Help Choosing Mortise Chisels

[John Buzzurro]

I currently have only a set of bench chisels, and was thinking of adding a set of mortise chisels for mortise work. Any recommendations on which brands to choose from or stay away from? I don't mind spending money for a quality product.
john

[Mark Singer]

John,
Mortising with a chisel is physical and mass is required unless you are just cleaning up a hole made by another method...for chisel mortising in hardwoods...the Hirsch Chisels that lee Valley sells are quite good.

http://www.leevalley.com/images/item/woodworking/chisels/55j0506s1.jpg

[Joe Blankshain]

I agree with Mark. The Hirsch chisels are quality and retain an edge for a good long time (minus abuse).

[Pam Niedermayer]

These are my favorites: http://www.hidatool.com/woodpage/chisel/fmortise.html
These are also excellent: http://www.hidatool.com/woodpage/chisel/fmortise.html
As are Funahiro at Hida (not on their web site).

I also like the antique western style sash mortisers.

These types all share the characteristic of a slightly wider back than front and sharp arrises on the back, both of which make chopping mortises easier to chop and clear out.

Pam

[Dennis McDonaugh]

John, I don't have a whole set of mortise chisels and unless you just want to have them you probably won't use most of a set either. Furniture size mortises are usually less than 3/8" so a set of three, 3/8, 5/16 and 1/4 would provide enough different sizes to do most of the furniture sized work you'll come across.

I also like all my tools to be sized similarly so there are less steps to an operation. If you intend to make a frame and panel door for instance, you'll probably plow a 1/4" groove to accept the panel. A 1/4" mortise fits into that groove without any fiddling or extra fitting. A 1/4" Hirsch or Two Cherries chisel is 6mm which isn't exactly 1/4". That means extra work.

[Steve Kubien]

Hi John,

I have recently had an epiphany (sp) regarding mortise chisels...Go with the 'pig-sticker' style of older chisels. The blades are very deep back-to-front which means lots of meat behind each blow. They really are fun to use. Joel at Tools For Working Wood now offers this style of chisel from Ashley Isles. If I didn't have older models, this is definately where my money would be going. Check them out at...

http://www.toolsforworkingwood.com/Merchant/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=toolshop&Product_Code=MS-MORT.XX&Category_Code=TBMC

Regards,
Steve Kubien

[John Buzzurro]

Thanks to all for the useful info.

[Corvin Alstot]

Go with the 'pig-sticker' style of older chisels. The blades are very deep back-to-front which means lots of meat behind each blow. They really are fun to use.
You can find old style stuff on the big on-line auction site for less money if you like old tools. The Ray Isles chisels are very nice.

[Derek Cohen]

My current favourites are vintage Oval Boltered Mortice Chisels from the UK:

<div><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a262/Derek50/Chisels/OvalBolsteadMorticeChiselsWC.jpg" border="0" alt="" /> <br />

These have great authority and registration.

I also use a few vintage Japanese mortice chisels for more delicate mortices. Their shorter length and lighter weight are helpful in this regard.

Regards from Perth

Derek