Old Chisel Brands

[jaegerhund]

I'm pretty new to this woodworking thing (mostly just a hobby).  One thing I know is that I don't mind finding old tools and fixing them up.  My question is:  What are some good brands (or series within a brand) of old chisels to look for on ebay or elsewhere?

Thanks in advance,

Justin

 

[dirtydeeds]

jager

cant help here

i brae on my chisels with hammers so old chisels with wooden handles dont get a look in

EXCEPT

London pattern registered mortice chisels, i hold these in some esteem but dont use them

 

[jaegerhund]

DD -- maybe you can help me here --- what does the "London pattern" refer to?

Justin

 

[dirtydeeds]

like all these things its a bit wrapped up, however

registered mortice chisels where developed over a period of time, they were designed/used for shipbuilding

well more accuratly not ship building as such, but for thames barges where large deep mortices were required in heavy timber

thames in london, hence london pattern

pig stickers (an earlier form of mortice chisel going up to about 5/8 ths ) where not big enough, in width or length for the mortices needed in barge construction, nor was the handle constuction of a pig sticker heavy enough to take the abuse required for deep wide mortices

 

[jaegerhund]

and now I know  -- thanks  -- you unwrapped it just fine. 

Justin

 

[Michael Kellough]

The better old chisels in my kit are from SWAN.

 

[Per Swenson]

The truth of the matter is there are thousands of old coots out there

collecting old chisels and driving prices through the roof.

In other words that pot of gold has been mined.

If you are just starting out get two sets of chisels.

Like a set of Marples, narex etc. about 50 bucks. Learn how to keep these sharp. Use these at home and in the field.

Then go get a set of these and treasure them.

While you are looking at chisels go to the Japan woodworker and look at this

Then explain to me if its your wood or ego that needs that kind of attention.

Just sayin.

Per

 

[Per Swenson]

Oh yeah,

Full disclosure, My old geezer has a full set of Anton Bergs from around 1960.

I often have to remind him they are not for chewing gum removal or auto repair,

and if I catch him leaving the house with one.... ;D

P.

 

[jaegerhund]

Per -- I just bought a set of Irwin Marples Blue chips and a couple of Bahco ----I guess in a month or so I'll be ready for the $2000 + Japanese chisels    (you know, if I can't find anything better)

I kinda figured on the old chisel thing being plucked clean by those in the know, but maybe a good lucky day may still occur.

Those Lie Nielson are sweet ----  where's my piggy bank ? -- damn, just dust ----

Justin

 

[vanderpooch]

Per is right. It's not as easy as it once was to find oldies-but-goodies for cheap. That being said, they are still out there. L and IJ White, Buck Brothers, Peck, Stowe and Wilcox, and others are all good. Generally, if it says "Cast Steel" it will be a good one. Some of the old Stanleys are really nice. Great balance and great steel. I have a Lakeside and a Greenlee that were my grandfathers that I like, too.

Don't give more than $6-7 and you can't go wrong...

Per,

I'd guard those Bergs like a hawk. Are they the wood handled or the red plastic?

I'd love to have a few but they are really pricey...

- Kit

 

[Per Swenson]

Wood, with the labels,

this shot is out of focus because I cropped it from backround.

Per

[attachimg=#]

 

[vanderpooch]

Cool. Love those chisels...

Whoo,hoo. Check out Dan Clermont's tool cabinet in the Hand Planes and Systainers thread...