Chisel choice ?
- Thread starter pmarcusm
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pmarcusm said:
For years I had a set of Stanley chisels with the blue handles. They were perfectly okay. I have recently bought a set of PMV-11 chisels from Lee Valley which are superb. In the past I have used a plastic headed hammer as a mallet but I will be making a traditional mallet, probably from maple, at the end of the year.
Peter
I have a few sets of Japanese chisels from Japan Woodworker that retain their cutting edge really well which is important unless you really enjoy sharpening. Sharpening chisels is key to success and for me a good set of water stones and the Veritas MK II honing guide works very nicely. I use either the round wooden mallet or a small Japanese style metal mallet.
Jack
Jack
jmbfestool
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I can tell you which chisels NOT to buy.
Harold & Saxon Contractors Chisel.
They are NOT CHEAP. They cost me some money.
They look really nice but I don't rate them at all.
Extremely brittle. When I got them they where already sharpened and I soon chipped every single one. I Noticed a wheel like a tormek must of been used because they had a curve.
I then grinded the chips out and altered the angle which slightly improved them.
But still chipped them. I thought maybe because tormek puts a slight curve it makes them brittle at the end so I made sure the tip had more meat by sharpening on my flat stone. Which again helped some more but I still chip the ends but not as much.
Then not long having them one of the chisels just fell in half. I was chiseling tapping away at the face of the wood marking around the perimeter like you wood when chopping a hinge and next thing the blade was on the floor and the handle is still in my hand.
Contacted Harold&Saxon he told must be faulty one. Told me to send the handle and he will stick a new blade on it. Well....... its been months and I still have not received my chisel back
Ever since the chisel broke im afraid of using the other chisels thinking they might just snap. They are suppose to be contractor chisels but be honest they have been the worst chisels I have ever used and they are the most expensive chisels I used. Plus I had a wait half a year to get them.
AVOID Harold&Saxon
http://www.haroldandsaxon.com/product-range/
Harold & Saxon Contractors Chisel.
They are NOT CHEAP. They cost me some money.
They look really nice but I don't rate them at all.
Extremely brittle. When I got them they where already sharpened and I soon chipped every single one. I Noticed a wheel like a tormek must of been used because they had a curve.
I then grinded the chips out and altered the angle which slightly improved them.
But still chipped them. I thought maybe because tormek puts a slight curve it makes them brittle at the end so I made sure the tip had more meat by sharpening on my flat stone. Which again helped some more but I still chip the ends but not as much.
Then not long having them one of the chisels just fell in half. I was chiseling tapping away at the face of the wood marking around the perimeter like you wood when chopping a hinge and next thing the blade was on the floor and the handle is still in my hand.
Contacted Harold&Saxon he told must be faulty one. Told me to send the handle and he will stick a new blade on it. Well....... its been months and I still have not received my chisel back
Ever since the chisel broke im afraid of using the other chisels thinking they might just snap. They are suppose to be contractor chisels but be honest they have been the worst chisels I have ever used and they are the most expensive chisels I used. Plus I had a wait half a year to get them.
AVOID Harold&Saxon
http://www.haroldandsaxon.com/product-range/
NYC Tiny Shop
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Peter and Jack always has good advice.
I'm assuming that you're relatively new to using chisels...pardon, if you're not. When you say general, will these also be used for cleaning up glue? If so, I recommend Marples Irwin set of four. For general wood chisel work...if it's your first set, or not, the Stanley Sweethearts are a good deal. Use the Irwins to learn to sharpen chisels...if you don't know how. Veritas makes a honing guide that makes simple work of this. Worksharp makes a good power sharpener. DMT stones are good.
I love the Wood Is Good mallet. Some cheapo rubber mallets with wood handles from HD will get the job done.
I'm assuming that you're relatively new to using chisels...pardon, if you're not. When you say general, will these also be used for cleaning up glue? If so, I recommend Marples Irwin set of four. For general wood chisel work...if it's your first set, or not, the Stanley Sweethearts are a good deal. Use the Irwins to learn to sharpen chisels...if you don't know how. Veritas makes a honing guide that makes simple work of this. Worksharp makes a good power sharpener. DMT stones are good.
I love the Wood Is Good mallet. Some cheapo rubber mallets with wood handles from HD will get the job done.
NYC Tiny Shop said:
Good advise, I forgot to ask about his intended use. The most important design feature of a chisel is the material used and it's ability to cut sharply and retain that cutting edge for as long as possible. I like the Japanese chisels because they use a mild steel for shock resistance and a forge that to a hard steel cutting edge.
You might want to consider buying a few different brands and giving them a tryout.
Jack
I have had good luck with the Narex chisels from Lee Valley. Good quality and hold their edge fairly well.
They are an excellent value, you can get a set of 4 for under 50USD. Add in a 3/8 inch to the set and you are still under the price of a Veritas chisel.
http://www.leevalley.com/US/wood/page.aspx?p=67707&cat=1,41504
They are an excellent value, you can get a set of 4 for under 50USD. Add in a 3/8 inch to the set and you are still under the price of a Veritas chisel.
http://www.leevalley.com/US/wood/page.aspx?p=67707&cat=1,41504
Thanks guys!
At this time I am truing a corner that was routed to make it square. I am all about good steel, since I was knife maker in the past and completely understand the need for sharp tools. Dull tools cause profanity and screw ups. I wanted to get input from you guys, so I kind of have a start point. I would like to have a general set around as I am venturing into some new woodworking areas.
