All right its a subject thats benn addressed before, but my birthday is coming and I have been eyeing them. I checked their website, they mention that they have changed their bevel angle to 30 degreess due to some edge retention problems!
Any comments on that?
Whats a standard bevel angle for a chisel? and what are the differences between the angles, I can figure out the basics but has there been a “standard” bevel angle for chisels? What about A2 steel, pretty much everyone uses A2 for plane blades, but the type of steel is rarely mentionned for chisels? How does this affect edge retention?
Replies
For a bench chisel, 30 degrees is just fine. Below that and with the LN there can be chipping issues at the very edge in hard woods.
The 750s on which they are patterned are comfy to use, at least I think so. I don't think you can go wrong with the LN.
The AI chisels will get you more bang for the dollar. I do like the AI butt chisel handle as it is a style I have used for years and is conducive to whacking away on something.
The 750s I have feel small at times, but I do like the feel/balance better for paring and general use.
Take care, Mike
I have the LN chisels. I had chipping problems and sent them back. They returned a new set ground to 30 degrees. No problems with them. If I had it to do over again, I think I'd try out an Ashley Isles chisel before purchasing the more costly LN's. Ashley Isles offer more sizes, have gotten great reviews here, and are priced lower.
When I have the time, I'm going to strip the finish off my LN chisels and apply something less slippery (like nothing). They are pretty, but hard to hang on to.
30 degrees is "average" Bevels are ground lower for end grain work and higher for agressive chopping such as mortising.
Sean
Ok another question, the LN chisels appear to be thicker near the handle than the tip. Is that so? If so, how do they hold in the Lee Valley sharpening jigs ? I have both the the new one as well as the old one, both squeeze from top to bottom, if the chisel has eneven thickness does that affect the grip? I also have the sideways grip sharpening jig, which should not be a problem but I prefer the LV ones
The LV jig's lower clamp bar pivots to accommodate angled faces on chisels. The back registers against the upper portion of the lower carrier, so the angle is proper.
Do note that though it grips the chisel well, pressure against one side of the chisel or the other can cant the chisel in the jig. So how one uses/holds the jig is of moderate importance. Follow the included directions and it works well.
The current crop of cheap Eclipse-stype side clamp jigs don't hold thick LN or even original 750s very well. Heck, they don't hold my vintage firmers very well. But they do work. One problem is they can twist the chisel, sometimes less or more than other times.
Currently, the best all-round jig is the LV. But I wouldn't be surprised if this changes soon...say around the first of the year.
Take care, Mike
Mike, are you referring to the MkII jig? The jaws on mine do not swivel. Also, did my saw ever ship?
Mike Brady
Hi Mike,
***edit*** Yes, the MK.II
The lower clamp bar pivots. I believe it was only limited to the pre-production models, but there was an issue of it not pivoting enough. If you got one of the first batch, perhaps this applies as well.
I would contact Rob [[email protected]] to discuss and perhaps send it back for replacement. Mine works as expected.
The Curly Maple for your handle finally came in after several boards had been sent to me and rejected due to lack of curl, moisture, warpage, spalt or simply wasn't white on both faces as ordered. I finished fitting the blade last night and it goes out today.
Take care, Mike
Edited 8/18/2006 12:21 pm by mwenz
Not well...but that is the jig's problem, not the chisel's. Use the eclipse jig for LN chisels.
BB
First of all, let me state that I'm a huge LN fan. I've got almost every plane, saw, and spokeshave that they make. Great stuff!
That being said, I think you should check out Two cherries chisels ahead of the LN's. I've used both, and the edge retention on the Two cherries is much, much better than almost all of the chisels ever mentioned here, and they are quite a bit less money. The only chisels I've ever used that held an edge better than the two cherries is a very expensive set of Nishiki dovetail chisels, costing about $800.00 for 6 !! Other than getting nutty with the $$, I assure you that you won't go wrong with the Two Cherries. And, they're about half the price of the LN.
I've got my entire set ground at 25°, and they'll hold up better than the LN's at 30°.
Of course, if you like to spend time sharpening and grinding, then the LN's will be fine.
Just my .02.
Jeff
BBB,
Here's another alternative or two: For daily use, the Japanese chisels that Woodcraft sells have given me good service. Easy to sharpen and good edge-holding ability. Price is pretty reasonable: $25 - $50, depending on size; most of the more frequently-used sizes are under $35 each.
I also use a couple of Pfeil's Swiss Made bench chisels. Also very nice, easy to sharpen, and good edge-holding. Price is roughly $30± per chisel.
I find that the WC Japanese chisels are better for chopping, and are ok for paring (the handles are a little short for my hand, and they have the steel loop on the end of the handle); overall not bad. The Pfeil handles are a little longer and pretty comfortable for paring.
Have played with the LN chisels at the local WC store; initial impression is very good, but haven't had any long term experience with them. They appear to be on par with the quality of the rest of LN's tools, which I am very happy with (a number of LN's bench and specialty planes, a couple of saws, and a couple of spokeshaves are part of my tool inventory).
Hope this is of some use to you, and good luck with a cool B-day present!!
Tschüß!
Mit freundlichen holzbearbeitungischen Grüßen!
James
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