What's the best chisel-set for $100+? [Archive] - Sawmill Creek Woodworking Community

Chris Allen

04-21-2008, 6:52 PM

Dewey Torres

04-21-2008, 7:04 PM

Good quality steel, made in england. They hold a good edge and will do 90 percent of your woodworking tasks. PLUS... they won't break the bank. You may find the need to add a 1/8th as your first upgrade to this set. Below is link form woodcraft but you may find them cheaper elsewhere:

Scroll down to the bottom for the 4 pc set. for $80

http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?FamilyID=1833

Dewey

David Tiell

04-21-2008, 7:12 PM

Chris,
I really haven't heard anything bad about the Two Cherries chisels. Most opinions I have seen on them have been good. From another angle, I know you said $140 max. But if you can swing a bit more, I would consider starting with 3 of the Lie-Nielsen chisels at $50 each, and add more as you get the money later on. Top quality that you will never be disappointed with. My preference would be 1/4", 1/2", and 3/4" to start, with 1/8" and 1" being the next I would add. Other would tell you to go with 1/2, 3/4, and 1". It all depends on what you plan on doing with them. But th LNs arent the only good chisels out there, so get a number of opinions and go from there.

Dave

Mike Davi

04-21-2008, 7:16 PM

I recently purchased a set of Ashley Isles, which I really like. I've had no problems with them so far. I bought the set of 6 Bench Chisels. The also come with shorter handles.

I purchased them from The Craftsman Gallery, who seemed to have the best price, at the time.

http://www.thecraftsmangallery.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?page=W/CTGY/HT

Tools For Woodworking also sells them.

Vijay Kumar

04-21-2008, 7:34 PM

I know "best" is subjective, but I'd like some opinions.

I want to buy my first set of decent chisels. I need to keep it around $100, maybe $140 max. A peek into my kitchen will reveal that I enjoy fine cutlery; on the other hand, I can't spend a fortune. I need the perfect compromise.

Should I buy 3 chisels to start? Do I need more?....5 maybe? Any recommendations as far which sizes to get?

I like wood handles, not poly.

Any opinions on Two Cherries?

Thanks for any input.

Chris

Two Cherries are good chisels. If you can find the unpolished version of the 2 Cherries you will have less flattening to do as the act of polishing them unflattens the back.

Ashley Isles are also very good chisels made in the traditional English style. they are generally flatter than the average chisel so less work on your part to flatten the backs. If you are willing to spend about $ 140 you can get the whole set from 1/8 to 1 inch, I would get the narrow set as I find the smaller sizes of 1/8, 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 more useful. Plus a 1 inch size for paring.

Make sure you allow for sharpening in your budget.

Vijay

Mike Henderson

04-21-2008, 7:45 PM

For Christmas, a woodworking friend gave me a 5/8" Witherby chisel - no handle but I made a handle for it easliy. I was impressed with the chisel and bought a complete set (over time) from 1/8" to 1" through eBay.

If you're not in a hurry, I would recommend buying some older name brand chisels. They're plain carbon steel but work well. And you can spread the expense out over time. Pick the sizes you need first and bid on those, and then expand your set over time.

I'd recommend Witherby and DR Barton. Swan is very good but much more expensive - not that much better but desired by collectors and that pushes the price up. There's a lot of Witherby chisels out there so the prices are reasonable. And it's nice to work with a piece of history.

Mike

[I have a set of LN, also. I won't say that the LN's are better, or the Witherby's are better. They're both good and a bit different in use - but both work very well.]

Vijay Kumar

04-21-2008, 7:53 PM

For Christmas, a woodworking friend gave me a 5/8" Witherby chisel - no handle but I made a handle for it easliy. I was impressed with the chisel and bought a complete set (over time) from 1/8" to 1" through eBay.

If you're not in a hurry, I would recommend buying some older name brand chisels. They're plain carbon steel but work well. And you can spread the expense out over time. Pick the sizes you need first and bid on those, and then expand your set over time.

I'd recommend Witherby and DR Barton. Swan is very good but much more expensive - not that much better but desired by collectors and that pushes the price up. There's a lot of Witherby chisels out there so the prices are reasonable. And it's nice to work with a piece of history.

