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Looking for good jobsite chisel set

3K views 12 replies 12 participants last post by  jonah 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
At home in my shop I have Blue Spruce chisels, after much gnashing of teeth.

I'm building myself a mini tool chest to bring a few planes and chisels, etc… on site with me. Most of my work is remodeling and additions… Frequently hanging doors, needing to clean up board edges, etc…
The tools in this chest will be separate from my shop's tool cabinet.

Looking for a high quality set, but not Blue Spruce level on the job site. Nor do I want "cheap" beaters on site.

I've thought about everything from vintage Marples/Footprint acetate handled, Two Cherries, and Ashley Isles.
I like the looks of the red plastic handled Two Cherries, as well as the 6pc. Ashley Isles set.

I'd like to keep it around $200.

Any recommendations?

Thanks!
 
#2 ·
I would recommend the Irwin Marples.

I use mind a lot even for "fine" ww'ing.

I would classify them as a "firmer" chisel.

I believe you can get a set for under $70.

You'll have a bit of work getting the backs flat.
 
#3 ·
#8 ·
Not sure they're the right set for OP but I bought an 8 piece set of Stanley 750s from Wal-Mart mail order for $158. Wal-Mart has lots of woodworking tools for cheap, who knew?

I wouldn't choose the 750s because the handles aren't fixed and the blades are delicate. I'd choose a set of Narex firmer chisels instead. Thick blade and sturdy handle, cheaper than 750s.
 
#9 ·
I wouldn't choose the 750s because … the blades are delicate.

- P89DC
I've not heard that one before. Delicate? How so? I've chopped pecan, oak, hickory, etc. with mine and that descriptor wouldn't have crossed my mind. I do know that socket chisels aren't everyone's cup 'o joe.
 
#11 ·
I wouldn t choose the 750s because the handles aren't fixed and the blades are delicate.
- P89DC
+1 Agree = edges are fragile compared to other options. Had a set of new 750's and couple of antique 750 chisels. Even after proper break-on after 5-6 sharpening; the new 750 edges would fracture easier than most any other chisel I have used. They are also very sensitive to sharpening angle; durability is better with steeper edge angle, but still fragile IMHO. Sold mine and switched using assortment of antique chisels or Japanese chisels for wood working in shop.

Hard to recommend traveling chisels? Do you need heavy striking chisels (firmer or mortise), or paring chisels for fine work? Carry both types in my traveling carpentry box. Have a set of beater plastic handled Stanley with classic M4 steel, and couple antique chisels for paring or shallow hinge mortise work. Nice part about having the utilitarian striking chisels, don't mind letting some else use your tools on site.

Best Luck.
 
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