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Can we talk chisels?

129K views 3K replies 212 participants last post by  CTMike 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
There's a lot of discussion around here about planes…and I'm prone to chime in on most of it. Does anyone want to talk about chisels? I am very fond of chisels, straight or swan, skew or flat, short or fat, tang or socket. What kind of chisels do you prefer for paring, chopping, and mortising? Do you prefer tang or socket? What brands do you admire? I'm very anxious to expand my knowledge base, particularly about brands to which I'm naive.

For paring, I like a wide chisel with a short, fat, round handle. For chopping, I like cheap chisels with the handles bobbed-down. For mortising, I like a very high quality chisel, either pigsticker or socket. I really enjoy Witherby socket and Butcher tang chisels. I also like the vintage Stanley 750 line. I weep over Damascus Japanese varieties.

Give your favorite chisel some love & share its story here.

W. Butcher tang in rosewood

Wood Tool Hand tool Metal Metalworking hand tool


T.H. Witherby socket in cocobolo and tulip
Wood Tool Burin Mallet Hardwood
 

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#2 ·
I'm much more fond of socket chisels than tang. For some reason, drilling a straight hole in a handle escapes my grasp. LOL

I have grown kind of partial to chisels made by D R Barton. They were made in my home town from 1832 to the early 1900's. They aren't too difficult to find for a tool that age. I have a couple of old Witherbys and they are nice, but my long term goal is to end up with a complete set of D R Bartons. Mainly just for the challenge of it.
 
#3 ·
Now see, that's exactly what I'm talking about, Swirt! That's as good a reason as I've ever heard for chasing a brand. Chisels seem to have that extra "something" that makes me want to collect them. If any were made in my home town, I'd be all over them. I'm pretty sure I have a few Bartons in my collection. I'm definitely going to look tonight.
 
#4 ·
I have been happy with the Barton quality. I started with a Barton drawknife, then some chisels, then a couple wooden planes, then a side-axe… The brand alone won't cause me to pick one up, but it does help tip me off the fence if I am having trouble deciding. ;)

Some dating info here in case you are interested http://www.davistownmuseum.org/bioBarton.html
 
#6 ·
swirt:

Neener neener neener. Thos Witherby from 1/8 to 2" in an original box :) - by eighths. But they are varying condition and all need to be rehandled. What is commonly referred to as a harlequin set.

I really have an embarrassment of chisels. I just like them. What can I say? In a previous life, I used to scour flea markets and garage sales and sell off extras to fund my "affliction."

I prefer to use registered chisels most times. I have one old Isaac Greaves that is my real go to chisel. 1-1/4 socket firmer. It just "feels right" for most stuff. Looks like this one but a lot better condition (but this one in pic would probably clean up pretty)

http://theoldtoolshed.co.uk/products/175-early-isaac-greaves-chisel.aspx :


A bunch of really frightening socket chisels and gouges (up to 19" blade to end of socket kind of scarey.) Going up in range to 3 1/2 in or so.
Just not too long ago picked up a set of Japanese style chisels from Grizzly. I actually like them a lot.
Sets of mortise chisels and gouges. (Modern vintage)
A set of firmers from Crown I believe (old Woodworkers Supply house brand)
Corner chisels (bruzz) in a couple sizes.

A pile of orphan chisels that I have not had time to get into use on the bottom shelf of my small workbench. They make great stocking stuffers.
 
#7 ·
Cabmaker, I really like the #40's as well. I like that deep, prismatic taper on the bevel side. They're definitely a beefy chisel. I don't own any myself to my knowledge, but you've got me thinking….
 
#8 ·
Well, glad to know that someone else has some W. Butcher stuff. I've collected several Butcher items (including a tennon saw), and find them to be excellect. Cast steel, and they really hold up well.
On subject…I have both socket and tang chisels.
Bill
 
#9 ·
I like the socketed chisels because it is much easier to replace a handle, I have almost a full set of James Swans that I would not trade for anything,they hold a great edge and have done well on every type of wood I have thrown at them. They are probably 80 to 100 yours old. I also have an old set of Pexto's for my timber framing chisels. I like old hand tools.I also have a Swan draw knife same time frame.
 
#10 ·
So, to tally (this is very exciting to me), I've learned about D.R. Barton and have a new reason to collect them (my man, Swift); Cab's got me re-interested in the Stanley #40's; I've found a fellow T.H.W. guy in D. Kirtley (who's got a set that might possibly threaten his life in real life; but this is the internet, thankfully); Bill's backing me up on the Butcher's & that's the first I'm hearing of a saw! Roper's in on the Swans (own a few) & gives a nod to the Pexto big boys.

This is glorious.
 
#12 ·
I am looking for a good set myself. I don't have the time to go to auctions or yard sales but could use a good set of new ones. Any suggestions? I noticed that Woodcraft and Woodpeckers have some sales this weekend.
 