Mike
Mike,

This is an excellent recommendation. I was going to say that, but then I thought the O.P wanted to buy something new, hence my comments. I too would recommend a Witherby, Swan or a Giilespie. But these may be harder to find unless you live in New England or mid-Atlantic and can frequent the flea markets or search the big auction site.

Vijay

Jim Koepke

04-21-2008, 9:05 PM

Witherby are good chisels as are many of the others.
Most of my chisels are Witherby and Buck Brothers. There are a few Swan and Barton along with many others.

It is amazing how inexpensive one can get some good old steel.

jim

John Powers

04-22-2008, 9:54 AM

Jim Koepke

04-22-2008, 10:12 AM

You'll go nuts on Ebay and inevitably score some winners and clinkers with pitted backs. Do youself a favor. If you want/need them now just buy a set recommended then you can browse the garage sales for the treasures. Blow the whole $140.00. Wish I'd gotten that advise. For the long flawless Swan I got for $20.00 I have three that are only good for opening paint cans.

With all of this good advice, you have to take into account that it is all based on the opinions of those who are giving it.

One can get some nice new chisels for $140.

One can also get some real clinkers if they do not focus on what they want to acquire when shopping the new or used market.

On eBay, others are looking for good users from their screens and will likely see the same ones you are looking at. Sellers will often have no idea what a pit is and will just parrot what other sellers say about similar items listed. I have bought many chisels on eBay and have only felt burned once or twice. Ask questions and for more pictures if needed. With a powered sharpening system, a bunch of chisels can be worked on pretty quickly.

If you go the used route, you will often spend time bringing a chisel into useable shape. I have heard the same lament from people who bought new chisels and had to flatten the backs on their purchase.

No matter what you do, you will have to sharpen your chisels at some time. May as well learn to do it now.

jim

My mind is like a steel trap - rusty and illegal in 37 states.

John Dykes

04-22-2008, 10:20 AM

Many folks who have more talent than I like the Two Cherries and Hirsch...

After much toil and research, I went with Hirsch. The polished backs were a complete nightmare; and I will never purchase, use, nor recommend, Hirsch or Two Cherries chisels.

After my struggles, I found that David Charlesworth, and Chris Schwartz are also against these "German" polished back chisels.

For that money, I'd take a very, very close look at Ashley Iles. You can get a set of 6 for < $140.

Good luck.

- jbd in Denver

Jim Koepke

04-22-2008, 11:03 AM

Read this and search for other threads here:

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=13734

jim

Jim Becker

04-22-2008, 11:44 AM

I went with the Ashly Iles 6 pc from ToolsForWorkingWood.com after spending some time in their NYC showroom handling the handles, so to speak. They felt most comfortable to me of the several different brands I tried out. I went with the longer handled version. The steel is excellent and I've enjoyed using them more and more in my projects.

Steven McLoon

04-22-2008, 2:06 PM

Chris- I am relatively new to woodworking and purchased my first set of chisels last year. I was about to get the Two Cherries when I came across MGH sold by Hartville (http://www.hartvilletool.com/product/11737); they currently have the set of 6 on sale for under $100. I was able to compare them to most other major brands at woodworking school last summer, and they compared quite favorably. The backs were relatively flat, they sharpened easily enough, and they hold an edge well. They seemed identical to Two Cherry and Pfile, better than Crown, and maybe not as good as LN. LN were harder to sharpen but hold an edge better. However, I like the profile of the MGH/Two Cherry better. I have since added a number of chisels from several companies, but still use my MGH for most things. If you go with MGH and have dollars leftover, you might add an 1/8", a couple of small skew chisels, and good mortise chisels. My mortise chisels are wonderful. They are the pig stickers, which I think are by Ray Isles. Try to avoid polished chisels unless you have a lot of time to tune them. Good luck.
-Steve

Greg Muller

04-22-2008, 3:44 PM

Chris,
I have some used TC's, and 2 AI's for my 'accurate' work. Like Steven, I bought a set of MHG's and I intended to use them for the rougher work, but when they were delivered, I was actually surprised. They are very flat-backed and, so far, have held up pretty well. I did need to get past the initial edge since I found that it seemed a bit soft, but after about an hour at the Tormek and 6k and 8k waterstones, I think I like them even more.

