Is there a good place to get a set of LN chisels? Any deals to be had?
Thanks,
Jeff
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Replies
I've never seen them anywhere for less than $50.
It's Lee-Neilson, though, so it's probably worth it.
The only place I've ever seen consistent discounts on LN stuff is Fine Tool Journals site but that apparently only applies to the planes. I checked there first before biting the bullet and ordering the 9-pc set a couple of weeks ago. They sure are sweet. It's been too cold here for any WW in the unheated shop so I've been honing & polishing inside (about halfway thru the set so far) with an occasional brief trip to the shop to play with my new toys. Pricey but I'm glad I took the plunge. They beat the heck out of the Marples I'd been using.
If you build it he will come.
Dang 2cats,
Now you're making me feel bad. I've been using a set of Marples for 20+ years and was planning to stick with them and use the LN dollars for something else.
GeorgeYou don't stop laughing because you grow old. You grow old because you stop laughing. - Michael Pritchard<!----><!----><!---->
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I'll probably still be using some of the Marples. I've got them all the way up to the 2" size and the LN set only goes to 3/4" (why they dont just make it a 10-pc set and include the 1" they make, I dunno). I really like the wide ones for a bunch of stuff. Nothing really wrong with the Marples but it just seemed like they dont hold an edge all that long. The big (huge) difference is the weight. The LN's are extremely light and well balanced. Plus they just slide right through wood.If you build it he will come.
The 1" just appeared on their website. You might be hesitant to spend the money but you will always be glad you did. E.C. Simmons' sales pitch was "The recollection of quality remains long after the price is forgotten".
man, i'll second your experience! those LN's are a joy to use and they stay sharp longer. so glad i bought them.
has anyone glued the handles in? mine are pretty loose and i have yet to glue them, but i intend to. wondering what is a good choice for the glue?
A sharp whack on the bench seats the handle. Being a socket chisel, the handle is essentially removable. It is like the Morse tapers in metalworking equipment, friction holds it in place.
Has anyone trimmed the diameter of the handles? I haven't had a problem with getting them snug in the sockets by tapping the handles but I'm a bit bothered that they wont go into the socket to the depth of the turned shoulder. They all have a good size gap between the socket and where the large diam of the handle starts, Was thinking of wrapping the narrow diam with 80g sandpaper and hand turning until I can get the handles to seat all the way in. But I'm worried a bit - it's dry here now and I would think the handles wouldn't shrink up any further but still.... ???
All LN's site has on the topic is
When your Chisels arrive, the handles may be loose because of wood shrinkage. They may also loosen during dry weather. The handles are held in place by the wedging of the wood into the tapered socket. Just rap the chisel handle upside down to re-seat the handle (some people find loose handles annoying and prefer to glue them in). If you build it he will come.
They all have a good size gap between the socket and where the large diam of the handle starts, Was thinking of wrapping the narrow diam with 80g sandpaper and hand turning until I can get the handles to seat all the way in.
They are meant to be this way. This is typical of the design for ALL socket chisels, old and new. Do not modify!
If they were seated flush against the base of the handle, you will likely (a) find the handles working loose after a while, and (b) mushrooming the tops of the sockets.
Regards from Perth
Derek
The taper on the handle matches the taper in the socket. There is extra length to allow for wear and tear over the years. If you measure you should find a gap at the bottom of the socket when the handle is seated. This also is for wear and or shrinkage of the handle.
Thanks (U2 Derek). The only reason I asked was because the pics on LN's site only show a very slight gap (if any). Mine are more along the lines of a 1/4" or 5/16" gap. Either way, I'll leave them alone. Maybe I just need to smack them harder to try and seat them deeper.
If you build it he will come.
Douglas2cats
I contacted LN about this very topic when I received a set of the paring chisels with the longer handles. Their reply back was exactly what Derek said, "Don't do that!". By standing the chisel on edge on a piece of scrap, I was able to "whack" them nice and tight, as per customer service's advice. If the tenon isn't fitted right in the socket, you risk severe damage to the socket, so don't alter them, just whack em' in!
Walnutz
thanks for the reply and compairson. my first thought is "i guess..." i'm feeling that way because i dread having the handle come off and then droping the chisel on the cement floor. i have whacked a few handles in tight, but i think they work loose again. i'm turning the chisel upside down and whacking the handle down on the bench while holding the metal socket. is that the right technique for seating them?
I hold the handle and whack the butt of it on the bench. The inertia of the chisel seats it against the taper. None of this is permanent, since wood shrinks or expands with moisture. When not in use the handle will tend to loosen.
I agree 100% with shopteacher. Hold the chisel by the handle with the blade up, wack the but of the chisel on the bench to seat the handle in the socket. I would not use glue, simply wack it like this every time you take it out for use; it should never come loose! By the way, my lovely wife got me a set of five for Christmas, they hold an edge better than all my other chisels. now I spend more time using the chisels for cutting wood and much less time sharpening. They also have perfect feel and balance. Enjoy!
Bob, Tupper Lake, NY
Edited 2/25/2007 8:49 am ET by salamfam
thanks to both of you for the seating lesson. man, i'm with you there on the feel and balance. when i picked up the ln chisels at the show i knew it was only a matter of time. can a tool feel any better in one's hand?
You may purchase any of their products with a 10% discount when you visit their showroom/plant on US Route 1 in Warren Maine. Plan a trip around it, beautiful countryrside along the Atlantic. And while in the area, visit the greatest used tool shops going - Liberty Tool and it's other 2 locations in Searsport and Hulls Cove - all about an hour or so from Warren.
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