#13 ·
Hey Tech, the big box stores usually have sets of Irwin/Marples plastic-handles for around $20-30/set or so. I cut the handles off flat to a reasonable length for chopping & replace them when I ruin them. I've bought two-cherries-brand sets, which aI found rather nice for the bucks. Of course, you can hit up Japan Woodworker for some beautiful sets if you're willing to spend a bit more. I tend to have three types of chisels: 1) those that I beat to death (cheap; as above), 2) those high-end ones for specific tasks (mortising, etc.), and 3) those that I just admire. Good luck, my friend!
 
#14 ·
Bertha,, I've heard others on LJ's talk about the Irwin's and stopped at Lowes to take a look at them, they did not have any and the sales clerk stated they were not stocking them anymore. I think Home Depot may have them. For that price I'll give them a try. I have a mortiser but always need to fine tune the joints. I am slowly coming to the realization that I may need a couple sets as you suggest. I would rather sharpen all the tools at once and grab them when needed, this goes for chisels and planes. MORE STUFF!!
 
#15 ·
Acquiring old Chisels to me is almost like a game of cards. You keep drawing and discarding until you have a hand you really like. Its kind of fun that way.

Of course David just took the pot with a complete set or Witherbys ;)
 
#16 ·
As of most of my wood working tool my Chisels are old. I prefer socket because you can't "hurt" the Chisel handle but the "tang" my fear would be to split the handle. Here are some of my Chisel they are larger, but my thought was I still could by a refine set later. Like Blue Sprue one nice set :)

Pictures are in my Profile thx.

Chris
 
#17 ·
My favorite chisel is sharp.

Second to that are my Lee Neilson

third my Marples

unlike an electric or air powered tool, chisels work great if they are sharp, if they are dull, no matter what you paid, they are are useless.
 
#18 ·
For me this is a difficult talk!
It is so difficult to advice on this, since it's so much feeling at the end.
I love vintage, and would at any day give away a new set of factory made chisels at any brand, for an old beautiful vintage quality set. But I do understand that some love to buy new, it's like with cars, some love a brand new, and some love a vintage car. When it comes to performance it's a matter of use first of all. A2 steel will hold a edge for a long time on a high angel grind so excellent for fieldwork and building, A1 steel will be preferable for a cabinetmakers chisels, and so. Some people like the look of a set of blue handle Irwin, some like a old worn vintage full of life, some like a new 'old school' wood handle that shines, some really don't give a s… for nothing but performance. At the end it's personal, and so it should not be a matter for discussion, but I see again and again people claiming that the plastic handle Irwin are no good, and this is wrong! I see again and again people claim that LN is the best, and this is wrong. I see again and again people saying that you can't find old chisels in a good quality and this is wrong. And so on.
So when people ask what chisels they should buy they have to bring some info; price range, use and taste.
Me was one of those idiots who did not ask and just fly out to buy what I read was the best, so I bought a set of Bahco 434 and these are really wonderful chisels, but just not what I was looking for! So next step was to slowly build knowledge and try to find answers.
My personal answer for now:
A set of old English firmer chisels with their old original handles in box wood, these cut so wonderful and reminds me in use of the Japanese, they are excellent for paring. I guess due to the steel that are hard but not brittle. And they make me smile and think of 'the old days'.
A set of rebuild and rehandled old English chisels, that I changed into a dovetail set, fishtail, skewed and paring with short rounded handles for grip and control with the hand. These again are hard but able to have a low angel grind and be razor sharp.
A set of old French mortise chisels made from their old military sword maker, I have just rehandled them in old style, and they are nothing less than wonderful.
A set of Bacho 434, these are a set of wonderful chisels in excellent quality, but not for the workshop, they are for construction work, so they are rounded, much too hard steel for my taste, and made for site purpose, where they will hold a edge long (I prefer a sharp edge easy set, than a slowly more dull).
My sister are in Korea and are looking for a set of Japanese or Korean for me, I don't really have a relation to these, but since so many cabinetmakers love them, I will like to try and figure out why, and also I like the design.
So the ultimate set…
For me the; Ashley Iles Mk 2 Bevel Edged Cabinetmakers Chisels are the closest to perfection you can buy new today. They are handmade from the old Sheffield traditions and with A1 steel, so I plan on buying a set of six as soon as my budget allows. To me they hold more than quality, they are extremely flat, made of the best of steel, classic English handles, handmade by some of the best makers in the world. For me they have this touch of the hand that makes me smile, this I can't find in the Kirchen or LN versions, they look and feel machine made to me. But yes if someone has a full set of old 750 for the same price I'm in.
And if I win the lottery I will buy the big Iles set. (I just wrote them yesterday to hear if I could buy one alone first to test the quality and feel before buying the set).
(When you buy old chisels you will some knowledge and patience, you need to wait for the right price, the right type and at times you will have a bad boy in the class; either too hard and brittle or too soft with no hardening, but so what if you get them at a fair price and you know how to judge them. But if you are a beginner and don't want to spend time, buy a fair set of factory made like Kirchen, Bahco or Irwin, but choose the models that suits your needs not just the brand).
Best thoughts,
Mads
 
#19 · (Edited by Moderator)
Ohhh yes I also have a set of vintage gauges from English and French produceres.
- and ofcourse some old Bahco Sandvic (these are wonderful chisels, with a fine edge and we have used these in Denmark for generations, the only dislike for me is a high side before the bevel).
LOL.
I think for me sharp is also the most important word.
So buy a good sharpening system, and sharpen 100 times with it, then you discover the secret of the chisel.
 
