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Woodcraft chisel deal - opinions

2K views 18 replies 10 participants last post by  bbrown 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
Are these bench chisels any good? I'm considering purchasing 10 sets for my upcoming classes in Camden, Maine. I've got top interntional carvers and makers coming in and am tooling up, but on a pretty tight budget this year. This seemed too good to turn up. I need enough for up to 10 students.
Opinions welcome……

Might need more frequent honing but that's not too big a deal if it's the only issue.

https://www.woodcraft.com/products/woodriver-utility-chisel-set-4-piece?via=573621f869702d06760016df%2C58051ef669702d7fa6002153

Next challenge: 10 beginner Phiel carving sets, 6 workbenches (volunteers are welcome to help me out!), 10 shaving horses, etc. I'm very happy to accept anybody's old hand tools if they are in decent shape.

Lots to do, whew…...

Thanks,

-Bill
 
#2 ·
I don't even need chisels, but for that price, I'm going to head over and get a set. I bought their 4-piece set of butt chisels on sale a few months ago and they are very nice. Took no time at all to flatten the backs.

I don't think you're going to find any better quality for that price.
 
#6 ·
Rich is this the set of butts you got? Note they are saying that they have " CRV steel blades hardened to RC59-63 with steel ferrules and nicely finished off with hardwood handles"

That 19.99 set they aren't saying squat. I wouldn't assume they are even close to the same quality. Here is the Amazon link to same, they have some info, reviews are decidedly mixed.

bbrown, you say International. I can't speak for everyone, but I'd rather have a nice bite to eat for lunch, than a set of questionable chisels. Thats just me?
 
#7 ·
Rich is this the set of butts you got? Note they are saying that they have " CRV steel blades hardened to RC59-63 with steel ferrules and nicely finished off with hardwood handles"

That 19.99 set they aren t saying squat. I wouldn t assume they are even close to the same quality. Here is the Amazon link to same, they have some info, reviews are decidedly mixed.

bbrown, you say International. I can t speak for everyone, but I d rather have a nice bite to eat for lunch, than a set of questionable chisels. Thats just me?

- therealSteveN
Sad. Great projects are built every day with lesser quality tools. But some folks wouldn't understand that. A real craftsman with a set of Buck Bros can run rings around a hack with a set of PM-V11s.

Talk is cheap.
 
#8 ·
Rich, thanks for your input and apologies I missed that you did indeed comment on the quality of these tools.

'TheRealSteve" - I plan to have Phiel carving tools - no compromise there! These chisels would just be beaters for students who probably will beat them a fair amount - frequent honing seems to be key with these (good practice).

-Bill

One complaint from reviewers is the handles are so damned slippery. That can be addressed by roughing up the poly handles for better grip.

For completeness, here's the details on these chisels from the Woodcraft site. Note that these are RC 59-63 hardness. How does that compares to expensive chisels?...…..

Details
Set of four includes 1/4", 1/2", 3/4" and 1". The bevel-edged WoodRiver® Chisels are designed to meet the needs of today's woodworker. These economically priced chisels feature handles that are contoured for ergonomic comfort and superior control. Constructed of 115CRV3 tool steel, the edges are heat treated to a hardness of 59-63 RC for exceptional sharpness and edge retention. Chisel handles are made of an impact resistant polypropylene to withstand heavy mallet blows. Overall lengths are 9-3/4"; blade lengths are 3-3/4". These tools are factory ground and require honing before use. Set includes 1/4", 1/2", 3/4" and 1" wide chisels.

Features:

• Ergonomic handle for comfort and control

• Tough as nails polypropylene handles

• Factory ground bevel-edge blades

• Each chisel is individually hardened and tempered
 
#9 · (Edited by Moderator)
Yes, those details about the type of steel and hardness are right there in the details section on the Woodcraft page. I'm surprised Steve failed to read and comprehend that before his post.

Since the sale goes to the end of the month, do you have enough time to buy one set to evaluate and then buy the rest if you like them?

My local Woodcraft is about a mile and a half from my house, which is both a blessing and a curse. Like I said I'm going to head over there this week and get a set just to have more knock-around chisels to use instead of my better ones for rough work. Do I need them? Nope…lol
 
#11 ·
dont think ill buy them but now im interested in those butt chisels,that looks like a nice set.

- pottz
They are nice, pottz. One way I assess chisel quality is how flat the backs are out of the box. These were very flat. They did need sharpening, but that's something I do anyway.

Keep an eye out for a sale. Mine were around $20 off when I got them.
 
#13 ·
I have no experience with the Wood River chisels but, like Rich, I think I'm gonna swing by and see if my local store has any in stock. Being of a known tool steel and hardness makes them worth a $20 gamble IMO :) Thanks for the heads up!
 
#16 ·
These chisels are for those who need a set of "bangers". Use them for rough work and you will be fine. They can be sharpened easily, but probably will not hold the edge very long. But then again, what do you expect for a 20 buck set of chisels? They can be used by your students after sharpening, and would be a great teaching tool for not a lot of money. It is one hell of a buy, but again, do not expect Heineken quality for Natty Light pricing :)
 
#17 ·
Good points WoodenDreams and Wodburn.

I just could not pass up these for the price - I bought a number of sets.
I have so much tooling up to do to get these classes started that I'm sort of forced, at this point, to count on sales like this. That said, I want to be careful not to buy any junk. The plan will be to slowly upgrade as the budget allows.
 
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