Shop Mishap – Lessons from a Dropped Chisel

in Cabinets, Tool Guides 1 min read

Had a mishap in the shop today. Dropped my favorite chisel and chipped the edge. Frustrating but also a good reminder about tool care.

What Happened

Wood carving chisel

I left it too close to the edge of my bench. Knocked it off while reaching for something else. Hit the concrete floor edge-first.

Totally preventable. I know better than this.

The Damage

Small chip, maybe 1/16″ deep. Took about 20 minutes at the grinder and stones to get it back in shape. Could have been worse.

New Rule

I’m putting a magnetic strip on the wall behind my bench. Chisels go there when not in use. No more balancing them on the edge.

Also ordered some edge guards for storage. Should have done this years ago.

We all get careless sometimes. The key is learning from it before something more serious happens.

David Chen

David Chen

Author & Expert

David Chen is a professional woodworker and furniture maker with over 15 years of experience in fine joinery and custom cabinetry. He trained under master craftsmen in traditional Japanese and European woodworking techniques and operates a small workshop in the Pacific Northwest. David holds certifications from the Furniture Society and regularly teaches woodworking classes at local community colleges. His work has been featured in Fine Woodworking Magazine and Popular Woodworking.

271 Articles
View All Posts

You Might Also Like