Replies

1. 
   eddiefromAustralia | Jul 14, 2003 02:30am | #1

   Could have been Brauhaus - beer hall.

   Have fun.

   eddie

2. 
   sawduster | Jul 14, 2003 03:22am | #2

   While I haven't been in Germany for a few years, I have spent some time in Europe and think you will have to look long and hard for a really good deal on tools. Most European countries don't seem to have adopted the big box store philosophy and are still into local businesses, therefore they lack the mass merchandising mentality. Hope I'm worng, but don't be disappointed, since you can, in all likelyhood find what you are looking for at about the same price you would pay here in a good woodworking store. I would warn you to be cautious when it comes to currency exchange. You may be better off using Visa/MC as that should go at the day's exchange rate.

3. 
   Steinmetz | Jul 14, 2003 05:57am | #3

   Years ago, while in the occupation forces (Augsburg Bavaria,) I bought two wood planes ( Ulmia)

   Paid 3 Deutch Marks apiece.  (1950 prices 75 cts ea)

   Used them for more than 50 yrs. Both the rabbet and the block plane had dovetailed lignum vitae soles.

   The irons tapered in thickness with the wider section at the cutting edge end. (No chatter.)

   If you ask around, I'm sure you'll be able to buy that brand plane today.

   Recently saw the same planes over here, but updated with lateral and depth adjustments screws.  

   If you want to see truly magnificent hand carved wood work while in Baveria, visit the town of   Uberamagau (The home of the Passion Play and the Zugfitz) 

   The Zugfitz is a cog railway ride that takes you up the bavarian Alps and provides spectacular veiws.

    Also nearby: Munchen (Munich) and Augsburg.

   Famed for shopping/cathedrals, Mozart  and Bier.

   Food is terrific and  bier and bratwurst stands abound. 

    Two of MY favorite beers are Lowenbrau and Hassenbrau (Rabbit beer).  Have a good trip,

   Steinmetz.

   
   

   ---

   Edited 7/14/2003 2:41:17 PM ET by steinmetz

4. 
   FreeGee | Jul 14, 2003 08:31am | #4

   Have a look at:

   http://www.finetools.de , online ordering and shop in Berlin.

   or

   http://www.dick-gmbh.de, also online ordering, shop is not in a major city

   Good luck,

   Gert.

5. 
   lostarrow | Jul 15, 2003 07:19pm | #5

   brill-

   Back in the late 70's I bought a set of German made Bracht chisels from Leichtung (before it became Rockler). IMO they are excellent chisels.I've never wished for any other brand. They're made of chrome vanadium steel,take a scary sharp edge and hold it. I can chop DT's all day and not bother to stop for a sharpening. Not much else you can ask of a chisel. Of course that was 25 years ago,whether they're still the same quality,I can't say. But it might be worth your time to try and locate the Bracht chisels and check them out.

   Be not afraid of going slowly.  Be afraid only of standing still.   chinese proverb
1. 
   paxtonm | Jul 15, 2003 08:22pm | #6

   Brill,

   I have the same brand, bought at the same place, and would heartily second your comments.  I was just thinking of Leichtung the other day and lamenting the loss of the store.  They really are great chisels.

6. 
   PATHFNDR | Jul 15, 2003 08:50pm | #7

   So who does make the best chisels now. I can't find any that have quality steel in them.

1. 
   paxtonm | Jul 15, 2003 10:57pm | #8

   Peck Tool @ http://www.pecktool.com still sells them.  Hope this helps.

2. 
   ian | Jul 16, 2003 11:45am | #9

   FWW did a review about two years ago and rated Two Cherries and Hirsch chisels highly - from memory they were the best of the western style chisels.   One source that I know of is http://www.fine-tools.com/index.htm and a Google search should find others.  If you're looking to buy in Germany check out the impact of the local sales tax first.  At 16% over the counter mail order may be cheaper.