Reasonably Priced Chisels

[NCArcher]

A while ago i decided it was time for a good set of chisels. As you do.
Although they were no. 1 on the list I didn't want to wait 18 mths for a set of H&S.
Lie-Neilsen bevel edged were next on the list so I ordered a set from LN Australia.
Well, 6 months down the track and still nothing. Now I have a project on the go and am in need of some chisels. I still want to get a quality set but the money that was set aside has been used for various other tools.
I lookled at lots of 'cheap' chisels and decided i would grab a set of these.
Narex Bench Chisel Boxed 6 Pc Set (http://www.highlandwoodworking.com/narex-chisels.aspx)
They got FWW's best value set in a recent evaluation of 23 different brands so they shouldn't be complete rubbish.
At the price it was worth trying the mortice chisels as well so a set of these went on the order.
Narex Mortise Chisel Set of 5 (http://www.highlandwoodworking.com/narex-set-of-5-mortise-chisels.aspx)

They arrived within a week and i'll give Highland Woodworking in the US a wrap for their good service

First Impressions.
Out of the box (pic 1) they look pretty good. Not the sexiest chisels ever but definately solid and serviceable looking. The beech handles are oval and comfortable in the hand.
The grinding looks good but they need a sharpen.

I'm a bit spoilt because I have a plumbed sink in the shed (pic 2) which is great for sharpening. Between the Tormek, a coarse diamond plate, some waterstones and a Veritas Mk II Honing guide it didn't take long to flatten the backs, of all 11 chisels, and form an edge. The backs were pretty good and only required the removal of grinding marks to make them flat. The bevel grind was spot on 25° and again didn't need too much work. A secondary bevel was put on all chisels. A couple of chisels had small hollows towards the edge and required a little bit more attention. All chisels are now shaving sharp as my bald left hand can attest. :doh:
The project I am currently working on is a Recycled Hardwood Workbench http://www.woodworkforums.com/f213/wip-recycled-hardwood-bench-131372/ which has a few decent sized mortices so I chopped out a couple of mortices in the hardwood offcuts as a test.
This wood is old and hard and gave the chisels a good workout. My previous attempt at a mortice in this timber left my old chisels (cheap Topman brand) chipped and sad and I had to sharpen 4 times before i was finished.
I drilled one mortice with a forstner bit and the other I hogged out the old fashioned way.
I used the 12mm mortice chisel and the 20mm bevel edged. I used the same two chisels for both mortices without sharpening.
Both chisels worked well and the largish handles were comfortable for my hands.
I was pleasantly surprised at how well they retained the edge. After two mortices were complete although they were slightly dulled they were both sharp enough to pare across the grain.
It only took a few seconds on the stones to get them back to sharp.
For a total price of $178 including postage from the US I think these chisels are very good value. They will see me through the construction of the bench and beyond.
I'll add an update after I have used them a bit more.
Although I'd still like a premium set of chisels, there's now no hurry as these will do me for a while.

[Cliff Rogers]

Thanks for sharing. :2tsup:

I like the idea of the Tormek near the sink. :think:

I have 4 stainless steel sinks/tubs stashed in a container of 'good junk'
I want to put one in each shed. (2 sheds)
One will be for potting/gardening.
The other for woodwork etc.

Now that you have me thinking, I might set up another one of the tubs with a grid insert to fit in the top of the tub just for the Tormek to sit on.

I make a mess with mine every time I use it. :-

Thanks for the idea. :2tsup:

[rsser]

Thanks for the review.

IIRC FWW also gave them a good rap for value for money.

[orraloon]

That is good value. How much was the shipping?
I should be able to find a home for some pig stickers. I am always collecting old chisels but mortice ones seldom can be found.
Regards
John

[bordo]

Orraloon,

I was thinking the same thing but thought postage might be a bit much for one set. Maybe we could split postage on a set each? I'm in the lower mountains.

Mark

[NCArcher]

G'Day John,
shipping was $48. I didn't weigh it but i'd guess about 3kg. Maybe a bit more.

Cliff,
I used to make quite a mess with the Tormek as well until I realised I was overfilling the water. Barely spill a drop now.
The sink is good for the water stones. I just slosh water all over them as I sharpen and give 'em a rinse under the tap when I've finished and flattened.
Just out of picture is an 8" dry grinder with a Tormek jig holder. I had to cut the top out of the grinder case so i can use the Tormek angle master or whatever it's called. Works a treat.

[NCArcher]

Orraloon,

I was thinking the same thing but thought postage might be a bit much for one set. Maybe we could split postage on a set each? I'm in the lower mountains.

Mark

I reckon you could order half a dozen sets and offlod the spares with no problem. They're so cheap it's silly. $14 per chisel + postage.

