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Chisel Questions

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Chisel Questions

#1

Chisel Questions

Patrick Gibbons, Houston, TX

>I purchased chisels off of ebay from two different vendors and received the last one today. Four chisels in all, three from one vendor and one from another. They are all the same brand and made about the same time. They are all socket chisels. The first three were mauled by some over-zealous cleaning which led to all of the patina gone, flats buffed into the socket where the wheel overlapped from the back and top, and some indentations in the metal where the wheel tarried too long. All the backs were dubbed and arched from what I thought was an effort to remove pits. The fourth one has not been cleaned and is much thicker than the other three. But it too appears arched on the back. It also lists, ever so slightly, to one side. Is this arching something that was put in by the manufacturer or mere coincidence? Should I flatten the backs completely or just my usual 1 or 2 inches at the tip? The vendors did not mention these conditions at all. I don't want to return them and I don't think a comment on feedback would do much good. Am I wrong in thinking this?

Re: Chisel Questions

#2

Re: Chisel Questions

Pam Niedermayer - Austin, TX

>A lot of tool sellers on ebay know nothing about tools, so it's not safe to assume that your sellers actually mucked up your chisels. The only way they'll learn is if you try to return them, or at least push for a major refund. If they're not amenable, bad feedback is your only recourse; but don't do/threaten that until after they provide feedback for you.

As to doing much good, you'll have to define good in this case. I've received all my money back for broken items and didn't have to return the items either.

Pam

Re: Chisel Questions

#3

Re: Chisel Questions

Adam Cherubini

>Pat,

What width chisels are you talking about? What age, and maker's mark? Are these laminated tools?

If we're talking about small, light weight furniture maker's tools, then I'd flatten the entire back (not just 2"). You may have tools that belonged to a carpenter. I don't know if they didn't know how to sharpen (highly possible) or if they sharpened like that for a reason (also possible). I find that chisels for rough work needn't have flat backs, and non flat backs sometimes allow slick-like bevel up paring which can be advantageous. So I'm inclined not to attempt to grind out the curve out.

The chisel that is bent sideways is th only clue you offered that we might be talking about laminated carpenters tools. Bending an all tool steel chisel wouldn't be easy. (though my cousin broke a shovel once- didn't think that was possible).

adam

Re: Chisel Questions

#4

Re: Chisel Questions

Patrick Gibbons, Houston, TX

>The chisels are all Greenlee made post 1940. There are three that are one group, 1/2", 1" and 11/2". These are thinner with longer sockets. I would characterize these as cabinetmaker's chisels though that's not necessarily so. The other is 3/8" and has a handle with a metal bolster at the butt end suggesting a carpenters tool. All of these are socket chisels. The 3/8" chisel is just slightly leaning to the left and it appears to be from the socket, not in the blade. The arc in the back of these is maybe a 64th, less on the half incher but it is noticeable on all.

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