I am planning to purchase one or two new mortising chisels and am wondering whether these types of chisels need to be “initialized” – lapped and honed like bench chisels – prior to use. Also, is a micro bevel typically used on a mortising chisel?
Thanks for your help.
JT
Replies
If the back isn't flat, it will need to be flattened. It will certainly need some final polishing, on both faces.
You can use a microbevel, or not. The only thing you need is at least a 35 degree cutting angle. Mortise chisels take a beating, and anything less than 35 will break down very fast.
On my mortise chisel I don't waste my time going over 1200 grit, and maybe that might be a waste too..the first whack and its gone.
Buy the best you can afford. I tried Delta but they were so dipped between points they required a lot of flattening. Lee Valley bits were flat to begin with.
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