[Sapling]

Was given 4 extra narex (on label) chisels a couple of weeks ago and they have sat on my bench ever since. Might have to give them a hone now after reading your review.
Thanks

[orraloon]

Mark,
I will be geting a set of the mortice chisels either way. If you want anything from
Highland Woodworking I will share the shipping with you.
Send me a PM
I am in Springwood
Regards
John

[orraloon]

As I posted above I want a set of mortice chisels and am willing to share postage with anabody local to share the postage. Since the last post I have had a look around and woodwork heven in the UK have them on Ebay. I am leaning towards this as I have got tools from the UK before. I will check out the ebay buy now as compared the direct approach to the dealer. Overseas sales are exempt the VAT tax.
Regards
John

[Claw Hama]

Yep great review Tony, wish I needed some chisels:D

[DorothyHick]

Eventually useful statement.

[NCArcher]

Well, I promised to update the review after I have used them a bit.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a35/NCArcher/BaseEnds.jpg

I chopped out some more mortises in this hardwood.
Four mortises, approx 70mm x 25mm and 45mm deep.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a35/NCArcher/DryFitEnds.jpg

These chisels were a pleasure to use. It may just be because I am comparing them to rubbish because I have never owned premium chisels but they worked extremely well and retained the edge even after four mortises. I gave them a 10 sec touch up on the Tormek when I was finished but i could have cut more mortises with no problem.
After a bit of use I am even more impressed with their value for money than I was before.
I've even ordered a corner chisel and a set of skew chisels to round out the set. At a whopping additional cost of $60 :D

[orraloon]

Well my set of Narex pig stickers arrived. Thanks to NCArcher for the heads up on these. I would not have expected to own a set of mortice chisels and there were slim pickings waiting on second hand ones. This was a case of the price being too good to pass up. I got mine from Woodwork Heaven in the UK. They are sharpish out of the box but do need the backs flattened and a propper sharpening. This did not take long on the oilstone. They arrived too late for by bed project so looking forward to a chance to give them a propper run. They even included a magnetic hanger for them.
Regards
John

[brunswick1075]

Thanks for posting this. Ive been looking for a reasonably priced set of chisels for a little while and this review just helped me make up my mind... Ill be purchasing both sets aswell;)

[brunswick1075]

My wife is from the Czech Republic and has gone there for 10 weeks holidays with my daughter to see her family and friends.

Ive asked her father who is a luthier there to check out some prices for me so she can bring them back with her. Be interesting to see if he can get them cheaper than i what i can get them in the states online...

I post what prices i can get them for 'locally'

Regards
Craig

[NCArcher]

Be interested to find out , thanks Craig.

[damian]

Narex Bevel-Edge Chisels - Lee Valley Tools (http://www.leevalley.com/US/wood/page.aspx?p=49989&cat=1,41504,43500&ap=1)

are these the same chisels ? If so lee valley seems a bit cheaper. They have the mortising ones aswell..

[NCArcher]

Yeah same chisels. LV didn't have them when i was looking to buy. The different retailers seem to have different packages too. I got a boxed set of 6 rather than LV's set of 8 but a bit cheaper than LV's set. Be interesting to see if Craig can get them any cheaper from the manufacturer. Still good value where ever you buy them.

[brunswick1075]

My wife doesnt get back for another 8 weeks, but ive been on their website and its looking very, very good indeed:D

They have 17 sizes(3mm-50mm) in the bevel edge range and i can get the lot for $A124.33, which works out to be a staggering $7.31 a chisel:2tsup:

I can also get all 8 sizes(4mm-16mm)of the mortise chisels for $86.88.

$210.00 for 25 chisels is a pretty good price... Im also getting a scratch awl($3), a wooden mallet($6), an 8mm concave carving chisel for $14 and a carbon steel cabinet scraper for 70c!

There planes look like reasonable quality, but they only have 2 sizes. None that i want.

Cant go wrong for around $250.00 in my opinion:D

Pics will follow delivery, although the wife is already complaining about the extra 3kg's of tools she has to bring home:rolleyes:

Website: http://proe.cz/narexby2/index.php?Lang=CS&p=

Works out that their factory is only 25km from where my wife is from too, so next time im over there ill take a visit...

[damian]

Maybe we could organise a group buy ? I'm not sure what I'd do with 17 chisels but a set of every other one from 3 mm up would be nice. That 8530 set for example....

Narex - Bystøice_02 - 8530 (http://proe.cz/narexby2/?c=narexby_2933)

[brunswick1075]

Maybe we could organise a group buy ? I'm not sure what I'd do with 17 chisels but a set of every other one from 3 mm up would be nice. That 8530 set for example....

Narex - Bystøice_02 - 8530 (http://proe.cz/narexby2/?c=narexby_2933)

A group buy would have to be organised by me next time im over there, which will be just over a year from now.

