That Strange chisel? New life for it?

[steven c newman]

Got an old chisel, just the blade and the ferrel. Decided it needed a handle. Couldn't get the lathe out from all the junk sitting on it. So, looking around for something to use as a handle. Found a cheap old parting tool. Don't even use the thing. Got the blade out of the handle, and stashed it away ( Maybe a future marking knife??) Got to loking at the wood left. Seemed a bit bass ackwards. Decided to leave it's ferrel in place as the top of the "NEW" handle. No lathe, no problemski. Fired up the grinder, and ground a rough profile to match the new ferrel. got close, the smoothed it down with the belt sander. Don't have a spokeshave.

Once it looked like things would go together, I clamped the blade in the vise, loade up the other two parts onto it, and drove them "home". Then, since I had something to hand onto, I sharpened the 1" wide chisel up.

Yeah yeah, Pictures, right? Here goes266593266594266595Bevel side, back side, and the edge. Giving an old chisel new life??

[Eddie Darby]

Nice going.
Some of my favourite tools are modified and have a personal touch, which makes them a joy to use.

[steven c newman]

And, now I have a parting tool's business end, sans handle. Maybe grind it into a marking knife?? Maybe flatten one side, and grind an edge on the other side. One knife edge, or two??? Would it need a handle??

[george wilson]

Richard,that cheap chisel is going to have cheap,minimal carbon content in it. As I mentioned,I used those flat,punched out blade chisels as a teenager when I had NO money to buy better tools. I doubt it will stay sharp for long at all. You'd be better using your energy refurbishing better chisels.

[steven c newman]

IF any arrive, that is. The Cosair one MIGHT be the cheapo Tool Steel one. The one from "The Cleveland File Co. " might be just a tad better. Not much in the way of chisels worth the effort around this area...

[george wilson]

Unless a chisel that old has a proper bolster,or a socket,it is going to be bottom tier. The old stamped chisel I had was also only about 1/8" thick,and certainly would not have stood much force without bending.

[steven c newman]

Well, I guess at $3 for two chisels, one can not expect L-N results, eh? Tried a few times, just to see IF they would bend a bit.........nothing happened. These are both Paring Chisels, and just a hand to "drive" them is all that is needed. I can use either of these "cheap" chisels to work on tenons and such. So far, edges have stayed very sharp. Seems to work in the stuff I do in my shop, anyway....

And, for a lousy $3 for the pair. Time that was "wasted"? Maybe an hour. Whoppee!

[steven c newman]

Neither the Corsair chisel, nor the Cleveland File Co. chisel were build for heavy duty work, these are NOT for anything but slicing a sliver of wood off a tenon. Since they are quite thin, but the sides are beveled, they can get into places George's "fat & thick" chisels just can not go. Maybe light taps with a wooden Mallet will be about all the force these need to do their work. Have tried them out on some Beech, and some Oak. Still quite sharp, nothing wrong with either edge.


Not sure what one is doing to bend a chisel? Hate to see what that person could do to a crank-neck chisel.... Maybe they use a chisel for Demo work, or removing stuck concrete forms with a chisel? I think I am a little more precise when using a chisel, and do not need to wrench one around like a crow bar.

[george wilson]

I think you must know I am a little more skilled than that!:)

If you are happy with them,that is all that matters to you. To me,it's just another been there,done that.

[steven c newman]

Quite happy to finally get a couple good paring style chisels. As for the "stable" I have to work with?266663 Afraid all I can do is keep on, keeping on....

[george wilson]

Stephen,I bow to to your superior woodworking experience.Please forgive me . I have tried to relate my experiences to you and have been ridiculed for my efforts. Thank you. I will not attempt further contact with you.

[steven c newman]

Ok, ok, have it your way....

Came from a family of carpenters, with several Uncles building their own homes. Being working with wood since "middle' school, back in the 60s....


Tool budget for me is about....$10 every two weeks. mainly yard sales, maybe some ebay. Lumber comes in whenever I find some, even if it is a barn that fell down. Just the way my "Hobby" works. Besides all the other bills to be paid each month, there just isn't much left for expensive toys... Besides, is it the price of a tool that counts, or the skill being used to wield a tool? "Can't do any good work without Brand X Tools" sort of baloney? I merely learned how to use what I had...266667Just some old Barn wood...

[george wilson]

It is not necessary for you to ridicule me because you do not understand what I am trying to tell you,Stephen. I don't know about those Stanley butt length chisels,but if you look at most all chisels,you will see that where the chisel narrows down at the handle,it is thicker. At the cutting edge,they are thinner. It is thicker because it reinforces the weak,thin area at the handle. That is where those cheap,stamped chisels can bend. I didn't say you couldn't do good work with them. I did good work with mine when my budget was non existent unless I could find a lawn to mow for a dollar.
However,they are still cheap,bottom tier chisels. If you like them,have at it. But,please do not make exaggerated and untrue stories up about how I abuse my tools. You know it just isn't true. Have a good night,then.

