Resurrecting a Forgotten Timber Framing Chisel from Ireland's Past

Resurrecting a Forgotten Tool from Ireland's Past

As I sifted through a box of old tools left behind in my grandfather's workshop, a massive blade caught my eye. It measured over two feet long and was incredibly heavy and solid. This was no ordinary chisel. Upon closer inspection, I realized it was a timber framing slick - a specialized chisel used by carpenters in Ireland generations ago for heavy duty woodworking tasks.

Uncovering the History of the Timber Framing Slick

Timber framing slicks were an essential tool for builders of traditional Irish cottages and homes. These chisels were designed specifically for the heavy chopping and paring required to shape and join large structural beams and posts. Their long, beefy blades provided the mass and leverage needed to remove huge chunks of wood efficiently.

Slicks like the one I discovered were hand forged by local blacksmiths in rural Irish villages during the 18th and 19th centuries. The design evolved over decades to maximize their performance for timber framing and carpentry work. Without the aid of modern powered tools, these hand tools were the only way skilled craftsmen could work with heavy timbers.

Restoring Life to the Well-Worn Old Tool

This particular slick had clearly seen countless hours of hard use. The blade was chipped and worn down significantly from its original size and shape. Deep pits and scratches covered its surfaces. It was also missing its original wood handle, making it challenging to grip and control.

My first step was to carefully grind and sand away any remaining chips, pits, and irregularities to return a smooth bevel to the edge. I worked slowly to avoid overheating the old steel. Once it had a clean, consistent bevel, I honed and polished the edge by hand with increasingly fine grit sandpaper and sharpening stones.

To make up for the missing handle, I carved and fitted a new one from a piece of sturdy ash wood. I copied the shape and size of handles I had seen on other vintage slicks to maintain the tool's authenticity. The handle's contour allows me to choke up on the blade for more control on finer tasks.

Putting the Revived Slick to Use

After many hours of restoration work, it was extremely satisfying to finally feel this relic of Ireland's woodworking history slice through wood again. I first tested it on some practice pieces to get a feel for how best to wield such a large chisel. The razor-sharp, 30 degree bevel cut cleanly along the wood grain with minimal effort.

For my first real project, I used the slick to hand cut the deep mortise notches needed to join the beams for a small timber frame shed. The slick's tall blade and curved handle enabled me to remove large chunks quickly while comfortably leveraging the tool's weight. I was amazed to watch the slick power through the dense wood as my grandfather and his fellow builders did generations ago.

Though power tools have made hand tools like timber framing slicks obsolete for most applications, restoring and using this piece of history brought me closer to the inspiring craftsmen who built Ireland. Each time I put blade to wood, I feel connected to my heritage through this special tool.

FAQs

What is a timber framing slick?

A timber framing slick is a large, specialized chisel used by carpenters in Ireland for heavy duty woodworking like joining structural beams. The long, heavy blades provided the mass and leverage needed to remove huge chunks of wood efficiently before power tools.

Why restore an old hand tool like a slick?

Restoring vintage tools preserves history and heritage craftsmanship. It also provides the satisfaction of giving an old tool new life and enables using traditional methods to connect with the past on modern projects.

What maintenance does a slick chisel require?

Slick chisels require sharpening and periodic honing to maintain the beveled edge. The blade should also be protected with oil or wax to prevent rusting. The wood handle may need repairs or replacement from wear over time.

How are timber framing slicks different from other chisels?

Slicks are much larger and heavier than typical chisels to provide the brute chopping and paring strength needed for large timber beams. The blade is beveled on one side only for wood remover rather than two-sided bevels designed for finesse cutting.