High Quality Chisels

Well still not made my mind up!  The only thing I have decided on is the type of steel and I have read up and found that HSS is the best steel to have for chisels! 

With HSS being quick and easy to sharpening even grinding them wont harm the steel like most other steels would get damaged! Also the ability to get a very sharp edge AND hold its edge for along time is a massive plus over all other steels I have been looking at! 

JMB
 
jmbfestool said:
Well still not made my mind up!   The only thing I have decided on is the type of steel and I have read up and found that HSS is the best steel to have for chisels!   

With HSS being quick and easy to sharpening even grinding them wont harm the steel like most other steels would get damaged! Also the ability to get a very sharp edge AND hold its edge for along time is a massive plus over all other steels I have been looking at! 

JMB
Click to expand...

In addition, back in the day HSS was used in machining to cut tons & tons of all other metals so it obviously has good wear resistance in cutting most wood.
 
RonWen said:
jmbfestool said:
Well still not made my mind up!   The only thing I have decided on is the type of steel and I have read up and found that HSS is the best steel to have for chisels!   

With HSS being quick and easy to sharpening even grinding them wont harm the steel like most other steels would get damaged! Also the ability to get a very sharp edge AND hold its edge for along time is a massive plus over all other steels I have been looking at! 

JMB
Click to expand...

In addition, back in the day HSS was used in machining to cut tons & tons of all other metals so it obviously has good wear resistance in cutting most wood.
Click to expand...

Yeah but back in the day HSS was different to todays HSS  apparently HSS back in the day was to poor for chisels to get a sharp edge now they have been able to refine it and you can get a good sharp edge for chisels.

JMB
 
I'm sort of reminded of the little old man wearing a visor, studying & sweating over his next cut on a rare diamond then providing a sharp calculated blow in precisely the right spot...  [scared]
 
You know - the absolute last thing I probably needed was more chisels, probably second last - a new sharpening system.

Now ...

1. I'm researching new HSS bench chisels ... almost pulled the trigger a couple of times on the Tools of Japan website today

2. I'm considering the big Tormek, but looking at flat grinding alternatives also

3. For some strange reason I suddenly need a drill doctor

JMB ... what's next?
 
Kev said:
You know - the absolute last thing I probably needed was more chisels, probably second last - a new sharpening system.

Now ...

1. I'm researching new HSS bench chisels ... almost pulled the trigger a couple of times on the Tools of Japan website today

2. I'm considering the big Tormek, but looking at flat grinding alternatives also

3. For some strange reason I suddenly need a drill doctor

JMB ... what's next?
Click to expand...

I've considered the Tormek grinder but the last I looked they don't offer any solutions/fixtures for flattening the backs of chisels & irons -- critical especially on chisels.  The best choice seems to be using the (undressed) side of the grinding wheel.  I decided I didn't want to spend that money and still have to flatten backs elsewhere.

 
RonWen said:
Kev said:
You know - the absolute last thing I probably needed was more chisels, probably second last - a new sharpening system.

Now ...

1. I'm researching new HSS bench chisels ... almost pulled the trigger a couple of times on the Tools of Japan website today

2. I'm considering the big Tormek, but looking at flat grinding alternatives also

3. For some strange reason I suddenly need a drill doctor

JMB ... what's next?
Click to expand...

I've considered the Tormek grinder but the last I looked they don't offer any solutions/fixtures for flattening the backs of chisels & irons -- critical especially on chisels.  The best choice seems to be using the (undressed) side of the grinding wheel.  I decided I didn't want to spend that money and still have to flatten backs elsewhere.
Click to expand...
thats the main problem with the tormek. you need another flat plate to flatted the backs. at least its only done once. a quick hone on the back and its good to go again
 
What is the point of a sharpening system that does not polish the flat backs? That's 90 per cent of the job. The bevel edge is the quick and easy part.
 
Richard Leon said:
What is the point of a sharpening system that does not polish the flat backs? That's 90 per cent of the job. The bevel edge is the quick and easy part.
Click to expand...
I hate sharpening. While I have long fooled myself into thinking I was looking for the best system, I was really looking for a system to which I didn't have to spend the time to do it correctly. Other than haveing someone else sharpen my chisels and plane irons I haven't found the nirvana of sharpening. It just a pia. If there is a system out there that can take the drudgery out of this task I am all ears.
IMO, flattening the back of a chisel other than the first 1/16th or so (particularly one used on site) is a total waste of time.
I do like Marples chisels particularly for site use where others borrow them. When it's sharp my blue handled 19mm Marples works as well as any of my Lie Nielson's and I don't feel like I have to baby it.
I agree the Tormek is an expensive system and has flaws, and can be downright dangerous if used improperly.
A good combination of stones and a flat piece of marble and some sticky back sandpaper works wonders, but it's still a PIA.
Tim

 
Kev said:
You know - the absolute last thing I probably needed was more chisels, probably second last - a new sharpening system.

Now ...

1. I'm researching new HSS bench chisels ... almost pulled the trigger a couple of times on the Tools of Japan website today

2. I'm considering the big Tormek, but looking at flat grinding alternatives also

3. For some strange reason I suddenly need a drill doctor

JMB ... what's next?
Click to expand...

A nice mallet should be on that list  [tongue] http://thebestthings.com/newtools/graphics/blue_spruce_mallet_big.jpg
 
i often use my estwing on my chisels. i use it holding the head end and tapping the chisel that way.
you know the way i mean , like a cowboy using it as a lead dresser
 
Alan m said:
i often use my estwing on my chisels. i use it holding the head end and tapping the chisel that way.
you know the way i mean , like a cowboy using it as a lead dresser
Click to expand...

Yes I know or apprentice using a hammer for the first time lol

JMB
 
[attachimg=#]

I have the Tormek T-7 with several jig kits which I use to sharpen everything.  It will not flatten the backs of chisels and plane irons.  I still have my granite slab and sharpening films I bought from Tools for Working Wood.  I also use the slab, fine grit films and my Veritas jig to put the final micro-bevel and hone on hand tools.  I have a big Pinnacle sliding jig which works okay, but I rarely get it out anymore after getting the Tormek.  You might also note I keep a small machinists square handy to ensure I have pieces squarely in the jigs.

I have the Drill Doctor which works great, once you get the hang of it.  I think I shortened my first try, a 1/2" installer bit, by about an inch before I got it sharp.  Getting the bit in the bit holder in the proper orientation is critical or you will get a sharp bit that can't get a bite in the material you are drilling.
 
Wonderwino said:
I have the Tormek T-7 with several jig kits which I use to sharpen everything.  It will not flatten the backs of chisels and plane irons.  
Click to expand...

I have the same, Alex. The T-7 does a great job on knives, garden shears, axes, and lawn mower blades, as well as cleaning up badly damaged chisels or plane irons. The secret to keeping everything around the shop or house sharp (especially for a lazy man) is to make it is easy to do.

As for flattening blade backs, you can make that very easy with one of these  [smile]:

new960400.jpg
 
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