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Chisels
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Author:  Mike OMelia [ Mon Nov 24, 2008 12:01 am ]
Post subject:  Chisels

Yes, I know, I have asked before. My last shaping effort leftmethinking that an angled or curved chisel would be ideal. So, lemme know.

What is a good chisel set.

Mike

Author:  Ricardo [ Mon Nov 24, 2008 12:10 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Chisels

My favorite two chisels are the curved bracing chisel and the skew chisel. Indispensable for carving braces.

Author:  jmanter [ Mon Nov 24, 2008 12:11 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Chisels

everybody has there own preferences on this one... I like japanese paring chisels...

Author:  Mike OMelia [ Mon Nov 24, 2008 12:45 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Chisels

Ricardo wrote:
My favorite two chisels are the curved bracing chisel and the skew chisel. Indispensable for carving braces.


Thats what I was looking for. Thanks!

Mike

Author:  Mattia Valente [ Mon Nov 24, 2008 7:19 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Chisels

If you've got the dough, a 1/2" Blue Spruce paring chisel is just the ticket. I have a cranked/bent chisel (Kirschen/Two Cherries), which I like for clearing glue, but I've never had a clearance problem with the blue spruce. I like the skews as well, but if I were to choose a single chisel, the Blue Spruce 1/2" would be the one. Luckily I don't have to choose, and have the full set + the two skews, my christmas present to myself last year.

Author:  Glenn LaSalle [ Mon Nov 24, 2008 7:30 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Chisels

I have to 2nd the blue spruce 1/2" paring chisel. I carved most of my 1st top with this, and loved the feel. I also have a 1/4" Blue spruce, and 1/2" and 3/4" LN chisels all wonderful. to use.

Glenn

Author:  Mike OMelia [ Mon Nov 24, 2008 8:53 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Chisels

Mattia Valente wrote:
If you've got the dough, a 1/2" Blue Spruce paring chisel is just the ticket. I have a cranked/bent chisel (Kirschen/Two Cherries), which I like for clearing glue, but I've never had a clearance problem with the blue spruce. I like the skews as well, but if I were to choose a single chisel, the Blue Spruce 1/2" would be the one. Luckily I don't have to choose, and have the full set + the two skews, my christmas present to myself last year.



Which set are you refering to?

Mike

Author:  Rob Lak [ Mon Nov 24, 2008 9:03 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Chisels

Ack! eek

I kin buy me a geetar for them there prices. Me, i'l just find some sharp flint on the mountain and use that.

My only other choice is to mutter, "I believe in Santa!" constantly from now till Christmas... just maybe...

You guys sure have some expensive tastes. Remind me never to take any of you out to dinner.

Author:  Laurent Brondel [ Mon Nov 24, 2008 9:20 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Chisels

If you're not in a hurry you can get an old set of Buck Bros., Stanley, Greenlee or Butcher chisels for a song on eBay or at garage sales. Turn of the century steel is excellent, easy to sharpen and keeps an edge for a long time. No need to spend an arm and a leg, and usually the handles are much more comfortable and ergonomic than new ones. The LMI curved glue chisel is excellent quality.

Author:  Mike OMelia [ Mon Nov 24, 2008 10:46 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Chisels

Laurent Brondel wrote:
If you're not in a hurry you can get an old set of Buck Bros., Stanley,


Seems some use that curved chisel for shaping as well. For working curves, thats got to be the way to go. Right? Not just for glue removal?

I will look into those other chisels. However, I am going to get that LMI chisel (or Stew-Mac...)

Mike

Author:  Laurent Brondel [ Mon Nov 24, 2008 1:06 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Chisels

I would get the LMI, much better quality. The SM (which I use) has a cheesy handle that absolutely needs to be reshaped and the back is hollowed like a Japanese chisel.
I've never used a curved chisel to shape braces, a 1/2" bench chisel held upside down and a couple of thumb planes seem fine.

Author:  Mike OMelia [ Mon Nov 24, 2008 2:37 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Chisels

You are gonna laugh when you read this, but it never occured to me to turn the chisel upside down oops_sign

OK, maybe I will splurge on a finger plane.

Mike

Author:  Hesh [ Mon Nov 24, 2008 2:41 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Chisels

Mike buddy finger planes are to me indispensable. I think that I do 80% of my brace carving with finger planes and the rest with a nice LMI chisel and soon, hopefully, with my new Blue Spruce 1/2" paring chisel.

