Bad set. I haven't found that problem on either of the sets I have.
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YMMV
Bad set. I haven't found that problem on either of the sets I have.
IMG_1944 (640x480).jpg
YMMV
When we're seeing here is the finest machining and QA that $7 can buy.
They're probably machining these chisels before heat treatment (like Narex) as doing so is much cheaper than post-machining, but leads to greater dimensional variation due to warping during heat-treating. They're probably also machining very rapidly and therefore hot to keep their tool utilization up, which leads to further variation when the tool cools. Some sets will be greatly impacted (as were Pat's) while others may be fairly straight (Steven's). That's OK, though, because they're probably not doing any QA, so they won't suffer any yield loss as a result. Your mileage will indeed vary.
I have no doubt that these chisels will be perfectly serviceable for everybody who bought them, but you have to be cognizant of what you are (and aren't) paying for. At less than $2 each they're cheap even compared to other pre-machined chisels (Narex etc) so you're getting a bargain regardless.
Last edited by Patrick Chase; 09-20-2017 at 6:01 PM.
The four from the one package are definitely warped - someone had commented earlier that they weren't warped - it was the grinding. They are concave on the back and convex on the front (bevel side). I can squeeze the two smaller ones together with my fingers and close up the gap between them so they aren't overly stiff. I am hopeful that they can be straightened up a wee bit though. Maybe have time Saturday to try that - if so I'll report back. Also will open the second package and check those 4 out.
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There's a warranty sheet in the package. Let's see what their customer service is like : ) I somehow doubt Mr. Lee is worrying......
If they're that far out then it's more likely the fact that grinding was done before hardening/tempering than the grinding itself.
It's sort of a package deal, though, as the reason to grind before HT is because it saves a lot of machine time and money. Grinding in the annealed state is faster both because the metal is softer and because you don't have to worry about detempering, so you can run really hot, though that creates even *more* deformation. It's a vicious cycle :-).
Last edited by Patrick Chase; 09-20-2017 at 10:34 PM.
They're $1.75 chisels!
It is not like these are $80 a piece chisels.....
I have been using the first set AS paring chisels....the 8mm for the few mortises that are that size. I can trim tenons simply by "driving" the chisel with my chin, while watching as I go. Peels end grain shoulders quite nicely that way.
Unlike Sellers, I use a flat bevel on mine. His is a more rounded shape....
IF someone want "perfect" chisels right out of the package....sorry, but that kind of chisel does not come in a blister pack. They are what they are....just decent, work-a-day bench chisels. Don't like the handles??? Make yours to suit YOU. These seem to fit my hands just fine. Would love to see Mr. Lee come out with a set at this price point.....doubt if he can...
Only in your mind, my young padewan, only in your mind...
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The force is strong, with this one....
Last edited by steven c newman; 09-21-2017 at 8:40 PM.
Just bought the last set at the local store (far NW Chicagoland) and hope for the best. $7.53 for package of four.
Must be one whale of a sales tax up that way.....
Was beginning to wonder if anyone has used these chisels yet....
Last edited by Patrick Chase; 09-26-2017 at 7:54 PM.