Replies

1. 
   JeffKurtz | Dec 02, 2002 03:45am | #1

   Try Wood Craft's web site ( http://www.woodcraft.com ) for a nice assortment.  Some brand names to look for are Marples, Two Cherries, Crown, Robert Sorby and Pfeil.

   More specifically:

   Item# 12G20   Set of 8 Marples Blue Chip Bench Chisels.  $74.75

   Item# 05T30  Set of 4 Pfeil Swiss Made Bench Chisels.  $74.95

   Item# 07F20 Set of 4 Sorby Cabinetmaker's Chisels.  $119.75

   Any of these will make a wonderful gift.

   Jeff 

2. 
   TomMGTC | Dec 02, 2002 03:45am | #2

   Can't really go wrong with a set of marples blue chip chisels in that price range. Most of the usual woodworking supply places carry them.

   Tom

3. 
   besea | Dec 02, 2002 03:57am | #3

   I bought , essentially one at a time every so often when I went to home depot, the Stanley fat max chisels.  They have great handles ( that don't roll off the workbench too ! ) and resharpen nicely.  I'm no expert but I like them.

   BC

4. 
   Lar55 | Dec 02, 2002 07:29am | #4

   Check out Diefenbacher's website, great selection of quality chisels and great service.  They get them to your door really quick.

     http://www.diefenbacher.com/

1. 
   b1gcountry | Dec 02, 2002 10:11pm | #7

   I can second this recommendation. Ron is a really nice guy to boot. The Two Cherries are a good chisel, and the 'house brand' is a very decent value made by Buck Bros. (I think). If you don't want the chubby handles, try a Hirsch chisel from Highland Hardware (same chisel as the two cherries)

   Tom

5. 
   Ricky_Yu | Dec 02, 2002 12:20pm | #5

   Since the request wasn't more specific than "wood chisel set," I will assume we are talking about bevel-edged bench chisels, since they are the most popular and versatile and they are widely available and commonly come in sets. There is a vast array of choices, but with a lot of other things, let price be your guide in terms of quality. Perhaps a brief description of your father's woodworking ability level might help to determine an appropriate set. For example, the Marples Blue Chip is an ideal starter set (wooden boxed set of 6 for about $55). They're very popular because they are a great value. However, their plastic handles are not as comfortable or attractive as wooden ones. If you want to go that route, Crown represents a good value ($55 for a set of 4), and their rosewood handles are attractive to boot. I also like Hirsch (set of 6 from Lee Valley for $78) because their hooped handles are better able to withstand mallet blows. If you prefer a wooden boxed set (for a nice presentation and easier wrapping), a set of 4 from Two Cherries is available for about $75. I also like Robert Sorby and the Japanese style of chisels, but their higher prices might limit you to getting only 2 or 3 sizes as your budget dictates.

1. 
   mn_karen | Dec 02, 2002 04:54pm | #6

   Thanks! I'll have to see if I can get more information as to type of chisel without giving away the surprise. (We all just exchange wish lists each year, so the chisels were one of several possible gifts.)

   As to his expertise level, I'm not sure. On the one hand, he isn't someone who makes a lot of things or lives in his shop. On the other hand, he has put together things like a palatial rabbit hutch and done some really nice repairs to things. (My parents have a hobby farm in TX and are retiring to a larger piece of property to breed horses shortly.) He is an architect as well. I guess the best way to describe his skill level is that he doesn't work with wood often, but when he does it is planned and executed in great detail.

1. 
   BG | Dec 04, 2002 04:58pm | #9

   MN,

   A bit more information would be good.  In the pit of my stomach I'm thinking maybe he meant wood carving chisels...could that be?  Either way Two Cherry is a great choice.  Personally, I'm trying to decide between the Japanese bench chisel and the Two Cherry...can't go wrong with either.. 

1. 
   b1gcountry | Dec 04, 2002 06:55pm | #10

   The japanese chisels are quite different. I would at least make sure he would be interested in them before you go out and shell out money for them.

   Tom

6. 
   WillOBrien | Dec 03, 2002 04:08am | #8

   MN Karen,

   Let me start by saying that you are a wonderful daughter.  I only wish that I had such a loving daughter that she would buy me a nice set of chisels for Christmas.  I think that I will have to wait for my 8 year old to turn 18 or 28, then if I have raised her well she will take after you in her gift giving selections.

   Now on to your question.  There are only a few negative things that I will say about any chisel because the differences between one chisel and another are very small.  The first watch-out for you is that Japanese chisels are very expensive and they are brittle, which means the the sharp edge chips easily which requires the chip to be sharpened out but when it is removed they will no longer be as brittle - this is a function of the manufacturing process

   The second watch-out is that I have read many reviews of the Marples chisels -- some people like them very much (good price) and some people complain about it taking a long time to get the backs of the chisels flat which is rather frustrating - so I conclude that they probably have inconsistent quality so I stay away from them.

   After that there is very little difference beyond personal preference in chisels.  Fine Wood Working had an issue about 3 years ago that had a long comparison of many chisels.  In a controlled atomshere, with precise instruments the differences in metal hardness/softness etc can be measured but for most of us we would not detect the difference in the shop. 

   I searched a long time for the combination of quality, price, aesthetics, snob value etc. and was very excited to finally buy a set of 2 Cherry's - they are beautiful and anyone would be proud to own them.  They came very sharp, right out of the box.  Whether it is rational or not, I just plane enjoy using them so it was an awesome choice for me and I think that your Dad would love them too.

   Most importantly you should buy your Dad a book on how to sharpen his new chisels.  Knowing how to quickly and effectively sharpen his chisels will be the single most important factor in his gaining enjoyment from them and in determining the quality of work that he produces.  One can sharpen with oil stones, Japanese water stones or sandpaper - all work very well and have their own pluses and minuses.  You can search the web for a site that talks about "scary sharp".  It is a very effective method for sharpening and entertaining to read.  Lastly you should consider getting your Dad a sharpening jig from Veritas.  It will save him a lot of time and significantly improve his sharpening ability.

   Merry Christmas,

   Will