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Clean and Finish the Notch with a Chisel

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At 0:06 in

The cracking sound ๐Ÿ˜ฎโ€๐Ÿ’จ

What happens here

Once the parallel saw cuts have been made, use a sharp chisel to break out the remaining wood between the cuts. Position the chisel at the edge of the notch and strike it with a hammer or mallet, or simply leverage it by hand as shown in the video, to remove the waste pieces. Work carefully to prevent splitting the wood beyond the intended notch line. After removing the bulk of the waste, use the chisel to clean up the bottom and sides of the notch, creating a smooth and even surface. Scrape away any remaining fibers or unevenness to achieve a clean finish.

Goal: Remove waste wood and create a clean, finished notch

Tools and materials

  • Chisel โ€” Removing waste wood and cleaning up the edges of the notch
  • Safety Gloves Maxiflex โ€” Protecting hands from sharp chisel edges and splinters
  • Wooden Joist โ€” The notched lumber being refined