Author:  Alexandru Marian [ Mon Nov 24, 2008 2:47 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Chisels

I carve with a 18mm Japanese, and I use both sides just as much. I have smaller chisels but for some reasons I like the big one. Unfortunately unless you take it slowly and with care it is easy to gouge the top, so yes a tiny finger plane is great. It's on my next shopping list.

Author:  archtop [ Mon Nov 24, 2008 3:52 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Chisels

For a typical set of bench chisels I bought a set of Sorby's. I got the set with the nice octagon boxwood handles. Besides being a good set of quality chisels made of good 'ole Sheffield Steel they have that nice octagon handle. It feels good and it also stops the chisels from skating all around the bench when you set it down.

That being said.... you're in luck because there are so many great choices out there today. Like many others have said, look into some of the chisels made by Blue Spruce. I've heard they are an exceptional product. Back when I was shopping around for a new set, the Lie Nielsen Socket Chisels were high on my list. I would buy just about anything from LN. But there was some store (forgot which) that was having a nice sale with the Sorby's. The Sorby's were also high on my list, so seeing that sale sealed the deal so to speak.

Other chisels I've heard great things about but have yet to experience.... LMI chisels, Two Cherries.
Let us know what you decide.
-John

Author:  Mike OMelia [ Mon Nov 24, 2008 4:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Chisels

I am thinking about the LMI bent chisel and the Ibex violin plane from LMI (for now). Sound good?

Mike

Author:  Mike OMelia [ Mon Nov 24, 2008 4:38 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Chisels

Hesh wrote:
Mike buddy finger planes are to me indispensable. I think that I do 80% of my brace carving with finger planes and the rest with a nice LMI chisel and soon, hopefully, with my new Blue Spruce 1/2" paring chisel.


Thinking about getting the Ibex 30mm, 10mm blade.... that good for brace work?

Author:  Hesh [ Mon Nov 24, 2008 5:09 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Chisels

Yeah they would be fine. I use a 12mm and 18mm and like them just fine.

Author:  BruceHerrmann [ Mon Nov 24, 2008 5:48 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Chisels

Once you've Ibexed, you won't go back. They are fantastic for carving bracing, I usually keep around the LMI curved or a Blue Spruce (which really does keep an edge very well) but by the time I'm finished with the Ibex, there's not that much to do. The Ibex just has such a good feel and they are little pieces of art as well....

Best
Bruce

Author:  Ricardo [ Mon Nov 24, 2008 6:35 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Chisels

While we are at it, I'd like to throw in a plug for North Bay Forge's mini draw knife. I know its not for shaping braces, its excellent for shaving down sides and for carving necks. Great little tool that stays sharp a long time. I consider it one of the indispensable tools in my shop. bliss

Author:  John Killin [ Mon Nov 24, 2008 8:03 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Chisels

Todd Stock wrote:
I've demo'ed the use of all three tools (paring chisel, bench chisels, and double bevel carving chisel) to the handful of folks that I've worked with, so by no means a large sample; however, once folks are shown the correct carving grip (which may be used for any paring cut with good results), the double bevel carving chisel is preferred.


Sounds like a good idea for another YouTube video. pizza

Author:  TonyFrancis [ Mon Nov 24, 2008 9:38 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Chisels

-

Author:  Howard Klepper [ Mon Nov 24, 2008 11:13 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Chisels

There's alot of good old carbon steel for sale on Ebay. I've noticed that prices have gone up, but you still can get great chisels for less than half the price of new ones that aren't as good.

Author:  Chris Paulick [ Tue Nov 25, 2008 12:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Chisels

From my woodcarving book Chris Pye says that the bevel angle for the chisels is mostly determed by how high or low you want to hold the chisel for the most part. I keep wanting to spring for the double bevel chisel that Todd mentioned. I had it in my hand at Woodcraft but upon inspection I noticed the Tang was bent as the handle was off some and they haven't got a new one since.

Author:  jmanter [ Tue Nov 25, 2008 1:47 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Chisels

Mike O'Melia wrote:
You are gonna laugh when you read this, but it never occured to me to turn the chisel upside down oops_sign

OK, maybe I will splurge on a finger plane.

Mike



Absolutely!.... Bevel up for shaping the sides of the braces, bevel down for shaping the ends of the braces...

Justin

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