Lay the piece for the shelf border on the cutting board and grasp the 7/8 inch chisel as shown in Fig. 39. Remove a very little of the corner at a time, and move the chisel forward and downward at the same time. The points may be marked off as shown in Fig. 41 in the completed shelf; yet it is probably better not to mark them off, as it is necessary to go over them several times, each time making them a little nearer the correct size and shape until they are all alike and of good proportion. If lines are drawn you will probably try to remove too large a shaving at one time.

If the chisel is properly sharpened and moved downward and forward at the same time, the surface will be cut glossy smooth. Do not be satisfied until this smoothness is attained, as it is to learn to cut smoothly with the chisel that this exercise is given. When the chisel is properly held and used, it requires but very little force to make the cut. If much force is required try to discover what is wrong.

Always hold the chisel perpendicular to the surface of the piece being cut, and with the flat side in line with the arm (Figs. 39 and 40). Always place the flat side of the chisel against the wood, reversing it in the hand as you change from cutting at one side of the point to the other side. If the points have a tendency to split, or if pieces tend to roll out, it is because the chisel is dull, or because you are not holding it perpendicular to the surface of the board, or not moving it forward enough in proportion to the distance downward. It may be

caused by any one of these mistakes or by a combination of two or more of them. In any case, keep trying until it does cut smoothly and squarely. After you have made the points as nearly correct as you can make them by testing them with your eye, test them with the rule and try-square.

Fig 39. Using a Chisel.

Fig. 40. Using a Chisel. Reverse Position.

When you have all the points finished, lay the piece aside until you have made the shelf.