Chisel set

Re: Chisel set *LINK*

Steve Kubien

>I have the Hirsch chisels from Lee Valley and I am very happy with them. These are the same as Two Cherries (same factory, same production line, same steel) but for a bit less $$$. I've seen older Stanley 750's go for, what I consider, high prices on eBay. I can't believe they perform any better than the Hirsch. Someone else might be able to give a comparison.

I hope this helps,

Steve Kubien

Ajax, Ontario


Hirsch Chisels at Lee Valley

Re: Chisel set

JL

>I started with a Craftsman set. These are now relegated to the toolbox for rough chopping. I picked up an inexpensive Narex set. These are okay, but don't retain an edge as well as I'd like. I picked up two Hirsch chisels when I was taking a class that required hand cut dovetails. These are sweet chisels. As far as the Crown, I haven't tried their chisels. I have a couple of their turning tools and they are good.

Do you really need a "set" though? I'd say concentrate on the chisels that you need the most. My $0.02.

Re: Chisel set

Bob Hackett

>If you`re interested in a mis-matched set of old socket chisels contact me offline.I can probably accomodate you for a donation to the WC fund.

Mainely,Bob

Re: Chisel set

Derek Cohen (in Perth Australia)

>Hi Guy

A question - what type of chisels are you looking for, for example, do you want chisels for paring dovetails, or something more robust that can be tapped with a mallet?

I have heard very mixed reports about Crown chisels. I suspect that there is a difference between their turning tools (HSS?) and bench chisels (tool steel?). I do own two, both 1/2" skew chisels (for dovetails) and these have been great - excellent steel and comfortable (not to mention good looking).

Personally, I much prefer vintage chisels (although I would be very tempted by a set of LNs). The toughest I have used - by a mile - are Witherbys. My bevel edge set hold an edge forever. Grinding them was hell! But they are not the best for dovetails since their shoulders are not as fine as one would really like them to be (some grind them down a bit). You can hammer on these as much as you like. The chisels that are terrific for dovetails are the Bergs. Mine are bevelled at 20 degrees and used only for paring.

If you are prepared to make your own handles it is possible to put together a set quite cheaply.

Regards from Perth

Derek

Old Chas Buck

Ron in Kokomo

>Wonderful chisels. Will take and hold a very sharp edge. I got mine over a few months time on the Bay and at Flea Markets and tool meets

Re: Old Chas Buck

dave caudill

>I'll throw in with the old chisel crowd. I have been collecting Witherby chisels for a few years now and they are great. I also have a fondness fro P.S.& W. chisels. The set I have in my tool bag is a mixed set of all of the above and a Charles Buck. You can throw a really nice set together if you watch e-bay and search on those chisels. I must admit I have a set of the LN chisels as well and recently tried them and must say they are a very nice chisel. You might buy one of those in one of you favorite sizes as well just to see how you like them. Those are one of the only new chisels I could recommend. Good luck and have fun with your hunt.

Dave

I have one

Derek

>I bought on of the butt chisels to try out. I really like the feel and size of the chisel for a lot of uses but the steel is quite soft and I have to sharpen it too often. I plan to increase the bevel angle but have not done so. I do not plan to buy more because it is quite inconvenient to sharpen it so often.

I also have Marples blue chip and very nice old ones I bought (from Todd Hughes...). I use the Marples for jobs where I am away from the shop (usually volunteer work) and they are OK but tend to chip a bit.

There seem to be lots of good chisels out there though. Hirsh get good reviews, for example. LN seem to be the best of the new ones but pricy. Of course, if you get the best you only pay once.

Re: Chisel set

Ernie Miller

>Bob if you are needing more chisels to rehab I guess I can ship out a box of them to you. I have been planning on doing it myself but have no round tuits any where?

Re: I have one

Dan Donaldson

>I had the same problem with the Crowns. Try re-tempering the blade. I did that and it made them hold an edge much better. I got tired of the constant sharpening, but liked the short length and balance. I figured that I didn't have much to lose, so I tried it and it helps a lot.

Sure Ernie!

Bob Hackett

>I`ll set them right and turn handles for them and then put them in the benefit auction.How`s that sound?

MB

Re: I have one

Derek

>Thanks for the suggestion Dan, but those round-tuits are pretty scarce right now. I have not had woodworking time much less tool working time. I really miss the woodworking right now. Maybe someday...

Love my LNs

Rob in Ontario

>

Re: I have one

Clay Craig

>I did the same - liked the feel of the butt chisel handle, but where yours was too soft, mine was too brittle! Very slow to sharpen, but chipped far too easily. Bad quality control, maybe. Generally Crown's bench chisels don't enjoy very high repute. You'll likely be happier with any of the suggestions here - Hirsch or LN if you want new and matched, or some nice old Cast Steel from BobH if that's not a priority.

Now, if you don't care about matching looks, and especially since you are OK with making some handles, you'd have to be a fool not to take Bob H. up on his offer ... !

Clay

Re: Chisel set

McKay in Utah

>I am replacing all of my Crown mortising chisels w/Sorbys. The Crown have poor wood quality and are not really meant for choping mortises. For hand chisels, the two cherries are nice, but by far the favorites are Swiss made "Phiels" from wood craft. Super chisel with a great feel.

Re: Chisel set

Alan Hamilton

>Guy,

I got a set of Hirsch chisels from Lee Valley and I couldn't be happier with them. I'm told by people who usually know about such things that Hirsch and Two Cherries chisels are identical--not similar--identical (except for the name on the sticker, of course, and maybe some subtle differences in the handles). The steel is excellent: it takes a great edge and holds it for a good, long while.

The best part is that they are markedly less expensive than Two Cherries. When I got mine, a couple years ago, the set of six was less than $100 U.S. That is a significant saving over the cost of Two Cherries or Lie-Nielsen or some of the other names that have been tossed out.

I own a few Crown edge tools, and I've found the quality variable. My "dovetail" chisels are excellent; but I have some other chisels that aren't. However, in fairness, I think my experience isn't usual. Most folks seem to like Crown tools.

Alan

Re: Sure Ernie!

ernie miller

>sounds like a plan I guess I could turn a few handles. heck who am I fooling?

Personal experience?

Rich Glisson

>Have you actually used the Pfeil bench chisels? I bought the complete set a few years ago and have been very disappointed--the edge folds over when used in hardwoods. I have other chisels that are vastly superior and the Pfeils don't get much use.

Re: Personal experience?

McKay in Utah

>Yes. Of course I have personal experience. Why else would anyone respond. I use the Phiels on a daily basis. Where is your email address?