Replies

1. 
   mwenz | Oct 28, 2006 12:44am | #1

   For moderate to larger work, and especially for harder woods, go for the Iles. For other work, go with the LN. Basically the LN are a sash-type mortise chisel. In general, lighter in weight and parallel sides.

   The weight of the Iles will mean more of the bash is transfered through the chisel.

   I have both sash mortise chisels and oval bolstered. I use both types, just for different work and woods. If I think they will do the job, my preference is the sash mortise kind. I like the size, weight and balance better. But for deeper mortises, harder woods, the oval bolstered are what I reach for.

   Also, think about the size of mortises you will chop. I mainly use two different sizes regardless of the type of mortise chisel used. You may find that 2-3 sizes will fill all your need.

   Take care, Mike

1. 
   walkerwr | Oct 29, 2006 12:38pm | #2

   Thanks for the info Mike!

   Randy

2. 
   Maturin | Oct 29, 2006 06:23pm | #3

   walkerwr, I agree with mwenz ... if you're chopping heavier mortises, go with an Iles. Those chisels weren't around when I made my purchase, I went with an ash handled heavy duty sash mortise chisel by Robert Sorby (http://www.toolsforworkingwood.com/Merchant/merchant.mvc) I have to admit, this thing is a beast.  I modified the handle and cut the round profile flat on each side, also on the blade I rounded the 'corner' just above the bevel for easier prying.

   mwenz also mentioned 2-3 sizes...that's a good call. The Robert Sorby sash chisel I mentioned is 3/8" and I have a smaller Robert Sorby firmer chisel (1/4") for finer mortises. 

   I set the chisels on the bench and snapped a photo with my wife's camera for you, not certain how to upload a picture, but I'll give it a try.

   If you do order from Lie-Nielsen, ask old Thomas if he can start making bevel edged butt chisels.

   
3. 
   AdamCherubini | Oct 30, 2006 02:55am | #4

   I really liked the Illes chisels I saw and played with. They really feel like the real thing. But I would opt for antiques if you are willing to put the time in on honing them. I prefer oldies because I believe they are considerably easier to sharpen. Ray made his chisels out of D-2 for the guys who pound these things mercilessly. I hear they aren't too bad to sharpen. But nothing beats a laminated chisels when it comes to sharpening.

   I have attempted to flatten back of many antiques. In a few instances, the backs were so dubbed over that I actually ground the edge back to the flat part. One chisel I think I ground off 3/8". Now I feel that was a mistake. Using the usual technique, the dubbed back can actually be beneficial. When you get to the end of the mortise, you'll have to angle the chisel in toward the middle of the mortise to get the end square. Of course you have to do this with a flat backed chisel anyway.

   I really like laminated tools. I wish someone was making laminated western tools.

   Adam

   
   

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   Edited 10/30/2006 7:19 am ET by AdamCherubini

4. 
   TaunTonMacoute | Oct 30, 2006 07:21pm | #5

   The Iles unit I bought was poorly tempered and Norton 3x paper wouldn't put a scratch on it.  Hard as a freaking diamond.  Went back for refund of course.  Some of the heartier lads here would probably have reheated and gone through all that rot but I just couldn't see it.

   Adam is right. You don't want steel that whips your butt come honing time.

1. 
   walkerwr | Nov 04, 2006 12:42pm | #6

   Thank you all for your input.  I ordered the Lie-Nielsen 1/4" chisel as a start.

   Randy