If I had to rank them on a 1-10 scale, I'd give the AI's an 8, the TC's a 7, and the MHG's a 6 1/2.
For the money, they are pretty nice.

Greg

Barry Beech

04-22-2008, 3:52 PM

I first bought the blue handle Marples chisels from Lowes and was realitively pleased with them. A little soft but good for the price.

Last year I bought the Two Cherries set. I have not experience the problems that other have (rounded back) I didn't have to do much at all to flatten the back of them and they take and hold a very very sharp edge that have been very durable for me.

I also hear very good things about the Ashley Isles but don't have any experience with them.

Jerome Hanby

04-22-2008, 3:58 PM

Wow those MGHs are on sale for $79.99! I've read suggestions to avoid the polished version of the Two Cherries chisels because it adds alot of work to flattening them, is this a problem with MGH also? i ask because the item description describes them as polished...

Chris- I am relatively new to woodworking and purchased my first set of chisels last year. I was about to get the Two Cherries when I came across MGH sold by Hartville (http://www.hartvilletool.com/product/11737); they currently have the set of 6 on sale for under $100. I was able to compare them to most other major brands at woodworking school last summer, and they compared quite favorably. The backs were relatively flat, they sharpened easily enough, and they hold an edge well. They seemed identical to Two Cherry and Pfile, better than Crown, and maybe not as good as LN. LN were harder to sharpen but hold an edge better. However, I like the profile of the MGH/Two Cherry better. -Steve

Doug Littlejohn

04-22-2008, 4:06 PM

Like Jim, I too went with a 6 piece set from Joel at TFWW. I have Marples Blue Chips (older set) Nootendaghects (sp??) and a bunch ofolder (read good steel) odds-n-ends (bucks, witherby's, etc) but the AI's are just a joy to hold and use, I look forward to every time I get to !!

Vijay Kumar

04-22-2008, 5:10 PM

Phillip Pattee

04-22-2008, 10:39 PM

As I understand it, different factories make Two Cherries, Hirsch, and MHG. That said, however, the standards for quality control, manufacturing process and quality of steel in Germany are so stringent that the differences between these makers is IMHO only cosmetic. I have a set of the metric MHG and I like them. I have a set of 4 Ashley Iles chisels 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, and 1" in the small handles and I like them better. I will probably add a 3/8" so that I have a bench chisel that matches each of my mortise chisels. I bought my Ashley Ilses at the same place Mike did and I also got the skew chisels which have the large handles. For me, the small handle Ashley Iles are the most comfortable. I think The Best Things has the best price right now on Ashley Iles and you could get a set of 6 for right in your price range. :)

Chris Allen

04-22-2008, 11:23 PM

I can't thank you guys enough for all the great info here. All the replies and opinions have steered me in the right direction.

After some reading and researching, I've narrowed it down to these two options:
1. The historic route. I really like the idea of using a 100+ year old tool. Especially if I won't be sacrificing any quality. I saw a few Witherbys on eBay, and they seem very appealing.
2.) Iles. If I decide to buy new, this is what I'll get. From the looks of it: high quality without all the bells and whistles.

I'm leaning towards number 1 right now, this morning I thought I'd go with number 2. We'll see how I feel tomorrow :D

I'll update this post when I make my decision. Thanks again.

Robert Rozaieski

04-23-2008, 7:27 AM

2.) Iles. If I decide to buy new, this is what I'll get. From the looks of it: high quality without all the bells and whistles.

Oh you can get the Isles with bells and whistles too for a little more $ ;) .

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2007/2407896896_a5560f47dc.jpg?v=0

I got my Isles set of 11 for less than a set of 5 LN with the leather roll. They cost a little more now but still worth it in my opinion. Steel is the same as the standard Isles bench chisels, just a different handle.

Jerome Hanby

04-23-2008, 8:11 AM

I was thinking that exact thought, but saw the link to those MGH chisels and the price on them. Funny thing, when I surf for that Two Cherries unpolished set (seems to be referred to as "special"), it's more expensive than the polished set! I wonder if everyone has been following this advise and the price has adjusted accordingly?

I do not have personal experience with these, but my take is that the act of polishing introduces the dubbing and the unflat condition, since it is done using floppy wheels (or soft media).

