Replies

1. 
   daleduvall | Mar 25, 2004 03:08am | #1

   Try Garrett Wade, Craftsman Studio, and Woodcraft for comparative prices. I looked at all you mentioned, and ended up buying a set of Pheil's. As all appear to be high quality, for me it came down to personal preference. The Pheil's are more usable out of the box, minimum honing required!!

   Dale

1. 
   UncleDunc | Mar 25, 2004 04:13am | #2

   >> ... ended up buying a set of Pheil's.

   Spelled Pfeil if you want to search for it on the net.

2. 
   Ricky_Yu | Mar 25, 2004 10:51am | #3

   The one place I can think of that carries all three brands is http://www.toolsforworkingwood.com in New York City. Robert Sorby set of 5 is $148-178 depending on style, Two Cherries set of 4 for $82 and Ashley Iles set of 4 for about $70. I think the Ashley Iles are a terrific value and you can ask Sarge about their performance.

3. 
   RMillard | Mar 25, 2004 12:43pm | #4

   I'd look at any of the Japanese chisels, these range in price from the reasonable to the ridiculous. I have the low end types, yet they are the finest chisels I have used.

   Rob Millard

1. 
   BG | Mar 25, 2004 01:25pm | #5

   dkf,

   I think 'sets' of chisels are a waste of money...and the prices you quote are a bit high.  If your comfortable with the chisel and are satisfied with its performance you'll use it....and with that use comes greater control and satisfaction.  

   I've got big hands.  The Sorby is great for paring with its long flat blade and comfortable handle.....on the other hand, it does not hold up to pounding and the point rolls.  The japanese chisel is fantastic for sharpenss and durability and chopping dovetails...but the handle is too short for paring in my hands.  I have a bunch of old Stanley's that I've cleaned up and come in handy from time to time.  Recently I acquired some used firmer chisels for morticing...they work terriffic...being longer I get much better leverage to remove waste and get good clean mortice sides. 

   So I use one or two chisels from each maker...I'd love to try other brands but I want to buy individual chisels....I'm looking to the tag sales to fill out my needs..  

1. 
   bopbop | Mar 25, 2004 04:15pm | #6

   Try this web site

   thebestofthings.com

1. 
   DrWatson | Mar 26, 2004 12:48am | #8

   Bop-Bop,

   It is http://www.thebestthings.com.  And  from my experience, they usually have very good prices.

   You added "of".  Alex Trebek would have taken money away from you on Jeopardy ;>)

2. 
   UncleDunc | Mar 26, 2004 06:49am | #9

   >> The japanese chisel is fantastic ... but the handle is too short for paring in my hands.

   Don't all the Japanese chisels have socket handles? No reason for a woodworker to put up with too short handles. :o)

4. 
   RANGERP75R | Mar 25, 2004 05:39pm | #7

   dkf

      I have the Ashley Ilse's in the American Pattern-makers set and I love them. They are available as inidviduals also. These are excellent quality, great steel and a reasonable price.

      I have used Sorby chisels, Marples (purchased almost 30 years ago as they are a bit different in quality now) and have tried the two cherries. As Ricky said, most of these are available at the web he posted.

      I think you would be happy with most of the higher grade lines. The steel is good in most. If you have an opporunity to hold them personally, I would by all means. That will tell you which will be the one that has the right feel for you. And feel with a chisel is just as important as good steel, construction and the proper chisel for the given  job.

      When I held an Ashley Ilse's in my hand, I know it had the "touch" for me. The 4 Cherries handle did not feel correct in my hand. It may be perfect for you. As I stated, if you can put your hands on the better quality chisels you will know!

   Regards...

   sarge..jt

   Proud member of the :  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

5. 
   Michmesquite | Mar 26, 2004 10:33pm | #10

   I got a set of 5 Gilt Edge Sorby bench chisels from http://www.thebesthings.com for $125 + shipping.

   EXCELLENT chisels and very good and promtp service.

   __________________________________________________________

   Michael in San Jose

   Freedom from mental disturbance is the very most for which one can hope.

    Epicurus (341-270 BCE)

1. 
   Yotie | Mar 27, 2004 02:04am | #11

   Thanks....I will give that site a try....thanks for the info....

   don