Thread: Chisels how many do you really need??

In terms of outright number, the number of different sizes (width and length) are another to consider

Like most things, the number probably depends on what type of work you do.

Sometimes it also helps to have at least a couple of the commonly used sizes so you can start a task and not have to start to sharpen.

Some folks like to have a "special set" and a "rougher work" or "every day set"

So all up ,it's a bit of a "how long is a piece of string" question.

Originally Posted by BobL

So all up ,it's a bit of a "how long is a piece of string" question.

Double the distance from the middle to one end.

As Bob says...depends on the type of work you do.

I have two sets...bevelled edge firmers and mortice.

Then I have others (lots of them) and multiples of the common sizes.

I see lonely chisels at the markets and I buy them. Rehab and put in the rack/draw.

However many I've got, I always seem to need more....

Originally Posted by BobL

In terms of outright number, the number of different sizes (width and length) are another to consider

Width across the blade well that is determined by what you are cutting dimensionally and generally chisels come in a range of standard sizes. (With the exception of poorly made non dimensionally accurate ones)

Length I am interested in hearing your thoughts on. I mean once a chisel gets sharpened down past a certain length is it no longer desirable or do you cut a chisel short for specific purpose. Are there extra long chisels on the market?

Originally Posted by DSEL74

Opening a can of worms here but it is a legit question.

There seems to be more and more types of chisels available and I am wondering how many you do really need and how many are just nice to have?

I think a more realistic question is how many chisels do you want. Especially for a collector. In my experience my needs would be well covered by a single set of any fair to middling brand. Maybe six different sized bevels and a couple of long parers for hand work. However, as a collector my wants are infinite and I have no boundary except cost and opportunity. So we are trying to compare the earnest requirements of a woodworker just getting the job done with the virtual mental illness and obsessive compulsions of a semi deranged person. Like myself. Ask the Missus?

Hey Doggie, did you ask her or did she just give her opinion?
Regards

Due to the discrepancy between what I need and what I have - I do not feel that I can answer this without compromising myself!

Chisels, how many do you really need??


Good question. Do you count the crap ones or only the good ones?




Fair Winds

Graeme

I must not buy crap tools again.
I must not buy crap tools again.
I must not buy crap tools again.
I must not buy crap tools again.
........

Originally Posted by Doggie

I think a more realistic question is how many chisels do you want. Especially for a collector. In my experience my needs would be well covered by a single set of any fair to middling brand. Maybe six different sized bevels and a couple of long parers for hand work. However, as a collector my wants are infinite and I have no boundary except cost and opportunity. So we are trying to compare the earnest requirements of a woodworker just getting the job done with the virtual mental illness and obsessive compulsions of a semi deranged person. Like myself. Ask the Missus?

Trying to avoid the want….The need & use is the focus. If I had heaps of money I'd buy plenty of tools just because I like them some I may not even know what they are for!

What I am trying to accretion is what is necessary and what really is just doubling up for the sake of it, spiced with why you may really need some of the finer differences in real world applications.

It's not really what you need but the inability to get rid of those you don't.

Originally Posted by A Duke

Hey Doggie, did you ask her or did she just give her opinion?
Regards

My better half does not need to be asked these things. She readily volunteers them. A lot. Whereas I don't have opinions, just un-met needs, wants and desires that are at her discretion to deny. In other words I am a typical husband engaged in a continual search of my domestic environment for things that will show me in a good light so that the denials do not overwhelm the acceptances. The chisels are my only act of defiance in a quarter of a century. They might have to go!!

Originally Posted by jimbur

It's not really what you need but the inability to get rid of those you don't.

Feel free to offload your unneeded ones to me. Just trying to do a public service!

I'd say 5 or 6 in the following sizes will get you by for most things; really small, small, medium, slightly-bigger-than-medium-but-not-quite-large, large and really large, plus one 'bashing' chisel.

But in all seriousness, I bought a set of 10 bevel edge Japanese butt chisels and have never been without one that will do what I need. Except once where I needed a fishtail chisel; so I cut one out of an old buzzer blade with an angle grinder - wasn't pretty but worked like a dream.

just the 1. But its got to be the right width and the right shape for the job.