one-third the thickness of the timber being joined.

Hand Tool vs Machine Chisel: Traditional solid mortice chisels are designed for manual use with mallets, whilst hollow square mortice chisels with matching auger bits are specifically engineered for bench morticing machines or drill press attachments. Consider whether you'll be working by hand or with powered equipment when making your selection.

Steel Quality and Construction: High carbon steel construction with proper hardening and tempering ensures durability and edge retention. The Tooled-Up range features quality chisels with hardened cutting edges that maintain sharpness through extended use, reducing the frequency of resharpening.

Individual Chisels or Sets: If you regularly work with various mortice sizes, multi-piece sets like the Draper 5 Piece Hollow Square Mortice Chisel and Bit Set provide better value and ensure consistent quality across different dimensions. Individual chisels suit those with specific size requirements or replacing worn components.

Brand and Compatibility: When purchasing replacement bits or chisels for existing morticing equipment, ensure compatibility with your machine's specifications. Check shank diameters and overall dimensions against manufacturer recommendations.

Popular Accessories

• Bench Morticing Machines: Purpose-built stationary machines that accept hollow square mortice chisels for production joinery work
• Morticing Attachments: Drill press accessories that convert standard pillar drills into morticing machines
• Replacement Auger Bits: Spare drill bits for hollow square mortice chisel systems when bits become worn or damaged
• Sharpening Stones and Files: Essential maintenance tools for keeping mortice chisel cutting edges sharp and effective
• Mortice Chisels (Traditional): Solid pattern hand chisels for manual morticing work with mallets
• Carpenter's Mallets: Wooden or rubber mallets for striking hand mortice chisels without damaging handles
• Marking Gauges: Precision layout tools for accurately marking mortice positions on timber
• Work Benches and Vices: Secure workholding equipment essential for accurate morticing operations

Safety Information

Personal Protective Equipment: Always wear appropriate safety glasses or goggles when using mortice chisels to protect against flying wood chips and debris. When operating bench morticing machines, ensure adequate dust extraction is in place and wear hearing protection, as these machines can generate significant noise levels.

Tool Condition and Maintenance: Inspect mortice chisels regularly for cracks, chips, or damage to cutting edges. Damaged chisels can shatter under impact, creating dangerous projectiles. Keep cutting edges sharp—dull chisels require excessive force and are more likely to slip or bind in the timber.

Secure Workholding: Always secure workpieces firmly in vices or clamps before morticing. Never attempt to hold timber by hand whilst chiselling, as slippage can result in serious injuries. When using bench morticing machines, ensure all guards are in position and follow manufacturer operating instructions.

Machine Operation: If using hollow square mortice chisels with powered equipment, ensure proper installation with correct clearances between auger bit and chisel. Incorrect setup can cause binding, breakage, or kickback. Always disconnect power sources before changing bits or chisels, and allow rotating components to stop completely before making adjustments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a mortice chisel and a regular bench chisel?

Mortice chisels have much thicker, heavier blades designed to withstand repeated mallet blows and lever out waste from deep mortices without bending. Bench chisels are thinner and more delicate, suited for paring and lighter cutting work. The robust construction of mortice chisels makes them specifically engineered for the demanding task of cutting square, deep mortices in timber joints.

Can I use hollow square mortice chisels by hand?

No, hollow square mortice chisels are specifically designed for use with bench morticing machines or drill press morticing attachments. They function as a system with an auger bit passing through the hollow centre, requiring powered rotation to operate effectively. For hand morticing work, you need traditional solid-blade mortice chisels used with a mallet.

How do I know what size mortice chisel I need?

The mortice width should typically be one-third the thickness of the timber you're joining. For example, if working with 75mm thick timber, a 25mm (approximately 1") mortice chisel would be appropriate. For door construction and heavier joinery, mortices are often sized to match standard tenon dimensions, commonly 9mm, 12mm, or 19mm.

Why does my hollow mortice chisel burn the wood?

Burning typically indicates insufficient clearance between the auger bit and the inside of the hollow chisel, causing friction and heat buildup. Check that the bit is correctly positioned with proper clearance as specified by the manufacturer. Dull cutting edges, excessive feed pressure, or inadequate chip clearance can also cause burning. Ensure regular sharpening and allow waste material to evacuate properly during cutting.

Do mortice chisels need sharpening, and how often?

Yes, mortice chisels require regular sharpening to maintain cutting performance. The frequency depends on usage intensity and timber hardness, but noticeable dulling—evidenced by increased effort required or poor cut quality—indicates resharpening is needed. Maintain the manufacturer's specified bevel angles (typically 30-35 degrees for mortice chisels) and create a clean, sharp edge using appropriate sharpening stones or grinding equipment.