Replies

1. 
   JeffHeath | Dec 18, 2009 03:24pm | #1

   The difference between quality sets and the cheap stuff from China is the amount of time spent during the manufacturing process to properly sharpen both the hollow chisel and the drill bit that does the drilling.

   In a sense, a hollow chisel mortise bit is no different than a regular bench chisel, except that it is shaped in a box with four sides. You must first polish all four outside corners, and then hone. Then, you must do the same to the inside conical area, where the bevel is. Lee Valley, among others, makes honing cones for this purpose. You also need to sharpen the cutting edges of your drill bit, and hopefully, you own a set that has a nice, tight tolerance fit between the drill bit and the inside of the chisel bit.

   Of course, steel quality is always an issue, as with any tool.

   If you don't like this option, you can get your credit card out and purchase a quality set from Lee Valley. Be prepared, however, to eventually have to sharpen them frequently, just like you would your bench chisels, or the quality of performance shall dwindle.

   Jeff