old W Marples and Sons mortise chisel

[Clint Heidelberg]

Are the old Marples pigsticker style mortise chisels good? I know this has been covered before but I have been searching for the thread for over an hour and can't find it. I am asking because I have found a 5/16 W Marples and Sons mortise chisel and I think that would solve my chisel problem (refer to the thread I posted yesterday). Should I buy it? Thanks.

Clint

[Phillip Pattee]

The old Marples chisels are pretty good quality. I'd buy it.:)

[Mike Henderson]

Most old (say about pre 1890) cutting tools, like chisels and plane blades, are hit or miss, even with a good name. Marples was a good name so your chances of getting a good tool are better but the only way to know for sure is to use it and see how the edge holds up. George Wilson can give you some tales of old tools and how good they were.

You didn't say what they seller wants for it, but a pigsticker in decent condition, with a decent handle and not too much rust pitting, is probably worth $30-$40 (my guess).

Mike

[Brian Sullivan]

I have two, both are big and work very nicely.

[Clint Heidelberg]

Thanks guys. I am going to go ahead and buy it.

Clint

[george wilson]

I have a set of Marples paring chisels I bought new in the 60's that I am still using. they have been fine.