Thread: Chisels, Draw Knives, Etc. - Recommendations

This perhaps should go in the Finer Things sub-forum, but I'm going to put it here because I intend to use them for restorations.

I'm interested in a good quality set of basic furniture or carving chisels. Most of the "basic" sets I've found come with between 5 and 8 chisels. I'm looking to spend $100.00 or less and would take higher quality over a larger set, although I expect I'll need a minimum of five to really find them useful. I intend to use them for scale shaping/carving.

I live in a very small studio apartment and, while I would love to have a fine belt sander, scroll saw, etc., I simply don't have the room to store these items when not in use. I rather enjoy working with hands anyway and this method would allow me to work on scales inside. This also means I can work through the cold Minnesota winters (my small garage is uninsulated and not heated.)

So, for any of you wood-workers, I'm looking to your experience and expertise. Chisels, mallets and draw-knives. Companies to look at, companies to avoid, things I should look for or specific chisels that I should have in a set. I don't need fancy, but I would prefer wood handles, with or without a mallet plate (furniture vs. carving) and harder steel as I do want to work with some exotic hardwood.

Thanks up-front for any and all input.

Only my opinion,
I would start with USA, German, or Japanese steel. Then find the one that fit my hand with the most comfort. I have only got a very few chisles which are Stanley, I think. I think if I used them any more than I do, I would go to Woodcraft and buy better and more specific tools. I am thinking of doing some wood carving on a set of scales or a knife handle. When I do, I will get a couple of more specific chisels for the job.

As important as steel is how sharp you keep it.

Jeff

I am not sure if quality and low price go together with chisels and wood working tools in general, I may be wrong though.
You might have luck getting second hand, e-bay (if you know what you are looking for) or some estate sale etc.

Japanwoodworker - Home - The Japan Woodworker Catalog

Hida Tool & Hardware Company

Either place has a spectrum of cost/quality. But, even the low end stuff is made by craftsmen. I have not been disappointed by any tool purchased from either place.

Now, as to small tools for the size shop you describe... Shop Small Hobby Tools & Miniature Tools from Micro Mark

If you hate me after showing you that last link, I understand. They are oriented toward hobby-ists. The tools are really pretty good despite their size. I have way too many things purchased from these guys. I hate the guy that gave me my first catalog from here. He's one of my best friends. As soon as I see their catalog in the mail it goes straight in the trash. Opening it costs money.

Originally Posted by Mike Blue

Japanwoodworker - Home - The Japan Woodworker Catalog

Hida Tool & Hardware Company

Either place has a spectrum of cost/quality. But, even the low end stuff is made by craftsmen. I have not been disappointed by any tool purchased from either place.

Now, as to small tools for the size shop you describe... Shop Small Hobby Tools & Miniature Tools from Micro Mark

If you hate me after showing you that last link, I understand. They are oriented toward hobby-ists. The tools are really pretty good despite their size. I have way too many things purchased from these guys. I hate the guy that gave me my first catalog from here. He's one of my best friends. As soon as I see their catalog in the mail it goes straight in the trash. Opening it costs money.

The low end stuff is not made by craftsmen, they are factory made. The craftsmen stuff is pretty expensive.
For example my first kogatana was a $20 from JWW, it bent in ~2 months, and I trashed it. I found out later that it was a stamped blade not forged. My current forged kogatana is made by a smith, it cost several times more and is still considered low end.

I stand corrected.

Falingore, look into used tools, I have found excellent quality used hand tools locally at flea markets and pawn stores. Complete sets or better single old Marples, Buck, Freud and old Sheffield chisels, under 5 dollars each and cheaper in sets. They may be a bit rusty but what better way to practice your buffing skills.

Caution, tool collecting bugs are rampant at those places, you may get bit.

FWIW --

You can buy Japanese chisels -- traditional laminated blades -- from Lee Valley:

Lee Valley Tools

They also carry other Japanese tools, and just about everything a woodworker would need.

. Charles

FWIW --

You can buy Japanese chisels -- traditional laminated blades -- from Lee Valley:

Lee Valley Tools

They also carry other Japanese tools, and just about everything a woodworker would need.

. Charles

Personally, I'd seek out the flea markets.
I often find old chisels and drawing knives. Usually covered with surface rust, but that's easily fixed.
There is almost no market for old tools here, and people on flea markets often sell their grandfathers' tools when he passed away. Generally, the price for any old tool is between 50 cents and 2 dollars (unless the seller is a merchant).

I've bought a couple of antique sheffield chisels for a couple of bucks.
A blacksmith's hammer for 90 cents.
A huge handmade rasp (with irregular aligned teeth) for 1 euro.
A huge nicholson file, never used. For 1 or 2 euros...

As long as the temper is still good, an antique chisel will serve you as good as a new craftsman chisel which costs 10 to 20 times more.