Mortise Chisels

[Mark Kelly]

Have been reading through the threads here. Seems many like the Two Cherries Mortise Chisels. I am looking for a heavy duty mortise chisel. Where can I get the best price either for a Two Cherries or perhaps some other brand that is good (Sorby?)

Thanks!

[Marc Hills]

Hi Mark:

It's been pretty well established that Hirsh chisels are manufactured by in the same factory, and to the same quality standards as the Two Cherries. There are a few minor cosmetic differences and a lower purchase price, so if you are looking to save a few dollars, you'll want to consider the Hirsh.

Try Highland Hardware for good prices on Hirsh Mortise chisels: http://www.tools-for-woodworking.com/product.asp?0=254&1=255&3=738

HTH

[Mark Kelly]

I thought I read the metal on a Hirsch is 'weaker' than the Two Cherries? Maybe I thought I read it, I guess.

[jay hanks]

Hartville tool has the 4 peice set of mortise chisels from Two Cherries on sale right now for 139.66, item number 78257. I just got mine last week and I dont think it is going to get more heavy duty than these, unless you are doing timber framing. The handles are massive. Jay

[Marc Hills]

I thought I read the metal on a Hirsch is 'weaker' than the Two Cherries? Maybe I thought I read it, I guess.

Well, I guess that when I said it's been pretty well established, I meant that it has been dicussed a number of times recently, and that consensus seems to be that the metal and functional preparation of the two brands is identical, although the level of handle finish and handle shape is different.

Read on:

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?threadid=7047

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?threadid=7521

http://www.woodcentral.com/newforum/msgset.shtml

I know that we all would be very interested if you can find the source of your "Hirsch has weaker metal" impression.

[Mark Kelly]

If I find it again I'll post it. From the threads you had, I feel more comfortable looking at Hirsch. I do appreciate the help here.

[Michael Perata]

(Sorby?)

Mark I have two Robert Sorby London Pattern Mortice Chisels
(3/8" & 1/8") which are lighter versions of a full sized Mortise Chisel. They are very nice for chopping mortises at the bench but too light for framing work.

Try: http://www.thebestthings.com/newtools/sorby_mortice.htm

[Mark Kelly]

Anyone have any experience with Sorby and Hirsch and which one might be better?

[James Carmichael]

Anyone have any experience with Sorby and Hirsch and which one might be better?

Mark,

I researched quite a bit before buying, consensus seemed to be the more recent Sorby chisels are not as good a quality. I bought the 10mm TC and am quite happy, though I also bought a 1/4" Marples sash mortise for next to nothing and am happy with it, too. Maybe as I go on, I'll develop a preference. The main argument for the pricier tools seems to be they hold their edge longer. Personally, I look on sharpening as a regular maintenance and touch up the edge before every use, so I don't see that as a huge issue.

The TC is much more massive & beefy, disproportianate to it's larger width. Also impressive was that the back of the TC was already dead-flat. When I first worked the back on SC paper stuck to my glass, it abraded perfectly across the entire width of the blade.

As for the price differential between TC and Hirsch, you can drive yourself crazy bargain-hunting for this stuff. I finally decided the time I was spending trying to save a couple bucks was more valuable. I'd advise you just pick one and order from a reputable dealer.

One note as for sizing: Go by the metric and not the English measurements when deciding on size for TC (probably Hirsch, too). I figured 3/8 would be about right for mortising 4/4 stock and got the 10mm TC and found it is a true 10mm and closer to .400" (3/8 = .375). That almost seems a little fat for joining 3/4" thick stock, but no problems thus far.

Best advice: Just get one & start choppin.

[Bob Smalser]

If you are willing to rehab old ones, then Ebay is chock full of them for as little as 10 bucks.

Buck Bros are an especially good value, but Sorby, Footprint, Marples, Freud, Hubertus and others are all good choices.

Problem is, antique tool dealers rarely know a mortise chisel from a butt chisel and you have to look at every single picture.

http://media5.hypernet.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=008610

http://www.messing-about.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1873&highlight=rehabbing

BTW...use that shiny new set for a decade or so and you'll have to rehab them anyway, so you might as well learn now.

[James Carmichael]

If you are willing to rehab old ones, then Ebay is chock full of them for as little as 10 bucks.

Buck Bros are an especially good value, but Sorby, Footprint, Marples, Freud, Hubertus and others are all good choices.

Problem is, antique tool dealers rarely know a mortise chisel from a butt chisel and you have to look at every single picture.

http://media5.hypernet.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=008610

http://www.messing-about.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1873&highlight=rehabbing

BTW...use that shiny new set for a decade or so and you'll have to rehab them anyway, so you might as well learn now.


Very true about Ebay, particularly if you are willing to go with a a "no-name" chisel. Those wearing the big names, Buck, Swan, PEXTO, Witherby, et al. get a lot of attention.

If not included in the listing, ask the seller for a side-profile picture of the blade to be sure it is a mortising chisel, as Bob said, a lot of folks selling out there don't know the difference.

I find old tool restoration more fun that WW projects ;)

[Bob Smalser]

I completed my set of gouges this winter off of Ebay with a couple odd-sized mortising chisels thrown in....all were old Buck Bros, a few with intact handles...not one of them cost more than 20 bucks.

It does take patience, however, to go through every chisel ont he site once a week to find the good values....but they are certainly out there.

My other recommendation is to sign up with Esnipe.com....doesn't cost but pennies....set your price and let esnipe bid for you while you practice your craft. Get into a bidding contest and you'll generally pay too much.