Thread: New to Japanese hand tools

Hi Tatsu,

First, what's wrong with your current chisels? If you need dovetail (shinogi/umeki nomi) to actually make these types of joints, then it makes sense. But they are not as robust as standard bench chisels (due to their more delicate construction), so maybe less versatile (if you keep your current set of chisels, then you should be set).

You could certainly spend less and be satisfied with performance (any of the main sellers of Japanese tools carry excellent products even at the low end of the cost scale). Those you provided the link for are excellent chisels (as are most things Lee Valley sells). You pay a premium for the name and the extra cost associated with the cosmetic finish. I don't have any myself, but would not hesitate to purchase them if I could afford them and needed that style of chisel (what I'm trying to say is, even though you can spend less, the urge to own things more expensive, like J-tools, is an urge seldom conquered when you have the money in the bank).

Steve

Yes, I do indeed intend to use these chisels for their intended purpuse of making dovetails. My current Iroi..? bench chisels are doing an alright job except the hoop slides down the handle a 1/2'' on one of them and I had to re-sharpen them to make the bevel square to the chisel. I thought they would have been a little better for the $35 each I spent on them... Then again I wasn't expecting to be blown away by them either. Should I spend a bit more on tools which I will love to use and Which maker should I consider for this? That is what I am asking. Will these Teruo Miyanaga Chisles be a good choice?

buttjoint and staples

Dovetails

Well, like I said, any of the main sellers of Japanese tools will:
a. provide tools with performance you can't fault (performance is in the hands of the user and not the tool),
b. take back any should you find some sort of fault with construction (should be a rare occurrence), and
c. provide advice and further info about the tools they sell should you have questions or need help to make a choice.

There are many brands that you can choose from and any would make a fine choice (I don't think I have heard anyone say anything bad about any of the usual brands/makers). I know that sounds a bit general, but it means they can all be recommended. (I have Iyoroi and Yasaku nomi- not fancy to look at, but equal to any more expensive in terms of chiseling wood. But I'm not a professional wood worker, so there may be some benefit to spending more money that I would never benefit from).

So, if you have a price range in mind, it eliminates anything more or less expensive. The Miyanaga nomi you are looking at will certainly not disappoint if the cost is not a concern.

Steve

Originally Posted by Tatsu

I am looking at buying these premium dovetail chisels from lee valley. http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.a...51&cat=1,41504
They are made by Teruo Miyanaga and I was wondering if they are worth the money or are there better choices...

Hi Tatsu

For a comparison look at Kunikei Dovetail Making Chisels (listed under Bench Chisels) at http://www.japan-tool.com/

See details...these chisels will cut right into the corners, unlike shinogi nomi.

Neil

Thanks for the link Neil. Very nice for certain, plus the female nomi excelent for blind dovetails. I could spend a lot of time on that site. Back to the workbench for now.

Kristian

Hi Guys.
I also like the look of those Miyanaga chisels at Lee Valley, but the cost of them is to great for my bank manager to stand, if you know what I mean .

But I found these by Toshio Odate at this link http://www.toolsforworkingwood.com/M...ry_Code=TBBCND
They look very good,and I will get a couple to try, when I have some money.

But if you realy want to blow some cash on a set of dovetail chisels, have a look at these http://www.toolsforworkingwood.com/M...ry_Code=TBBCND

Cheers and good luck....Graham....