Opinions on chisel comparison purchase

Re: Opinions on chisel comparison purchase

Justin W in Ann Arbor, MI

>Wendell -

Sounds like a good plan. I would get a 3/8" and a 5/8" bench chisel (one of the Ashley Iles "Beveled Edge" chisels and one of the Two Cherries/Hirsch). Get a 1/2" Ashley Iles "American Pattern" beveled edge chisel since that's the size you said you use most - but do so at your own risk. I have a set, and I love them. The risk stems from the fact that you're going to wind up wanting to buy two sets of chisels - a set of whichever bench chisels you like better and a set of the "American Pattern" chisels...

But that's half the fun, no?

- Justin

Re: Opinions on chisel comparison purchase

Christopher Fitch @ Memphis

>I bought a 1/8" of both the London and American Pattern Iles chisels. After I got them in, I promptly ordered a set of 6 of the American pattern.

The small size is nice and is useful for smaller more controlled cuts and actions. I found them to be far easier to control than full-length chisels.

I held off on the London pattern because I have a mixed set of Stanley and Marples chisels that are good enough.

Re: Opinions on chisel comparison purchase

Ted Shuck

>Somebody used to offer chisels for comparison. I think it was Joel at The Museum of Woodworking Tools. You could order several chisels in the half inch size, try them for a while, and return them. I think you paid a small fee on top of postage. I am not sure if he is still doing this.

He carries all the chisels which you mention. You should ask him about it.

Ted