Replies

1. 
   woodchuckwil | Aug 13, 2002 01:37am | #1

     Best Chisels- Two Cherries

     Best Value- Marples Blue Chip

     Of course ,thats only my opinion FWIW

2. 
   LarryPile | Aug 13, 2002 02:24am | #2

   It depends.  How new are you and how sure are you about what you want?

   I'd buy a good set of basic Marples bench chisels and a good sharpening system...I'd recommend the DMT dual stone with a sharpening jig (I use the Veritas) and learn how to sharpen your tools. 

   These are a great value, are sharpenable, hold an edge, etc. etc.  I know an English furniture maker with 35 years experience that uses these..don't knock 'em.

   When you have enough experience..and know more about what you want....then reconsider.

   I think lots of us tool snobs are willing to plunk down $300 for a small set of Japanese tools thinking they'll make us better woodworkers...they don't.....

   Buy decent quality chisels, buy good sharpening tools, learn to sharpen and use..by the time you outgrow or wear them out, you'll know what you need.

   lp

3. 
   PaulGeer1 | Aug 13, 2002 09:20pm | #3

   I have used Stanley and Marples Blue chip chisels and don't really see a big difference between the two, however, I like the length of the Marples and they're made with Sheffield steel to hold and edge longer. If properly sharpened, any chisel will perform nicely.

   The Marples six in a box is around $60, and the Stanley set of six is around $50, I've seen these at Lowes if you have one in town.

   PauL

4. 
   timburnisher | Aug 13, 2002 10:44pm | #4

     I recently bought a set of 10 Freud chisels online from Amazon.com -- here's the hyperlink:

   http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/browse/-/553148/1/ref=br_lpsp_pg/002-5028607-9691208?

   The set of ten is under $100, the chisels have a good feel to them, have solid wood handles, and come in a fitted case.  I was about to buy the Marples set, but I think freud tools are generally better quality, so I decided to go with these.  When they arrived in the mail, I was very content with what I received.  They sharpen with relative ease (using the veritas honing guide), and hold a razor edge.  I'd definitely recommend them.

   Happy honing,

     Tim 

5. 
   rickjones5 | Aug 18, 2002 06:51am | #5

   I find the main difference between good chisles ( Marples ) and the best chisles ( Two cherries, Hirsch ) is that the good chisles need to be sharpened more often.  I have both kind.  I keep the good  chisles beveled for soft wood and the best chisles beveled for hard wood.  Works!

   Rick,  Fayetteville,  GA 

6. 
   eddiefromAustralia | Aug 18, 2002 10:18am | #6

   Look on eBay under the seller "sell2all", see if they still have their set of 8 Nooitgedagt chisels (better than Marples, not as good as Two cherries). They were selling for approx USD25 for eight 1/4,3/8", 1/2, 5/8", 3/4" 1" 1 1/4" & 1 1/2". This is an auction site so prices depend upon demand, of course.

   only problem is they're metric - 1/2" (12.7mm) = 13mm, etc.., and the bevel leaves a touch too much blade on the side - not a neat bevelled edge and a touch difficult to use. may lead to problems in difficult areas or tolerance fits.

   I have no financial interest in the site - just letting you know they're there.

   Cheers, eddie

   
   

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   Edited 8/18/2002 5:06:26 AM ET by eddie