Chisel guard DIY?
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Tagged: Chisel guards diy
- This topic has 3 replies, 3 voices, and was last updated 4 years, 10 months ago by Alan.
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(this may be a duplicate. I posted before, but it never appeared)
I’ve got a range of chisels that need guards. Many of these chisels will be seldom used and will be considered “long term storage”. Also in consideration is that I live in Florida, with high humidity, and my shop is my garage.
I’ve looked into a number of options, ranging from the easy method of just buying some. But there are limited options for my larger chisels.
1. I’ve considered buying tooling leather and making my own. Easyish, but time consuming, and not particularly cheap.
2. I’ve read about the Chris Schwarz Plasti Dip method, but there appear to be some cautions about trapped moisture.
3. Melting milk jug plastic and forming.If you’ve tried these methods, or have others, please let me know how things worked for you, especially over the long term?
I decided to try the milk jug (HDPE plastic) approach on a test chisel. While not pretty, it came out ok. I made the tip thicker to make it safer for me when pulling and pushing it on the chisel. I also cut a “window” into it so I can see when it’s fully seated.
Immediate notes:
– Quick to make. 5 minutes, including finding a jug, melting, and final forming.
– It is form-fitting to the specific chisel. I tried fitting to other chisels, and it didn’t fit anything else I had snugly.
– Very stiff, and may have shrunk a tad during cooling.
– Since it is stiff, it can be difficult to slide on and off. Finger slicing can be an issue depending on how you hold it. I put a drop of oil inside and over the course of a few times of putting on/taking off, it is getting easier. The oil should also act as a protectant over time, even though it won’t soak into the plastic like it might leather.
– I feel relatively confident that it would protect my chisel from a drop, due to the thickness of the tip. Sorry, not gonna test it.If you decide to try this method:
– Do it in a well ventilated area. I didn’t smell fumes, but it is plastic. No telling what I might be breathing in.
– I recommend that you have a second person controlling the heat gun while you manage the jug/plastic and chisel.Attachments:
You must be logged in to view attached files.You don’t need “tooling leather”. A canvas tool-roll will do the job, as it would for your Auger Bits.
Or make one on a sewing machine in five minutes.
Wiping with a Rag-in-a-Can oiler will protect them fairly well.
Or perhaps put the entire roll in a Tupperware airtight container with a Silica moisture pouch inside? -
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