Please help me to be strong

[Trackerbuddy]

So I was at Home Depot and I saw these chisels. $30 and done
I've been making sawdust for years. My woodworking has taken a turn and I'm starting to take it seriously including my tools. Trying to learn about chisels, looks like there's lots of info here. I just need to be strong and refrain from buying chisels until I find something worthwhile.

[Yadda]

So I was at Home Depot and I saw these chisels. $30 and done
I've been making sawdust for years. My woodworking has taken a turn and I'm starting to take it seriously including my tools. Trying to learn about chisels, looks like there's lots of info here. I just need to be strong and refrain from buying chisels until I find something worthwhile.

Welcome!

I am a fan of Paul Sellers.  You've probably seen his woodworking videos on YouTube.  He uses WorkForce chisels from Aldi.  They are around $6 to $10 dollars for a set of 4 when you can find them.  You can also spend a lot of money  on high quality chisels.  These are middle of the road. I would consider looking a little longer.

[Papaw]

Also keep your eye out for vintage chisels in good condition.

[Northwoods]

Wranglerstar and others claim that Irwin Marples are quality chisels.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tr9wDSIesec

https://www.google.com/search?q=irwin+marples+chisel+set&ie=&oe=

And I agree w/ Papaw, as well.  I have a bunch of really great chisels obtained at very low prices.  But, be choosy.

[kwoswalt99]

Wranglerstar and others claim that Irwin Marples are quality chisels.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tr9wDSIesec

https://www.google.com/search?q=irwin+marples+chisel+set&ie=&oe=

And I agree w/ Papaw, as well.  I have a bunch of really great chisels obtained at very low prices.  But, be choosy.

They're not quite as good as pre-Irwin Marples.

[lptools]

Hello, You should also consider the type of chisel that you want to buy, along with the type of work that you do. I carry a set of Stanley No. 60 Butt Chisels at work, general purpose, metal caps for striking, good for rough demo , ( i.e. hardwood floor repair), and door hinge & hardware work. I like a firmer chisel in the shop, longer blades, for finer work. Then there are paring chisels, longer yet, thinner blades, detail work, paring dovetails, fitting dutchmans.  And then there are mortise chisels and framing chisels, both are specialized to a task. Most of what you see in the big box stores are going to be Butt Chisels. Check the places like Rockler, Garrett Wade, Lee Valley, if you are interested in researching chisel types, use, & price. Have I made your head spin? I agree with the others, my favorite chisels have been purchased at garage/estate sales, & auctions. Regards, Lou

[Trackerbuddy]

What's the deal with vintage Japanese chisels?  I see lots of them on eBay.

[kwoswalt99]

What's the deal with vintage Japanese chisels?  I see lots of them on eBay.

Laminated blades, very hard steel. Will hold a very fine edge.

[Analog]

I purchased a set of the WorkForce chisels from Aldi and like them a lot. The only problem is that Aldi only had them for a few weeks per year.

[Ken W.]

I buy a lot of chisels at yard and estate sale. I see quite a few with broken handles for a buck or less. I find that most of these are the older collectable ones made from good steel. I noticed that most folks will pass on these because of no handles.

[p_toad]

10-4 on the ones with broken handles; especially those with sockets.   You have to watch that the previous owners haven't hammered on the socket and mashed it in or cracked it.   Unfortunately a lot of the old ones are pretty beat up.   I have heard from others that the Aldi's are pretty decent for the money, but i've never seen them in my local store.   The last new sockets i bought were years ago - a set of made in England Stanleys   - one each of every size i could find at Big Lots.   They've stopped carrying any kind of real tool closeouts.   

[kwoswalt99]

10-4 on the ones with broken handles; especially those with sockets.   You have to watch that the previous owners haven't hammered on the socket and mashed it in or cracked it.   Unfortunately a lot of the old ones are pretty beat up.   

I've put handles on those before, I've even added tangs to socket chisels.

[Trackerbuddy]

I picked up $20 worth of chisels at the Springfield OH extravaganza   
My question is about the Stanley 702. The previous owner didn't use it as a paring chisel. How do you fix the flared socket?  I'm thinking grind it and then sand a handle to fit.

[kwoswalt99]

Yeah just grind it down.

[lptools]

Hello, I agree, grind away the flared edge. I use a stepped bit (unibit) to clean up the interior of the socket, and then finish with a file. Regards, Lou