Replies

1. 
   eddiefromAustralia | Sep 15, 2006 05:31am | #1

   Woodenhead,

   You can cut mortices with a normal chisel,you don't 'need' to buy one unless the thing is very deep (say 3 inches).

   Hirsch are far more repeatable and better quality than the Sorby chisels. Go with the Hirsch mortising chisel if you have to buy one.

   And, no, you won't need a swan neck chisel - just scrape the bottom of the mortise roughly with your chisel or the next size down. Should get it clean enough (Swan neck chisels are a specialty item for a hand-cut mortice lock housing, etc...)

   Cheers,

   eddie

   (Who'll still cut a single mortice far quicker than setting up the mortising machine.)

2. 
   Samson | Sep 15, 2006 06:24am | #2

   Personally, I favor the vintage pig stickers.  Various brands are good from the old days.  Check eBay.

3. 
   Glaucon | Sep 15, 2006 07:02am | #3

   I use Hirsch- and I would favor a mortise chisel for this application. When setting up, set the width of your mortise on your gauge to equal the chisel width. You will have more reproducible results with a mortise chisel, and they are not expensive- you can start with a couple of sizes.

   Glaucon

   If you don't think too good, then don't think too much...

4. 
   RMillard | Sep 15, 2006 01:24pm | #4

   Woodenhead,

   I have 1/4" and 5/16"( I use the 5/16" the most)  mortise chisels sold by Japan Woodworker. These were about $60.00 each. I've been very happy with the way they have held an edge and "tracked". I may buy a 3/8" one for larger joints, but for small to medium projects the two sizes I already have are fine.

   Since the bottom of the mortise has no effect on the strength of the joint, I don't see much need for a sawn-neck chisel. The only instance when I think a swan-neck would be helpful, is when cutting a mortise in very narrow stock ( in width). In that scenario, you would want the mortise as deep as possible, for maximum strength, and the swan-neck is more delicate, allowing you to clean up the bottom of the mortise to within a very close distance to the outside face.

   Rob Millard