And since it is purely cosmetic, why not buy the unpolished chisels which are more flat (at least in the case of 2 Cherries which is the same factory that makes Hirsch and possibly the MHG)

Vijay

Danny Thompson

04-23-2008, 9:46 AM

Another vote for 2-3 Lie Nielsen's. I have the 1/4", 1/2", and 1". Another good option is 1/8", 3/8", and 3/4", or really any mix depending on the type of work you do.

Jim Koepke

04-23-2008, 10:24 AM

I like the Isles and a few other modern makers.

My wife does not like the idea of me spending that much money for chisels.

I showed here a sale ad on the LNs one time. She said, "buy the ones on eBay, they cost less."

She has since never questioned my buying old chisels.

As a tool, the Ashley Isles, Lee Valley and Lie-Nielsen work best for me as a picture with a price tag. Show them to the wife and she will let me buy just about anything else I may want.

jim

John Dykes

04-23-2008, 10:36 AM

I think you're on the right track.

Heck, try a few oldies first - there is a wealth of information here about that process. Search and read Bob Smalser as gospel. If you aren't satisfied, grab the AI's.

Envy you your journey...
- jbd

Hank Knight

04-23-2008, 1:35 PM

Chris, do you have a lathe? Or do you know someone who will turn handles for you? If so and if you decide to go the old iron eBay route, look for unhandled chisels. Your $$ will go much farther buying unhandled chisels, and making your own custom handles is lots of fun. Recently a bunch of unused, old stock, unhandled Swans sold on eBay for 1/2 what you'd expect to pay for beat up ones with handles.

Bill Geyer

04-23-2008, 8:49 PM

This is a favorite subject of mine and one for which I get a good bit of ribbing.
My workbench cabinet has a remarkable number of chisels stored in it.
Many years ago I was satisfied with a set of Stanley yellow plastic-handled chisels (carpenter's chisels) and I kept them well sharpened and handy. then along came a full set of Marples blue chips which were likewise razor sharp, but proved to be too brittle. So I went looking for better. The Hirsch set was next and I spent an inordinate amount of time flattening and sharpening them, but could never get used to the shape of the blades (cross section) and handles. (And I never really liked them). Some fine old Marples mortise chisels are in the drawers as well.
I bought some beautiful dovetail chisels from the Japan Woodworker and found them to be a delight (but not for everyday use). The next step was a great old set (9) of Stanley 750's. Flattened and sharpened, they are wonderful in the hand.
But ...along came a set of 10 of the Lie-Nielsen chisels a few years ago. I can honestly say that the others are just gathering dust now. I like everything about them. the balance, the feel , the way they hold an edge, the shape...
My wife, and others, ask me if I'd just want to sell off the other sets of chisels...
But then I wouldn't have as many tools....

Good luck on your decision, but if you can, see how they feel in YOUR hands - that's what really matters.

Peter Quadarella

04-23-2008, 9:51 PM

I have these somewhat cheap chisels by a company called Footprint: http://www.amazon.com/Footprint-123014-4-Piece-Handle-Chisel/dp/B00020JNXS/ref=pd_bbs_sr_4?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1209005575&sr=8-4

They seem to work fine. I'm actually curious if anyone else has impressions of them because these are the only chisels I've ever had, and I wonder sometimes if I'm missing out on something.

Johnny Kleso

04-26-2008, 8:10 PM

The Two Cherries issue that David Charlesworth talks about in his book is not the backs but the corners of the sides are not square but rounded over slightly from polishing..

So you can use the to get a perfectly square corner paring, I measured mine and they have a .010 radius thats less that 1/64"

Myself I have a few old chisels that I ground a 15 degree angle on for dovetail and corner work..

Jacob Reverb

04-29-2008, 7:37 AM

I'm not sure I understand the complaint about the polished Two Cherries chisels not having "flat backs."

When you say "the back is not flat," are you referring to the side of the chisel that has the bevel ground in it, and if so, what difference does it make if that surface is not flat? Not trying to be argumentative here, just trying to understand the complaint, because I like what I see of those chisels.

If you're referring to the other side of the chisel -- the side opposite the side that has the bevel -- not being flat, I can see that being a legitimate complaint, but I also have trouble understanding how/why they would grind and/or polish to the point that it was no longer flat. Seems like that would take an awful lot of buffing...

