Barr Chisel Length Question

2/25/04, 9:04 PM #1

Tony H.
Guest

Barr Chisel Length Question

Tony H.

>I have decided to order a set of Barr chisels after using Marples for a number of years. Unfortunately, I need to decide whether to get the long set or the short set. The Marples I am used to are about halfway between the two choices in length. I would welcome any opinions (since I�m unlikely to buy a second set anytime soon).

Thanks for your thoughts.

Re: Barr Chisel Length Question

2/26/04, 2:28 AM #2

Dan Donaldson
Master Craftsman
Offline
5,264 posts

Registered: 9/17/01

Depends

Dan Donaldson

>What are you going to be doing with them? I prefer shorter ones for dovetails and stuff like that and longer ones for general paring and bench work.

- - -

I have been woodworking for about 25 years now, and would consider myself an enthusiastic amateur. My claim to fame (or infamy) has always been fixing stuff. I spent time in the Air Force in the 60's then went to work as an electronic technician for civil service. I finally got my EE, and being fed up with the civil service nonsense, took a job with Ford Motor Company until I went with the split to Visteon last year. I got interested in music and started playing in a bluegrass band. I wanted a new guitar, and that kind of led me into woodworking. I bought some books, a few tools, and built a guitar. Luckily, I didn't know any better than to try that as a first ever project. I still play it when I get a chance, so it must not be too bad if it can live for over 20 years. After a stint in Mexico for my job, I moved into a new house and built a small shop. Since then I have been collecting tools and skills, probably more of the former than the latter ;-). Finding this site has done more for my skills and enjoyment than anything else. I have learned a lot and really enjoy the friendships that I have made here. I have been married to LOML (Lori) for 32 years now and have 6 kids. When they are all gone, I want to get a 1 bedroom house (so there is not room for them to move back in) and at least a 6 car heated/air conditioned garage for a shop. (Dream on...)

Re: Barr Chisel Length Question

2/26/04, 5:01 AM #3

Tony H.
Guest

Re: Depends

Tony H.

>I guess that's the problem. I would probably use them for both types of work (at least for a while). I'm not really used to short chisels or longer chisels. I'm used to the middl'n size. Maybe the right question is: Is it generally harder to use longer chisels for dovetail type work or is it more awkward to use short chisels for paring and bench work?

Re: Barr Chisel Length Question

2/26/04, 5:58 AM #4

Dan Donaldson
Master Craftsman
Offline
5,264 posts

Registered: 9/17/01

Re: Depends

Dan Donaldson

>In my particular case, I go for the shorter ones if I am going to use them for stuff like dovetails etc. If I try to use a longer chisel, or one that is too handle heavy, my hand cramps up after just a few minutes and it is so bad that I have to stop working for awhile. That is just me though, and YMMV.

- - -

I have been woodworking for about 25 years now, and would consider myself an enthusiastic amateur. My claim to fame (or infamy) has always been fixing stuff. I spent time in the Air Force in the 60's then went to work as an electronic technician for civil service. I finally got my EE, and being fed up with the civil service nonsense, took a job with Ford Motor Company until I went with the split to Visteon last year. I got interested in music and started playing in a bluegrass band. I wanted a new guitar, and that kind of led me into woodworking. I bought some books, a few tools, and built a guitar. Luckily, I didn't know any better than to try that as a first ever project. I still play it when I get a chance, so it must not be too bad if it can live for over 20 years. After a stint in Mexico for my job, I moved into a new house and built a small shop. Since then I have been collecting tools and skills, probably more of the former than the latter ;-). Finding this site has done more for my skills and enjoyment than anything else. I have learned a lot and really enjoy the friendships that I have made here. I have been married to LOML (Lori) for 32 years now and have 6 kids. When they are all gone, I want to get a 1 bedroom house (so there is not room for them to move back in) and at least a 6 car heated/air conditioned garage for a shop. (Dream on...)

Barr Chisel Length Question

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