Replies

1. 
   GRW | Jan 08, 2005 03:41pm | #1

   AJ,

   I have been buying chisels at flee markets and antique shops. I have only bought socket bevel chisels so far. Some need new handles, all have needed sharpening, but the steel is all in great shape. I've been paying $18 to $25 per chisel.

   The new socket chisels I've seen on the net start at about $60 each.

   Stuart

2. 
   BG | Jan 08, 2005 06:40pm | #2

   aj,

   I believe what GRW recommends is the best way to go.  I've bought several witherby's firmers and paring, all less than $10, at the fleemarkets along with a wide Stanley 750 ($.50cents) and a couple of old greenlee mortice for a buck of two.  At woodcraft I picked up some japanese chisels for about $25 a piece...those I use for dovetails and a Sorby wide for paring.  A set of chisels always gives me a couple I don't really use. 

   I'm ready to go after some carving tools but don't see any of those at the fleemarkets...sigh  

    

3. 
   hammer1 | Jan 08, 2005 08:17pm | #3

   If your Marples aren't doing the job, you may need to improve your sharpening methods. They are about the same hardness as most chisels R60-62. When you get into the harder chisels R65, sharpening is more difficult and the edge is more likely to chip. Same with carbon steel. For mortising, you may like the chisels designed for that purpose, no edge bevels and a strong straight back. For dovetails, you will appreciate the beveled edge to get into the tight areas. Some of the old chisels have very little edge bevel. You need to know what you are buying and be willing to restore them to working condition. Many have had the temper taken out by over grinding.

   Beat it to fit / Paint it to match

1. 
   ajm | Jan 09, 2005 02:38am | #7

   sharpening is not the problem, it used to be though. I am currently using the "scary sharp" system (oxide sandpapers up to 1500grit on glass) and am having great luck with it. my complaints about the marples are more ergonomic than edgeholding. I really dont like the plastic handles.... The reason for the better chisels has more to do with treating myself to something nice for working hard learning to dovetail.

1. 
   Miami | Jan 10, 2005 06:47am | #9

   You might consider the 'Iyoroi Oire-Nomi Bench Chisels' from the Tools For Working Wood catalog.  A fellow ww student in Ft. Bragg had these (I'm 80% sure they're the same ones) last summer, and I was pretty impressed. 

   Set of 6 costs $157.01 (6, 9, 12, 18, 24 and 30 mm, or roughly 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 3/4, 1 and 1.25 inches).  I see they also make a 1.5mm (1/16") version, though it may only come as part of their set of 12 (for $318.29) - that'd be nice to have.

   No matter your choice, let us know what you get, and what you think, OK?  My own WW teacher is somewhat torn about chisels to recommend for his students, so I'd be interested in what you (or anyone else who's tried 'em) thinks about these. 

   Hirsch/Two Cherries and Pfeil both are considered good, but for students who want a set of Japanese chisels, there doesn't seem to be any consensus for value to the same extent.

   Clay

1. 
   JeffHeath | Jan 10, 2005 07:57pm | #10

   miami

   I had been using Two Cherries for years, and last christmas my wife felt that I'd earned a super nice tool(s) for over 20 years of woodworking, and she bought me a set of the acid etched twisted neck Nishiki dovetail chisels.  Wow!!!!  But, they are not for everyone, at $650 for a set of six.  They are the ones made out of Kamaji steel, which is 200 year old boat anchors salvaged from wrecks.  After you graduate, if you want to buy your final set of chisels for yourself, these are it.

   Jeff

4. 
   JeffHeath | Jan 08, 2005 08:51pm | #4

   aj

    

   What Hammer says is very true about worrying about temper.  Two Cherries makes extremely reasonably priced chisels that are in your price range.  I have had a set for a while, and am pleased.  http://www.toolsforworkingwood.com.

   Jeff

1. 
   Mr_JJ | Jan 08, 2005 10:06pm | #5

   I have a set of Hirsch, wjich are the same as Two cherries. I find that they hold an edge much longer then my marples. I to am pleased with them. I got mine for $120 for a set of six from Lee Valley.

5. 
   georgek | Jan 09, 2005 01:40am | #6

   aj,

   Recently, I was talked into buing a set of Pfiel chisels at woodcraft, I don't regret it at all, they are excellent. Set of 6 was 180.00, I think.

6. 
   sailalex | Jan 09, 2005 06:38pm | #8

   I would echo the Hirsch (same as Two Cherries)recommendation; I had been through the Japanese chisels as well as Buck Bros. (Home Depot) and the Hirsch are outstanding. Actually the Buck bros. (red handles) aren't bad but I am definitely a Hirsch fan now. Price for them (Highland Hardware) makes them a reasonable value.

7. 
   highfigh | Jan 11, 2005 04:02am | #11

   Jeff- did you get a chance to go through the maple we were talking about? I haven't gotten around to figuring out how much I would need, but if you can let me know, it may tip the scales in favor of Shaker doors instead of flat panels.

   "I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."
1. 
   JeffHeath | Jan 11, 2005 07:38pm | #12

   highfigh

   I hope that load of wood is working out for you.  I just sold a large project, all maple.  17 foot library, 9 feet high.  I know I'll have plenty left over, but I haven't pulled it down yet, as I have been miserably ill since the day before christmas.  102.7 fever this morning, I can't seem to lick it.  How much do you need?  I just got a new antibiotic from the doc, so I should be able to go through it next week.  I need to get it inside the shop to get it acclimated, anyway.  Let me know.

   Jeff

1. 
   highfigh | Jan 11, 2005 11:30pm | #13

   I'm sorry to hear that you're sick. That fever needs to go. I'm not in a big hurry for the maple, I was more curious than anything.
   "I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."