Angle Of Cutting Wedge In Chisel And Gouge. The acuteness of the angle cannot be defined in degrees since, being limited only by the strength of the steel, it must vary as the duty required of it varies. For example, a more acute angle may be used in soft than in hard wood; again, a chisel handled as shown by Figs. 147 and 148, is not so severely strained as when used in the manner illustrated by Fig. 149. If the maximum degree of delicacy were insisted on under every condition of use, the cutting edge would need to vary with every turn of the chisel, and almost with every shaving it cuts. This would be impracticable, and wood workers reduce all these requirements to a single principle which may be expressed as follows: let the cutting edge be as acute as the metal will allow without breaking, when fairly used. A little experience with a given tool is the readiest means of finding the angle suited to a given class of work. Carriage makers, who work almost wholly in hard woods, are in the habit of using what pattern makers, who work principally in soft woods, would style blunt chisels.