In museums I have seen 15th. Century work that was consistently better than 17th. C. work. They had better tools in the 17th. C. They didn't have better workmen,apparently. I carved that rose with a jeweler's saw and a plain bench knife.

[Chris Griggs]

Came from a family of carpenters, with several Uncles building their own homes. Being working with wood since "middle' school, back in the 60s....


Came from a family of Catholics, with a grandfather who was a very devout convert. Started Catholic schooling at 5 years old, back in the late 80s...

Guess that automatically makes me a good Catholic;)

-----
I'm just being goofy Steven.

Though, in seriousness, no where did George tell you that you needed to go buy LN chisels or spend more money on anything nor did he say you couldn't do good work with the chisel you show.

He simply said "You'd be better using your energy refurbishing better chisels." Pretty sure his point was that you if you were so inclined you could find old chisels of higher quality to refurb without spending any (or very little) additional money. Good vintage chisels for under $10 can be plentiful if you keep you eyes open.

My inclination, when someone (especially someone like George, but really anyone) offers that type of feedback would be to ask questions first, reflect on and evaluate that advice, and then later decide for myself whether or not I wanted to take that advice.
BTW, he also said "If you are happy with them,that is all that matters to you."

I'm not sure why someone would post something to an open forum if they didn't want feedback. Personally, I'm grateful when someone gives me that type of feedback, especially when it is someone with as much knowledge as George, but again really from anyone. Good advice can come from any number of sources. Of course, engaging in discourse about why one did/didn't/will/won't choose that route can be very educational but even in those cases where I flat out disagree with the feedback and I am still greatful for it and try to take what I can from it.

George was obviously trying to help and give constructive feedback, I be inclined to thank him for that as opposed to imply that he doesn't know what he is doing.

(FYI: I realize that perhaps you were just being humorous. Hard to tell in writing sometimes. If that's the case, please ignore all I said above. I do, however, recommend the use of the winking smiley-con to denote facetiousness ;))

[steven c newman]

So, how would YOU feel, after working half a day on a tool to make like new, only to be told that you are just wasting your time? That the Vintage tool that needs just a little tuning to make it like new is just cheap junk?


Might even say the same things about the 60+ year old Millers Falls planes I have been restoring to like new?


All I did was give an old neglected chisel a new lease on life. I won't be giving a "Bendability" test just to see IF it will bend. Edge is mirror bright and very sharp, and the back is polished to the same mirror like shine, like all the edges in my shop.


Am I a Pro? I was for a few years, since I worked as a Carpenter, doing factory, and school builds. Nowadays, things I make are for around MY house. With the tools and supplies as I can afford. Payment is in the looks from the Family when a new item is made for them, or the house. that lap desk was for a grandson, and he loved it. that is what pays me......

[David Weaver]

Steven, advice was offered in earnest. We've all wasted time on tools that weren't deserving of it, but george is right. As far as how we'd feel, I guess it's never nice to find out you've wasted your time, but improvement comes in increments and this is a chance for it. Otherwise, repetition without improvement doesn't yield much.

I think a lot of people are confused by your posts, they are posted ending with a question as if you are seeking feedback, but it's clear you're not by your responses when suggestions are offered. It's fine if you're satisfied with your tool kit, but you should be more clear in your posts that you don't want any help if that's the case.

[Charlie Stanford]

So, how would YOU feel, after working half a day on a tool to make like new, only to be told that you are just wasting your time? That the Vintage tool that needs just a little tuning to make it like new is just cheap junk?


Might even say the same things about the 60+ year old Millers Falls planes I have been restoring to like new?


All I did was give an old neglected chisel a new lease on life. I won't be giving a "Bendability" test just to see IF it will bend. Edge is mirror bright and very sharp, and the back is polished to the same mirror like shine, like all the edges in my shop.


Am I a Pro? I was for a few years, since I worked as a Carpenter, doing factory, and school builds. Nowadays, things I make are for around MY house. With the tools and supplies as I can afford. Payment is in the looks from the Family when a new item is made for them, or the house. that lap desk was for a grandson, and he loved it. that is what pays me......

If it pares the woods you like to use to a reasonably decent standard then more power to you. I worked at a millwork shop for a little while. There was a foreman there who had this cheap-azz wide open mouth no-name block plane that most people would not be caught dead with. He could practically produce sculpture with that little jewel. Out of the apron it would come and you just marveled at what he could do with it. I doubt it cost four bucks. He laid out and cut a full set of rods for a three story spiral staircase for FedEx international headquarters in half a day and did the laminated handrailing in less than two weeks with only a little milling help from the rest of us monkeys. Practically every tool in his box looked like a piece of excrement. I never saw the guy with a pencil in hand longer than three inches. There is more than one way to skin a cat.

[Chris Griggs]

So, how would YOU feel, after working half a day on a tool to make like new, only to be told that you are just wasting your time? That the Vintage tool that needs just a little tuning to make it like new is just cheap junk?