To answer the question, I am new to the use of chisel, but have had the need for them, so now is the time to get some info and get a set.
Marcus
At this time I am truing a corner that was routed to make it square. I am all about good steel, since I was knife maker in the past and completely understand the need for sharp tools. Dull tools cause profanity and screw ups. I wanted to get input from you guys, so I kind of have a start point. I would like to have a general set around as I am venturing into some new woodworking areas.
To answer the question, I am new to the use of chisel, but have had the need for them, so now is the time to get some info and get a set.
Marcus
tiralie
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I have a set of Marples m373 which I use almost everyday. I really like the weight and feel more than my Lie Nielson's for everything other than dovetailing.
For heavy chiseling I am looking at some Barr chisels
I think the Yellow handle Marples are much better than the blue handled ones which are cheaper. You may be able to still get some "made in Sheffield" yellow handled Marples on eBay.
I use a Blue spruce ( round and rectangular) mallet or a 13oz. acetate plastic capped non marring hammer that prevents hammer rebound.
Tim
For heavy chiseling I am looking at some Barr chisels
I think the Yellow handle Marples are much better than the blue handled ones which are cheaper. You may be able to still get some "made in Sheffield" yellow handled Marples on eBay.
I use a Blue spruce ( round and rectangular) mallet or a 13oz. acetate plastic capped non marring hammer that prevents hammer rebound.
Tim
mouppe
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I have a bunch of chisels from different makers. Ashley Iles bench chisels- so-so not the best but ok value. I wouldn't buy them again though. Lie Nielsen- expensive but worth it. Veritas PM-V11 steel chisel, very nice. Also worth it.
But my favourite one is a $10 ebay purchase of a very old mortise 3/16" chisel- maybe 120 years old. I turned a new handle for it, flattened the back, and increased the bevel angle to 30 degrees. The steel is so good it holds an edge for ages. It's just incredible to use. Now I'm always on the lookout for more chisels on ebay because they are so cheap and you don't even have to be lucky to find a good one.
If you're not in a hurry, I'd suggest acquiring a collection through ebay.
My favourite mallet is the Veritas cabinetmakers mallet.
But my favourite one is a $10 ebay purchase of a very old mortise 3/16" chisel- maybe 120 years old. I turned a new handle for it, flattened the back, and increased the bevel angle to 30 degrees. The steel is so good it holds an edge for ages. It's just incredible to use. Now I'm always on the lookout for more chisels on ebay because they are so cheap and you don't even have to be lucky to find a good one.
If you're not in a hurry, I'd suggest acquiring a collection through ebay.
My favourite mallet is the Veritas cabinetmakers mallet.
Walk On Wood
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+1 on the Veritas pm-v11 chisels. They are simply a joy to work with.
For my good set I restored a #102 set of #50 Stanley Everlasting chisels. I added a few of the #40 Cabinet chisels to that. I inherited a few and they just feel right in my hands.
For job site use I have a mix of Japan Woodworker house brand chisel, Stanley #60's, and for beaters I use the Irwin Marples, Stanley Fat Max, and DeWalt. The Jap. chisels hold an edge for a while and then it just gives way and chips. The others are just OK and get used for whatever.
Lee Valley has a set of "Perfect Handle" chisels that looks interesting. They're like the screw drivers with a cutting edge. I wish they sold them as individuals.
For job site use I have a mix of Japan Woodworker house brand chisel, Stanley #60's, and for beaters I use the Irwin Marples, Stanley Fat Max, and DeWalt. The Jap. chisels hold an edge for a while and then it just gives way and chips. The others are just OK and get used for whatever.
Lee Valley has a set of "Perfect Handle" chisels that looks interesting. They're like the screw drivers with a cutting edge. I wish they sold them as individuals.
jmarkflesher
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A woman who I was selling her (deceased) husbands tools for still has Solliden Sweden Chisels (set of eight) to sell. See For Sale and search Solliden Sweden Chisels For Sale July 5th 2013, and see pictures. I think I can get her to agree to $50.00 plus shipping. Paypal only.
SittingElf
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I was planning to pick up a full set of Two Cherries chisels from my German dealer before moving back to the USA in June, but the dealer said there is another German company that makes even better chisels, and for a lower cost. I'm going to the dealer tomorrow to take a look. Have to see which way to go, but if they aren't up to snuff, I'll be on the Two Cherries.
Cheers,
Frank
Cheers,
Frank
VW mick
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That's it I'm leaving FOG ...had marples boxwood handle chisels as an apprentice .and have had 2sets of marples split proof ever since and have always been happy with them also got a couple of Japanese chisels from axminster for special jobs
Now because of this thread really want some PMV 11 chisels ... Fog will be the end of me
Now because of this thread really want some PMV 11 chisels ... Fog will be the end of me
OK.....if you were going to get PMV-11 chisels and you didn't want to spend the money on a set, what size would you buy first?
I am a sucker for the good steels, so I may go that route, but have not made up my mind yet.
Trust me.....I am always in the FOG now that I got bit by the festy flea and have a constant fever [eek]
Marcus
I am a sucker for the good steels, so I may go that route, but have not made up my mind yet.
Trust me.....I am always in the FOG now that I got bit by the festy flea and have a constant fever [eek]
Marcus
