Journals Projects Workshops Reviews

Another question about Chisels...

1207 Views 4 Replies 4 Participants Last post by bondogaposis, Feb 2, 2015

MikeUT

Discussion Starter · Feb 2, 2015 (Edited by Moderator)

I have been meaning to pick up a new set of chisels for a while now but I keep accidentally spending my tool money on old planes. I just received a Home Depot gift card and since they don't have any 100 year old planes I'm thinking about getting a set from them. I know that buck brothers and everything else you find on the shelf isn't going to be worth my time but they do have a little bit of a selection online. I'm looking at two different sets:

Stanley Bailey Chisel Set 5 piece set, $70
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Stanley-Bailey-Chisel-Set-5-Piece-16-401/203725261

Stanley Sweetheart 750 4 piece set, $98
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Stanley-Sweetheart-750-Series-Socket-Chisel-Set-4-Piece-16-791/203728149#product_description

I've seen a few mentions here on the 750's but I don't think I've seen any mention of the Stanley Bailey set. Does anyone out there have either of these sets? If so how do you like them and how do they compare to chisels available outside of the BORG's? I'm assuming they aren't all that comparable to brands like Sorby or Pfeil but I'm hoping they are closer to those than my current Harbor Freight beaters. Are they worth the money or am I better off saving this gift card for screws and sandpaper and finding a set of chisels somewhere else?

Save

1 - 5 of 5 Posts

JayT

· #2 · Feb 2, 2015 (Edited by Moderator)

I've got the Bailey set and have done a review on them. Short story, I wouldn't buy them again and don't recommend them based on my experience. Read the review and comments for more info. There are several LJ's who have the new 750's and overall the reviews seem to be good on those.

My recommendation for chisels for a while now is to first consider if you need a full set. If not, you may be better off buying one or two sizes at a time of top quality chisels than a set that includes some you will never use. If you will use the 750's, then that's a good price.

Save

MikeUT

Discussion Starter · #3 · Feb 2, 2015

Great review Jay, thanks. I was very close to just buying them, I'm glad I posted the question first. I might make the gamble of buying a set if they were in the store because it would be very easy to simply return them if they looked like they were going to be lemons. But getting them online and worrying about returning them sounds like more trouble than it would be worth.

Save

ColonelTravis

· #4 · Feb 2, 2015 (Edited by Moderator)

I've got all vintage T.H. Witherby - except one 750 to fill in a size I haven't been able to find for a long time for some weird reason (1/4"). The only thing I don't like about the 750 is the size, I prefer them a little longer (steel and the handle) but I make my own handles so that doesn't matter. Stuck with the steel size in the 750, obviously. Agree with Jay about going for individual ones. I've also been able to buy my individual Witherbys for cheaper than the price per chisel in the 750 set. It's not that the 750 is a bad deal, I don't think it is. But I've found that buying for your needs works out so much better.

Here's an interesting article about standard chisel sizes, which may or may not be of use to you. Actually, it's a critique of the standard sizes. Like I said, everyone has their own needs, and that story could be off base in your situation. But the more info. you have the better decision you can make.

I have the same hesitation about ordering online when you're not 100% sure it's what you need. Not that it's the worst problem in life to have if it's a dud, but who the hell is asking for any extra hassle in their life, huh? Not me, amigo! Fortunately, I've been lucky, I don't think I've ever returned but one thing I got online.

Good luck and good chislin!

See less See more

Save

bondogaposis

· #5 · Feb 2, 2015

My recommendation for chisels for a while now is to first consider if you need a full set. If not, you may be better off buying one or two sizes at a time of top quality chisels than a set that includes some you will never use.

I agree, you can do a lot of chiseling w/ a 3/8" and 5/8" and may never need another.

Save

1 - 5 of 5 Posts

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.

Top Contributors this Month