Woodcraft chisel deal - opinions

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.

-- Half of what we read or hear about finishing is right. We just don’t know which half! — Bob Flexner

I just ordered me a set of those chisels. $32.00 from Atlanta, tax and shipping.

-- Bruce Free Plans https://traditionalwoodworking.org

Any comments on the quality?

Thanks,

—Bill

-- Traditional Woodworking & Carving classes at my shop in Coastal Maine: http://www.MaineCoastWorkshop.com

I can’t comment on that set specifically. However, like I said, I bought a set of WoodRiver butt chisels that I’m very pleased with.

-- Half of what we read or hear about finishing is right. We just don’t know which half! — Bob Flexner

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?

-- Think safe, be safe

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.

-- Half of what we read or hear about finishing is right. We just don’t know which half! — Bob Flexner

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

-- Traditional Woodworking & Carving classes at my shop in Coastal Maine: http://www.MaineCoastWorkshop.com

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

-- Half of what we read or hear about finishing is right. We just don’t know which half! — Bob Flexner

dont think ill buy them but now im interested in those butt chisels,that looks like a nice set.

-- working with my hands is a joy,it gives me a sense of fulfillment,somthing so many seek and so few find.-SAM MALOOF.

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.

-- Half of what we read or hear about finishing is right. We just don’t know which half! — Bob Flexner

That would be a good deal except …..
Amazon.com won’t ship that item to Canada
Amazon.ca doesn’t offer that item
We don’t have woodcraft stores in Canada and woodcraft online wants $62US to ship to me. Add that to the $31US and convert to $CDN = about $140 CDN

Nice that the backs are flat but I think I will pass

-- Peter

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!

-- Kenny, SW VA, Go Hokies!!!

For the price it does hurt for students to start with. Also helps with a learning opportunity for students to learn the types of chisel quality. and what to look for in a good chisel. I think they’d be great for students. plus they look nice.

Ooops, edit, For the price it doesn’t hurt for students to start with.

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 :-)

-- "Now I'm just another old guy wearing funny clothes"