Is metalworking in college a physically demanding task?

[Averagesupernova]

Some of you act as if using a chisel on steel is like using fire to fight fire. A good chisel will easily cut mild steel. Also, there are plenty of uses for a chisel in this century. Usually it involves disassembly or something. There are just some places you cannot get a grinder or saw into in order to remove metal. One thing I cannot stress enough is to have an anvil or something backing your work that is heavy enough to prevent ANY movement on the workpiece. A bench vise sometimes just won't cut it. A note on sharpening chisels though, don't let the chisel get too hot. Keep a container of water nearby to dip the tool in every few seconds to prevent overheating. Overheating will soften the chisel. Oh yeah, one last thing. If you're really worried about hitting your fingers hold the chisel with a pair of pliers or vise-grips locking pliers. At least until you become accurate with the hammer. Hmmm. I keep coming up with more suggestions. While on the subject of hammers, make sure it is sized for the type of work you are doing.

 

[siddharth]

I finished the exercise yesterday. The cube came out pretty well though my dimensions were off by 1 mm. I got 30 out of 40 marks for my work which is decent. I chiselled till it was somewhat flat and filed the rest of the uneven part.
Thanks for your suggestions and advice.