Replies

1. 
   BobSmalser | May 07, 2004 07:36pm | #1

   You can find mortise chisels reasonably on Ebay, but it takes some looking as the tool dealers generally mislabel them.  Otherwise there are new ones available from Highland and other suppliers.

   There is no substitute for a proper mortise chisel speedwise when cutting a dozen or so mortises for a one-off.

   http://media5.hypernet.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=008649

   http://www.cianperez.com/Wood/WoodDocs/Wood_How_To/Smalser_on_Mortises.htm

   “When we build, let us think that we build forever. Let it not be for present delight nor for present use alone. Let it be such work as our descendants will thank us for; and let us think...that a time is to come when those (heirlooms) will be held sacred because our hands have touched them, and that men will say, as they look upon the labor and wrought substance of them, ‘See! This our father did for us.’ “ --John Ruskin.

2. 
   Alan | May 08, 2004 02:33am | #2

   Don,

   I don't know what the jig you mentioned does, but from your post it sounds like you're making 1" wide mortises, you haven't drilled out the mortises and are chopping them the old fashioned way.  If that's correct:

   Bob is right, there's no substitute for a mortise chisel.  An ordinary bench chisel isn't made for this, and if you use one lots of things can go wrong--of which the work going too slow is only one.  A mortise chisel will speed things up--maybe.

   Is the mortise one inch wide?  If so, though chisels 1/2" and less are plentiful, you're going to have a tough time finding one 1" wide.  Using a mortise chisel smaller than the width of the mortise will defeat one of the best reasons to use one in the first place: they automatically cut mortises to a consistent width.

   If you're making mortises 1/2" or less, a proper chisel is a great idea.  If you're making mortises wider, I'd say to drill out the bulk of it and then use your bench chisel to clean them up.

   BTW, I chop all of my mortises.  With a good, sharp chisel and a weighty wooden mallet, chopping mortises is great fun!

   Alan

3. 
   BG | May 08, 2004 03:01am | #3

   DKF,

   I agree very much with the advise you've been given and would like to add a coupla points.  With wide mortices I drill one hole only in the center to the proper depth...usually using a spade bit.  Then I take thin parings on each side of the hole back to the mortice lines....holding the chisel up straight and perpendicular to the sides...pushing forward when the bottom is reached.  It gives you a nice clean mortice and is kinda fun. 
4. 
   RANGERP75R | May 08, 2004 07:45am | #4

   dfk

      Highland Hardware has the 1" in Crown for around $26 or so. At least that's what I paid. They have the 1" in Sorby for about $36. I have found the Crown is as good as the Sorby if not better and at more value.

      I you ever get into a lot of large mortices, the Barr is probably the best made but at a premium price of about $100 each. Worth it for timber-framing.

   http://www.highlandhardware.com

      If you don't see them on-line, just call and they will give you the current price.

   Regards...

   sarge..jt

   Proud member of the :  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

1. 
   Alan | May 09, 2004 01:10am | #5

   Sarge,

   Be careful.  Those are "registered" mortise chisels.  They're basically little more than heavy-duty bench chisels.  If you've ever tried to chop a mortise with a "registered" mortise chisel you'll appreciate the differences of a "real" mortise chisel.  DAMHIKT

   Alan

1. 
   RANGERP75R | May 09, 2004 01:55am | #6

   Alan

      You are correct. I have the 1", 3/4" and 5/8". Not many will need a motice that size. At the current price of around $35 they will get the job done. Most would use a 1" mortice or similar on a work-bench, etc. That won't happen often.

      The Crowns are not bad. You will look high and low to find a motice chisel above 1/2" or 12mm. Not a lot of demand anymore. I have the Barr 1 1/2" and 2" as I ocassionally get involved in a timber-framing project. (I wish more often as I enjoy it immensely) Eventually I will probably replace the Crown 1" with a Barr. Or maybe someone will be nice enough to give it to me as a gift. he......

   Regards...

   sarge..jtProud member of the :  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

5. 
   Yotie | May 09, 2004 07:54am | #7

   Thank you all for your great advice.  I did drill out the bulk of the waste and I am chopping out the remainder.  I am gettting along OK, but I think some new chisels are in order for the next project.

   Don

6. 
   sailalex | May 10, 2004 01:37pm | #8

   In addition to Sarge's recommendation, I would also suggest a look at the Hirsch mortice chisels at Highland Hardware; I bought one (about $35) and it does a great job.

1. 
   RANGERP75R | May 10, 2004 05:49pm | #9

   SAILALEX

      Gonna give on of those a try-out myself. Been thinking about it as there are not a tremendous amount of choices these days. Why not?

   Regards...

   sarge..jtProud member of the :  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

7. 
   lynnroy | May 11, 2004 04:14pm | #10

   You might want to consider using a router. No mater what tool you use it is going to be slow going with hard maple. I agree that all chisels are not created equal. I have an odd assortment of mortising chisels. I have a couple of Sorby Chisels that work great.

   Lynn Porter