Can anyone clear this up for me? Thanks,

Jacob.

Matt Wilson

04-29-2008, 9:41 AM

I'm not sure I understand the complaint about the polished Two Cherries chisels not having "flat backs."
If you're referring to the other side of the chisel -- the side opposite the side that has the bevel -- not being flat, I can see that being a legitimate complaint, but I also have trouble understanding how/why they would grind and/or polish to the point that it was no longer flat. Seems like that would take an awful lot of buffing...

Its the side that doesn't have the bevel. Their polishing method rounds the back of the chisel. Its gives you a "nice" convex back. Makes it pretty difficult to pare/chop to a line.

Why do they do this? No idea for sure, I've heard it said that the German manufacturer thinks the N.A. markets wants it...

All I know is that it took me hours to get mine sorted out. Nice chisels after that, but I'm not sure I'll do it again...

Jacob Reverb

04-29-2008, 9:58 AM

OK, I gotcha. Thanks, Matt.

John Dykes

04-29-2008, 10:34 AM

Nice chisels after that, but I'm not sure I'll do it again...

Aye. Very much in agreement with that sentiment...

- jbd

John Thompson

04-29-2008, 12:06 PM

I have a set of 1974 Marples for chopping DT's and a set of Ashley Isle's for general work on the bench. I also have a set of 1969 Craftsman and they sometimes get the call for chopping mortices as I steepened the angle for rough stuff in general.

I recently picked up a set of Ashley Isle's R-L skews that have a 7* angle to clean DT's. I would normally just make my own.. but found the set for around $36 on the inter-net at some tool dealer. That's as cheap as I can buy the individuals to make my own and I prefer a less than 25*-35* (which seems to be the norm) angle on the skews.

The Isles have excellent steel ....

Sarge..

Peter Quadarella

04-29-2008, 8:19 PM

OK, I have to ask - are there any comparable (decent) Japanese chisel sets in this price range or are the good ones all way beyond this price range?

Mike Henderson

04-29-2008, 9:08 PM

OK, I have to ask - are there any comparable (decent) Japanese chisel sets in this price range or are the good ones all way beyond this price range?
Grizzly has a set for about $100. Or they used to - I haven't looked recently.

Mike

Johnny Kleso

04-30-2008, 12:43 AM

Some said buy used Weitherbys..
They are great but getting very pricey..

I have a full set plus some and only god knows what I spent to make the 12+ set but since I did prices now are $25 each for small chisels..

Get you self a set of Two Cherries, that was my first real set.. I think they are great, polished or not..

LV had the Hirsch brand made under the same roof as 2C for $89 for a set of six but those days are gone and I think they are over $100+ now :(

I have seen and use AIs and like my 2Cs better...

PS: its not the cost of Weitherbys but shipping changes one or two chisels at a time that will make you wish you just bought a good set and saved some money and elbow grease..

PPS: My Two Cherries all 10-12 of them have flat backs, anyone here have Two Cherries in there shop with warped or not flat backs???

Why people complain is the corners of the sides of the back have a slight raidus from the mirror polish they put of front and back... Some say you cant pare to the corner, I say I'll get it with bevel or a I'm woodworking not doing aerospace work.. .010 raidus doesnt bother me...

Mike Henderson

04-30-2008, 1:02 AM

Mike said you buy used Weitherbys..
They are great but getting very pricey..

I have a full set plus some and only god knows what I spent to make the 12+ set but since I did prices now are $25 each for small chisels..

Get you self a set of Two Cherries, that was my first real set.. I think they are great, polished or not..

LV had the Hirsch brand made under the same roof as 2C for $89 for a set of six but those days are gone and I think they are over $100+ now :(

I have seen and use AIs and like my 2Cs better...

PS: its not the cost of Weitherbys but shipping changes one or two chisels at a time that will make you wish you just bought a good set and saved some money and elbow grease..
Actually, I said I have a set of Witherbys. I don't buy them any more because I have all I need. I also have a few other brands of old chisels - DR Barton, New Haven Edge Tools and a few others - but not a set.

I have another set of Hirsch and Two Cherries (mixed) - have had them for a long time. All the way from 2mm to 35mm. Then, a set of LN and a set of Japanese. And a set of pigsticker mortise chisels from 3/16" to 3/4".

