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  🚪 Why Is Your Door Sticking? Common Causes and Solutions A door that sticks, rubs against the frame or refuses to close properly can be frustrating. What seems like a small problem can make a door difficult to use every day. Timber doors can develop problems over time due to wear and tear, changes around the door frame, loose hardware or changes to the fit of the door . The good news is that many door problems can be repaired or adjusted without replacing the entire door. 🔨 Why Does a Timber Door Start Sticking? There are several reasons why a timber door may become difficult to open or close. 1. The Door No Longer Fits the Frame Properly A door can develop gaps or become tight within its frame. If the door is rubbing against the frame or catching when you try to close it, it may need professional adjustment or trimming. BlueWood Handyman provides timber door easing, trimming and resizing services to help achieve a better fit. 2. Loose or Damaged Hinges Hinges play an importan...

How to Cut a Chamfer with a Chisel | Step 1 of 55 - Woodworking for Beginners

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How to Cut a Chamfer with a Chisel | Step 1 of 55

Part of the 55 Cuts & Joints for Beginners series.

In this first lesson, we’re starting with one of the most important foundational cuts in woodworking — the chamfer.

This is a simple but powerful exercise to build control, accuracy, and confidence using a chisel.

🎯 Aim of the Lesson

To learn how to mark out and cut a clean chamfer using a chisel safely and accurately.

📚 What You’ll Learn

  • What a chamfer is and where it’s used
  • How to mark out using a combination square
  • Correct chisel grip and body positioning
  • How to control the cut safely
  • How to achieve a consistent 45° chamfer

🧰 Tools & Resources

🔧 Tools, PPE, and materials used in this lesson:

  • Chisel (sharp)
  • Combination Square
  • Timber (practice piece)
  • Pencil or marking pen

👉 View Full Tool & Resource List

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Or use the recommended tools above — it helps at no extra cost to you 👍

📏 Step-by-Step Process

  1. Set your measurement
    Set your combination square to 8mm.
  2. Mark your lines
    Draw a parallel line along the edge and down the face of the timber.
  3. Mark the waste area
    Clearly mark the section to be removed.
  4. Grip the chisel correctly
    Hold near the blade (not the handle) for better control.
  5. Position your body
    Keep your elbow anchored on the bench for stability.
  6. Start cutting gradually
    Take small controlled cuts — don’t rush.
  7. Maintain the angle
    Aim for a consistent 45° chamfer along the length.
  8. Work with control
    Use steady pressure and controlled movement.
  9. Adjust for difficult areas
    Slow down around knots or harder sections of timber.
  10. Refine the finish
    Keep working until you achieve a clean, even chamfer.

🧠 Key Learning Points

  • Sharp tools make the job easier and safer
  • Control comes from body position, not force
  • Take your time — this is practice
  • Good fundamentals now will save problems later

❓ Quick Quiz

Test your understanding:

  • What angle is typically used for a chamfer?
  • What tool is used to mark out the chamfer?
  • Why should you take small cuts instead of large ones?
  • Where should your hands be positioned for safety?

👉 (Optional: Add your Google Form Quiz here)

📺 Watch the Full Video


Next Lesson: Continue with Step 2 in the 55 Cuts & Joints series.

Location: London, UK