#20 · (Edited by Moderator)
I, unfortunately, get very little exposure to vintage woodworking tools. I can sometimes get a good deal on ebay for a hand plane, but the bids get carried away on the old chisels. The only vintage item that I have in this category is an old Pexto socket firmer chisel that was in a box of rusted tools that a friend found and gave me. I cleaned it up and it does hold a nice edge.

On the new front, I am pretty fond of the Narex chisels I have. Once flattened and sharpened, they keep their edge for a fair amount of use. I bought 4 bench chisels and two mortising chisels for around 80 bucks, delivered. I have no complaints in regards to their performance.

David
 
#21 · (Edited by Moderator)
Mads, thank you for this thoughtful comment, as I realize that it's a very personal topic for you. I appreciate the lore of chiselmaking, a sentiment you clearly share, as you own chisels produced by a swordsmith. I would agree that the Iles set is wonderful and VERY reasonably priced. A modest set of 6 for $150 or the monster 11-piece set for a bit over $300. That's a bargain, but of course, it's still money. For those that haven't seen them,

http://www.toolsforworkingwood.com/Merchant/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=toolshop&Product_Code=IL-100-40.XX&Category_Code=CIL

I would rehandle the MK2's but that's clearly a very personal preference. Handle shape is another topic entirely!

Another fine pigsticker is also found at the same seller:

http://www.toolsforworkingwood.com/Merchant/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=toolshop&Product_Code=MS-MORT.XX&Category_Code=TBMC&Search=mortise chisel

For those with the disease and unlimited budget, the Tasai's are a thing of beauty:

http://www.japanwoodworker.com/product.asp?s=JapanWoodworker&pf_id=05.303.50&dept_id=12766
 
#22 ·
David, I own a few massive Pexto sockets and I'm quite fond of them. You're right about the Ebay bidding on older chisels, particularly Witherbys & particularly mortise chisels. I've resorted to buying large sets & selecting out the few I'm after. Like Swirt says, I'll pick my card & return the rest to the deck. I've gone overboard on Ebay for a missing component of my collection. All part of the game, I suppose.
 
#23 ·
I agree with Bertha about buying chisels on ebay. Usually the single chisels, especially in good shape go for a less than ideal price especially when you figure in shipping. I get better deals by looking at assorted sets, especially with those with missing or damaged handles. Thanks to the flat rate boxes here in the states, shipping a bunch of old chisels usually costs the same as shipping one. The discouraging part is that those selling a set of "junk" chisels rarely take the time to get good photos or document maker names or even sizes. Unfortunately those lacking all that info are the best deals because they go cheap, but they also carry the most risk of ending up with nothing but junk.
 
#25 ·
^absolutely agree with Swirt. I can pay $40 for a Witherby in decent shape & spend another $10 shipping it. I'm usually going to replace the socket anyway. I can buy a whole box of assorted chisels for $20, many without handles, & pay $10 to ship the whole package. They're usually at least 80% losers but there's that rare gem in there somewhere. If you're not brand collecting, there's ALWAYS one in there that can be reshaped & rehandled (Just look at Mads' chisel alterations). I got a little dud mortise chisel with about an inch of blade left. I put a big, fat, mushroomed-shaped handle on it & it's now one of my favorite chisels. Your more likely to fashion a "special" chisel for a particular use in your shop if you paid $1 instead of $50 for it. I've now got a drawer full of "losers' that I can play with at zero risk.
 
#26 · (Edited by Moderator)
I bought a set of Irwin blue chip chisels as my first set or at least the first set of chisels that I've tried to do decent woodworking with. I didn't want to spend a lot on a nice set because a) I didn't know which of the reputable brands I should go for, and b) I had to learn to sharpen chisels and figured I'd be better learning on a cheap set than ruining a set of LNs.

I've used the Irwins on a few projects now. I don't have any mortise chisels yet, so I drilled out my mortises and cleaned them up with the Irwins. They are very roughly machined on the backs and took a lot of flattening (I don't have a grinder either). They hold an edge reasonably well as far as I can tell.

When I do buy a better set, it will either be the LNs or the Ashley Isles Mk 2s. There's a big hand tool event in the Sourth of England in a couple of weeks time and I'm hoping to get some hands on with both of them to see which I prefer. I will definitely be getting a set of the Ashley Isles pig stickers though.
 
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