A few weeks back, ironically in the same week, two NYC-area makers both published chisel videos; Hackett for Popular Science’s Rebuild and Jimmy DiResta for Make:

I’m partial to each for the reasons I’m partial to them. Obviously turning a screwdriver into a chisel is a transformational art; while those brass handles are a beauty, and I imagine they have a sturdy heft to them.

Enjoy:

True independence means making your own tools. Luckily, Popular Science columnist Chris Hackett knows how to do just that.
In the latest episode of the Rebuild video series, he demonstrates how to make a chisel: sand a worn-out screwdriver into the proper shape, heat-treat it with a blowtorch, draw the temper, sand the hardened metal into a wicked blade, strop it, and your DIY chisel is ready for use. Easy, right? Well, maybe not—but it’s all in a day’s work for Hackett.

I collect things, and one of the many collections is old chisels. Here, you see me restore an old chisel that has been with me for more than 20 years. I can’t remember where it came from, but it has been around as long time. I use brass to make the handle, which gives it some weight and make it a little more precious. I use the Veratas MK II Power Sharpening System. This device keeps the bevel fixed to make a perfect edge. Enjoy!