I would feel just fine if it was constructive feedback, which it was.

Feel free search any of my threads (http://www.sawmillcreek.org/search.php?searchid=1081025) (and this goes to anyone) where I have posted my work (that I have put many hours of work into) and make any criticisms you wish. Seriously, I would have no issue with it. Actually, I would welcome it.

You know what Georges response to me was when I showed him my first saw handle I made that I worked on for a couple of weeks to get right? He said and I quote "you did a nice job on the shaping but I would not have used wood that had so many flaws in it". This was echoed by another professional saw maker as well. It was valuable feedback, and I was grateful for it even though it was difficult to accept at first.

I did happen to take the advice on future saw builds, and actually plan to remake that handle but whether or not I followed the feedback is irrelevant. The point is I accepted it. It's constructive, and you are free to use it or not use it. I just don't think its productive to act like its a personal attack, nor to extrapolate negative meaning beyond what was actually said.

Anyway, I'm not telling you not to use and enjoy that chisel. You ABSOLUTELY should be proud of and enjoy your tools and the work you produce for your home and family;for me being proud of something I've done or have, and being open to criticism of it are not mutually exclusive.

For the record, I sincerely think it is really cool what you are able to do with the tools that come to you in such rough shape. Seriously man, it's inspiring. I just think if one is going to post their work to public forum they need to be open to criticism, and that is the only point I was trying to make with my post.

[george wilson]

Well, I guess at $3 for two chisels, one can not expect L-N results, eh? Tried a few times, just to see IF they would bend a bit.........nothing happened. These are both Paring Chisels, and just a hand to "drive" them is all that is needed. I can use either of these "cheap" chisels to work on tenons and such. So far, edges have stayed very sharp. Seems to work in the stuff I do in my shop, anyway....

And, for a lousy $3 for the pair. Time that was "wasted"? Maybe an hour. Whoppee!

Now,Stephen,your time invested in the chisels has gone from an hour to half a day?

Since I actually used those same kind of chisels when I was young,I was just giving you some insight. It isn't a big deal.

[steven c newman]

Part of the time was cleaning the rust off,, part of the time was spent in sharpening the edge, and maybe an hour or so of handle work. This was spread out over the course of a few days. Never did find out much about 'The Cleveland File Co." and what kind of chisel they made, and when. The Corsair was a whopping $1. the other was $2. Might have some work for the C.F. Co. chisel.

Some of the time was spent on both of the chisels, and I had a Millers Falls 900 to bring back to like new. 266675from this rusty old thing, to266676this decent handplane. I suppose that this was a waste of $10?














i

[steven c newman]

i guess the two questions I have are:

does the new handle look alright?


who, or what was The Cleveland File Co.? Did they even make chisels?



Other than that, I will just move along to something else, somewhere else...

[Chris Griggs]

i guess the two questions I have are:

does the new handle look alright?


who, or what was The Cleveland File Co.? Did they even make chisels?



Other than that, I will just move along to something else, somewhere else...

I think both the handle and the rehab in general look very nice. Well fitting and cleanly done. I also like the metal cap you added. Nice work indeed.

The only thing I would have considered doing different if you are so inclined is to make the handle longer. Since you are using it for delicate paring you may find a longer handle gives you more control. Of course, that's pretty subjective so if you like how it handles as is than absolutely keep it as is.

[David Weaver]

Honest opinion, the MF is iffy at $10 as the 900 is a second-line plane and someone knowing precisely how to use a double iron could coax good from it, but it is substandard to the MF 9, which is also available for about $10 if you look around, and often $20 in primo condition if you avoid folks who think MF 9s and 14s should sell for the same price as stanley baileys.

Not that you can't get $10 of work out of a 900, but given the choice, I'd spend $10 on a #9 instead, it's more in line with the top line plane quality and the fit and finish and handle materials and shape will be nicer, as should the adjuster wheel etc.

Google turns up nothing for the cleveland file co, but you'd have to figure that anyone who made files could easily make chisels.It is strange that they made a chisel stamped out in that shape, though, and didn't put a proper bolster on it, which might explain why they were never more popular.

[steven c newman]

How about a #8. and a #9?266678 I am keeping these two! as for the three M-F #9 sized planes that are not a #9266679 all three are for sale....
























39

[Chris Griggs]

How about a #8. and a #9?266678




That's a lovely pair of planes. I really do like the old MF first-line planes and awful lot. I have a beautiful 14 that's been sitting around in my shop for a good year now, that I still haven't gotten around to putting back to work. I need to get on that.

[David Weaver]

The 8 and 9 are top notch bench planes, functionally as good as anything I've used.

[steven c newman]

"New chisels" along with the rest of the wide body stable. The big one is a Vancamp 1-1/2" framer. the shortest one ia by Fuller, and is 1-1/4" wide. Just a collection of users267050267051That strange looking handle MIGHT get a re-do. Someone had ground down to remove splits....