Hell will freeze over before i convince the wife to throw her clothes out and fill up her suitcase with 30kg of chisels and the like :)(

It is amazing value though imo

[Robson Valley]

I'm not too certain that "economical" translates as "good" tools.

I bought the pair of economical skew chisels from LV who have kindly offered to replace them, admitting that they do not examine every tool that comes into the warehouse. Not about to do so after all the time invested in grinding the pitting out of the edges.
Mind you, the steel seems to be quite good to hold an edge (Brazil-made).

[damian]

A group buy would have to be organised by me next time im over there, which will be just over a year from now.

Is there no retailer over there who would ship an order ? I don't think we would want to put you personally to that trouble...

The other possibility is LV might do a group discount for a larger order ?




Hell will freeze over before i convince the wife to throw her clothes out and fill up her suitcase with 30kg of chisels and the like :)(


Ha! The phone would melt! :)

[brunswick1075]

Well, the wife got back on Thursday night and arrived with 6.5kg worth of chisels for yours truly:D

ImageShack® - Online Photo and Video Hosting (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/845/20110719163932g.jpg/)

Everything in the picture worked out to be A$272.00 after conversion which isnt to bad imo. The only chisel im missing is the 22mm bevel edge which they didnt have in stock on the day my wife went there...

[brunswick1075]

It was actually A$217.00 my wife has informed me. 3,900 Kc when i thought it was 4,900 Kc

:2tsup:

[damian]

I bought the set of 4 from highland tools. I assume they are the "old" pattern but they are cheaper than lee valley on both the item and shipping.

I see you now have a lifetime complete set of chisels :) If only you could buy a brazilian number of handplanes of that quality for that sort of money.

[brunswick1075]

I bought the set of 4 from highland tools. I assume they are the "old" pattern but they are cheaper than lee valley on both the item and shipping.

I see you now have a lifetime complete set of chisels :) If only you could buy a brazilian number of handplanes of that quality for that sort of money.

They do make planes, but they only had 1 on view on their website. It would be interesting to see if they had different sized planes at their factory...

Im very happy with the price and quality of the Narex chisels. I have a few hours ahead of me sharpening and flattening though!

[T.C]

I got mine from Woodwork Heaven in the UK.

John, did you get yours through their eBay listing or their website. I was looking at getting a set of the cabinet and mortice chisels but haven't got a reply yet from a couple of emails I've sent them. So I'm wondering what the shipping costs would be like and if the VAT does apply. Regards, T.C

[orraloon]

TC,
Yes it was the ebay listing. I dont recall the exact price or postage now but it was reasonable. UK postage is a bit less than from the US.
Regards
John

[T.C]

Thanks, I got a reply from them and the VAT will be deducted and a rebate for any excess shipping costs. I'll keep watching the Aus $ climb back up a bit more and make the purchase soon I hope.

[T.C]

Ok time for an update. So I was watching the Aus $ rise up, then the Euro zone crisis hit and now it's heading down the slope in the currency roller coaster. I knew I should have bit the bullet earlier and ordered them when the dollar was still good :doh:. Anyway I've been keeping an eye on the Workshop Heaven site and they've finally gone on sale :). So now I'm waiting for a full set of the cabinet makers chisels and a set of mortice chisels to be shipped :D.

[brunswick1075]

Ok time for an update. So I was watching the Aus $ rise up, then the Euro zone crisis hit and now it's heading down the slope in the currency roller coaster. I knew I should have bit the bullet earlier and ordered them when the dollar was still good :doh:. Anyway I've been keeping an eye on the Workshop Heaven site and they've finally gone on sale :). So now I'm waiting for a full set of the cabinet makers chisels and a set of mortice chisels to be shipped :D.

They are a pretty good chisel imho... How much will you be paying all up including postage?

Looks like they have changed their handles on all chisels as well...

[Sawdust Maker]

Re change of handle
It looks like they have two different sets with different handles, the 8882 and the 8112
I think the 8112 is the set that Tony bought

[NCArcher]

Re change of handle
It looks like they have two different sets with different handles, the 8882 and the 8112
I think the 8112 is the set that Tony bought
8112 for the mortise chisels and 8105 for the bevel edged. There wasn't a choice when I bought them. :no:
The larger handles do suit my biggish mits pretty well.
Still happy with these chisels and won't be 'upgrading' any time soon. :U

[Pac man]

About a month and a half ago i contacted Narex Bystrice and ordered direct from them via an email.

Thanks to Filip from Narex I received a well packaged box of chisels within 8 days of placing the order. (Thanks to Brunswick who let me know that postage from Czech republic would be aok)
I ordered the larger horn beam handles which feel good in my hand. The chisels are finished ground and not polished. The small chisel was not yet available in the larger handle.

