[PW] Earlier meaning for "chip on the shoulder"

[Sylvia Milne]

This is for me, so no urgency.

I remarked to my husband that somebody I know has a chip on his shoulder and 
immediately wondered what the origin of the phrase is.
Like a good librarian, I went to the OED and found

 a chip on one's shoulder (orig. U.S.), carried as a challenge to others 
(see earlier quots.); hence, a display of defiance or ill-humour; an 
unforgotten grievance; a sense of inferiority characterized by a quickness 
to take offence.

Some of the quotations were  1830 Long Isl. Tel. (Hempstead, N.Y.) 20 May 
3/5 When two churlish boys were determined to fight, a chip would be placed 
on the shoulder of one, and the other demanded to knock it off at his peril. 
1855 Weekly Oregonian 17 Mar. (Th.), Leland, in his last issue, struts out 
with a chip on his shoulder, and dares Bush to knock it off
 1952 W. J. H SPROTT Social Psychol. 220 If you are spoiling for a fight you 
go about with a 'chip on the shoulder' challenging anyone to knock it off

However, my husband remembers reading about the origins of the phrase in a 
book about woodworking, but can't remember  what it said.
It makes sense that the phrase originated in carpentry.
Has any w0mbat come across it in that context?

Sylvia Milne

Please visit me at
http://www.sylviamilne.btinternet.co.uk/plucked/