I'm now trying to get a set of Swan firmers (not bevel side) but they are outrageously expensive. I get maybe one every six months.

It's a disease. But it keeps me off the streets and out of bars.

Mike

[Oops, your posting wasn't directed to me. I misunderstood. Sorry.]

James Mittlefehldt

04-30-2008, 11:14 AM

Matt Wilson

04-30-2008, 12:57 PM

PPS: My Two Cherries all 10-12 of them have flat backs, anyone here have Two Cherries in there shop with warped or not flat backs???

Why people complain is the corners of the sides of the back have a slight raidus from the mirror polish they put of front and back... Some say you cant pare to the corner, I say I'll get it with bevel or a I'm woodworking not doing aerospace work.. .010 raidus doesnt bother me...

Mine are Hirsch not Two Cherries, but from everything I've ready they come off the same production line. Everyone of my Chisels (5 in total). have (had) convex backs. Yah, the corners are also rounded, but like you I don't see that as a huge deal. With out doing some kind of flattening i doubt I could have worked to a straight line. Maybe I just got a few really bad ones, but I've since read of lots of similar issues.

Here is a really crummy drawing I did in paint of what my chisels looked like. Exaggerated of course, looking down the cutting edge...

87446

Will Blick

04-30-2008, 3:15 PM

Mike Henderson

04-30-2008, 3:31 PM

My big problem with chisels which are not flat and parallel on both sides is how they lay in the LV Honing jig. This jig sort-of requires flat AND parallel top/bottom sides. Same is true with the Pinnacle honing jig....

When the top/bottoms are not parallel and flat, the chisel sits in the jig cocked, and the edge is sharpened slightly skewed... anyone experience this?
I flatten my chisels first so the problem with the non-flat back I don't encounter. But the non-parallel sides I do encounter. Older chisels were often made with tapering sides - the top of the chisel was narrower than the cutting edge. This was a "feature", advertised that the chisel wouldn't bind in a mortise. Of course, the cutting edge would get narrower as the blade was ground back over time.

I don't think they worried about the blade getting narrower over time because the original size was never exact. Most of my older chisels are oversized by 1/64 or even 1/32. Accuracy was just not that important to them at that time. Nowdays, you measure an LN chisel and it's exactly the advertised size all the way up (at least within the limits of my measuring equipment).

When sharpening an older chisel, I just eyeball the alignment in the jig.

Mike

Michael Faurot

04-30-2008, 6:44 PM

Grizzly has a set for about $100. Or they used to - I haven't looked recently.

Not $100, but not bad at $140:

http://www.grizzly.com/products/Japanese-Chisels-10-pc-Set/G7102

Johnny Kleso

04-30-2008, 7:46 PM

Mike,
I think I have the same chisel disease as you..

http://stanleytools.home.comcast.net/chisels/1.jpg

http://stanleytools.home.comcast.net/chisels/2.jpg
Weitherby's

http://stanleytools.home.comcast.net/chisels/3.jpg
GI Mix

http://stanleytools.home.comcast.net/chisels/4.jpg
Guuges In and Our Cannel and Carving Tools

http://stanleytools.home.comcast.net/chisels/5.jpg
Stanley 750s

http://stanleytools.home.comcast.net/chisels/6.jpg
two sets of Marples soon to be L&R skews

I got it bad :)

Bob Noles

05-01-2008, 6:48 AM

"I got it bad"

Johnny.... THAT is an understatement my friend!

Jim Koepke

05-01-2008, 10:38 PM

While walking through the local OSH store. They are owned by Sears and I think all of there stores are in California.
They had a set of 3 chisels, 1/2, 3/4 and 1 inch for $24.99.
The handles are wood and hooped at the top. The package says they are made in America by Great Neck Tools.
I would at least give them a look if I were in the market.

I have no knowledge if these are any better than the average screwdriver for opening paint cans of if they are good tools for cutting wood.

jim

Johnny Kleso

05-04-2008, 1:04 AM

Great Neck Tools bought out Buck Tools and a year or so back rolled out the Buch Brand Chisels again as well as the Saws and Planes they sell at HD

You can pick them up here
http://www.craftsmanstudio.com/html_p/BuckBrosChisels.htm
Not sure how they rank any more but dont think they are as good as the old Buck Brand..