I found the chisles to be well finished. Some of the handels however look a bit thirsty and require a bit of finish.

I need to give them a polish and will let you know how they go.

[Sawdust Maker]

...
Still happy with these chisels and won't be 'upgrading' any time soon. :U


I'm pleased you're still happy with them

On the basis of your report a set ended up in my shed, not exactly sure how :doh:
I'm happy with them but yet to misuse them with real intent, but I did chisel out a mortise with them when they arrived - first time I'd ever done that without drilling etc - twas fun

got the corner chisel as well, haven't used it yet and am a little concerned with its looks, seems to have been nickel plated after shaping, grinding and sharpening. Anyway we'll see.

[T.C]

They are a pretty good chisel imho... How much will you be paying all up including postage?

Looks like they have changed their handles on all chisels as well...

Around $400 for 14 No. 8116 cabinet makers, 8 No. 8882 mortice chisels and shipping.

I've had a look at other stores as well and it appears they supply a range of handles so different places would probably order whatever combination they like.

[NCArcher]

..but I did chisel out a mortise with them when they arrived - first time I'd ever done that without drilling etc - twas fun

got the corner chisel as well, haven't used it yet and am a little concerned with its looks, seems to have been nickel plated after shaping, grinding and sharpening. Anyway we'll see.

Chopping a mortise out by hand is fun...the first time. :U I drill them all out now.
I'm not that impressed with the corner chisel. It's a bit fragile. Probably ok for softer woods (haven't used any of those for a while) but it struggles in our hardwoods. Needed lots of resharpening so I just use the other chisels to clean up the corners.

[Trav]

Anyway I've been keeping an eye on the Workshop Heaven site and they've finally gone on sale :). So now I'm waiting for a full set of the cabinet makers chisels and a set of mortice chisels to be shipped :D.


TC - when I saw this update, I checked the workshop heaven page. I too had been waiting for a sale, but had managed to miss it until I saw your message.

I too will soon be the proud owner of the cabinet markers and mortice chisels.

Thanks again

Trav

[chook]

I bought a set of Stanley Bevel Edged Chisels about 12 years ago. I do not remember what they cost then but it was not much. They range in size from 1/4" to 1 1/4".

They do what chisels are suppose to do. That is to say , they chisel. They hold a razor sharp edge and I suppose that if I am still alive in another 30 or 40 years I will still be using them.

[Trav]

Mine have arrived. Not very sharp (maybe I have tough arm hair!) and they are bigger than I expected. The mortice chisels in particular are quite large. Finish is quite good. Still some grinding marks on the side of the blades. I bought some scrapers too (not Narex) and the whole package came in quite a big box. Packaging was OK, not great. 1 chisel has no edge guard, and most of the guards are not specifically sized for the chisel (2-3 sizes fits all).

Haven't used them in anger yet, but they look like they will stand up to a good fumpin, which is what they were intended to do.

Trav

[T.C]

I've got all mine also. A bit of mistake with the packing of the first delivery :o (the mortice chisels were missing), but an email and a week later and they arrived. I'll have to agree the mortice chisels do seem quite large, but these are my first set. Now to find some time to sharpen them up and a project that needs their use.

[MitreBond]

I found that in Austrailia that Bahco chisels seem to be the best on the market but to be honest I would still prefer to buy the original marples from the UK they have the red and yellow handle they roughly cost about $80 plus P&P

[Sawdust Maker]

Found this video on the Narex mortising chisels

here (http://www.youtube.com/user/HighlandWoodworking?ob=video-mustangbase#p/u/6/uoPBFPBW_3A)

enjoy

[markharrison]

I just bought one of the new Stanley 1 1/4" "Sweetheart" chisel to complement my Lie-Nielsen bevel edge chisel set. LN only go up to 1".

I have to say I am pleasantly surprised. For sure they don't have quite the same fit and finish of a LN chisel. The balance and design is very similar to the LN tools. I don't have a comparable size Stanley to compare to the LN but it feels about right for the size of the tool.

There are still subtle milling marks all over the surface. However, the back is dead flat. I think they are well priced for the level of quality.

Were there a choice, I still would have bought a LN chisel in this size, because I can afford it. However, I think Stanley have got it about right. I would recommend them.

EDIT: The first picture is the Stanley on the left and the LN 1" chisel on the right for comparison. I have only polished the back on the LN half way up from the edge. You can see where it stops and above that is how it comes from the factory.

[brunswick1075]

After nearly 12 months im really happy with the purchase. They hold an edge quite well and were top notch value for me personally.

Pacman, what did you pay all up including postage? I imagine you got exceptional value going straight to the source?

[Pac man]

Worked out to be about 14 dollars per chisel posted for the wood line plus ( hornbeam handle) "bevel edge premium"

Hornbeam = heavy = 96 euros postage.