1/8" Narex Mortise Chisel

[Rich Purdum]

I noticed in a recent flyer that Lee Valley now has a 1/8" Narex mortise chisel offering. I snagged the set when they first came out and was wondering if I should add this to the collection. How frequently do folks here wind up chopping out a 1/8" mortise?

[Jessica Pierce-LaRose]

Well, I don't think it matters quite as much how much other folks here chop an 1/8" mortise, but how often *you* need to chop an 1/8" mortise! What kind of work do you do? I mean, for the majority of the work *I* do, the mortises are 1/4" or 5/8". Smaller mortise chisels could be real handy, however, if you'd like to make molding planes.

One thing about mortise chisels, you don't need to use them just for mortises! I find myself reaching for them more and more for general chopping tasks if they're the right size. Certainly, some of the other 1/8 and 3/16 chisels I have aren't the types I'm going to be whacking with a mallet; I wouldn't hesitate to hit the smaller size mortise chisel a little bit if need be.

Plus, if you're happy with the other Narex chisels, why not grab this while it's 10 bucks?

[Mike Henderson]

I don't think I've ever chopped a 1/8" mortise. Many regular 1/8" bench chisels are beefy - they're only 1/8" wide but quite deep - it's the only way they can make the chisel strong enough. For example, I have a couple of Swan 1/8" chisels and they're quite deep. I'd have to look at some of my other 1/8" chisels to see how they're made. If I had to chop a 1/8" mortise, I'd probably just use one of my Swan 1/8" chisels. Or I'd drill out the mortise and then use the bench chisel to clean it out.

Mike

[Jim Belair]

My 1/8 Two Cherries isn't much deeper than the larger sizes so I wouldn't be comfortable chopping a mortise with it. I did pick up one of the Narex even though I have no plans for it. For 10 bucks I couldn't pass it up and figure something's bound to come up where it would be useful.

Jim B

[Lawrence Richards]

I just ordered one too... but mostly because it would have bugged the heck out of me every time I picked up the set if I didn't-- I'm funny that way

Plus yeah... $10... and it gave me an excuse to buy the Iwasaki japanese files from Lee Valley.. "but honey, it just doesn't make sense to pay shipping for just one item"

Lawrence

[Derek Cohen]

Hi Rich

I use a 1/8" mortice chisel fairly regularly for attaching draw pulls I build (which use a M&T joint).

http://www.inthewoodshop.com/Furniture/TheEndFinisAbsolutelDone_html_54233f53.jpg

Regards from Perth

Derek

[Rich Purdum]

For 10 bucks I couldn't pass it up and figure something's bound to come up where it would be useful.



Jim, that's kinda where I was on the thing. I find if I wait until I need a tool it will cost me a lot more.


I just ordered one too... but mostly because it would have bugged the heck out of me every time I picked up the set if I didn't-- I'm funny that way



Lawrence

I was also in the same place as you regarding the set.

Since I haven't sprung for a tool this month I guess this one will break the ice. Now, what else can I talk myself into needing?:rolleyes:

Oh, and Derek, thanks for the drawer pull tip!

[lowell holmes]

Now I know why I needed mine when I ordered it. :)

I also bought the 1/2" chisel so the shipping cost would not be wasted.

[Brian Kent]

I broke my 1/8" 2 cherries bench chisel with not very much leverage. If you can get it, I would do it.

By the way, Craftsman Studio sent me a free replacement. One of the reasons I keep coming back to Craftsman Studio.

(I have the same affiliation with Craftsman Studio that I do with Lee Valley and Lie Nielsen and Grizzly. When I get money, I send it to them.)

[Jim Neeley]

Beautiful work, Derek.. and thanks for the M+T inspiration!