Galoots

I saw some Buck Brothers crank neck pattern maker’s chisels on the
internet and was pondering the cranked handle question myself the
other day. The best I could come up with is they were meant to cut a
groove but provide clearance for your hand.

Lie Nielson has a cranked handle float, and it says "the cranked-neck
design gives good access to recessed surfaces". I own a straight
handle and cranked handle float, and I don't use the cranked handle
often. To cut with the straight handle, you apply a force along the
length of the tool which gives you a smooth straight cut. Typically I
apply a little pressure with my off hand to keep the tool flat against
the work. With the cranked handle you're always apply a diagonal force
with you one hand (what's the opposite of the off hand, the on hand?),
which wants to tip the tool up. To keep the tool against the work, you
need to apply a lot more force with the off hand. As your arm extends
the forces seem to vary, and it's hard to keep the bottom of the cut
flat. I think the last time I used the cranked handle was to clean up
the bottom of the groove for of some sliding dovetails on a table I
made for our dog.

Thanks,
Chris

PS: good find on the chisels