Chisels? and Block Plane replacements.

[syntec4]

I'm new here, but I think I might have one foot over the edge of the slope already. :wink:

I would like a set of bevel chisels for general work. I have these at the moment http://www.axminster.co.uk/src/2005wk48/recno/4/product-Axminster-Bevel-Edge-Chisel-Set-31355.htm
But I find they loose the edge very quickly when working with hardwood. The handles are not that well made, but they didn't cost much in the first place so I'm not complaining. I could still use them if I need to Chop out a mortice with a Hammer etc.

I also have a block plane http://www.axminster.co.uk/src/2005wk48/recno/1/product-Axminster-No.220-Block-Plane-210964.htm Which I use a lot and works fairly well but requires constant tweaking/sharpening to get the right cut. It appears to suffer from temperature changes as well, the cut will get heavier as it is used more. Is this normal with all planes or would a bronze body help with this? I guess the blade is expanding with me holding it, but the body does not seem to warm up at the same rate, causing a longer blade and deeper cut? My garage does take a while to warm up at this time of year.

Any suggestions for replacements and you're reviews of specific products.
Budget? er well its not unlimited, but I don't want to buy any more for a while. Honest :wink:
Thanks all.
lee.

 

[edmund]

Hi Lee,

Welcome to the site (and the slippery slope :wink: ).

Have a look at these threads:
https://www.ukworkshop.co.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?t=7144&highlight= on Kirschen chisels (from Axminster). I think these would be a step up from what you are currently using.
https://www.ukworkshop.co.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?t=6239&highlight= on block planes.

I use a Lie-Nielsen 60 1/2 block plane (the low angle adjustable mouth).
http://www.axminster.co.uk/product.asp?src=2005wk48&pf_id=20380&name=lie nielsen&sfile=1&jump=0
It would be quite a jump pricewise, but it is absolutely brill (I think that would be the consensus from most on this site). I think that the problem you currently have with the thickness of cut changing will be due to generally low tolerances on the fit of the parts of the plane - it's not something you realise until you get your mitts on a really good one. A manganese bronze body won't make any difference (plus they're more expensive that ductile iron bodies). I use to use a Record adjustable mouth block plane (bought from B&Q), about £35, then I spent another £30 getting a really good blade, and it's still nowhere near as good as the L-N. One for Xmas maybe??

On chisels, the better quality the steel (i.e. the more expensive) the keener edge the tool will hold. The softer the steel the sooner the blade will lose its edge but the quicker it is to sharpen. If you use Japanese chisels (which I do and I really rate them) the steel is harder so the edge stays sharper for longer, but they take longer to sharpen (and usually they are more expensive).

Hope this helps a bit. I'm sure you'll get lots of other advice from the members.

Cheers, Ed

 

[Alf]

Ed has probably got you started on the archives, but if not, there's lots more opinion in there. The Groz plane is, erm, well useable, but you do need to have some idea of what a block plane should be able to do - and be prepared for the Groz not to do it... :roll: :lol: There's a review of it skulling about somewhere, where I think I included mentioning adding some epoxy to build up the bedding area a bit, which is a helpful start.

Cheers, Alf

 

[Jarviser]

Tilgear currently have reductions on Lie-Nielsen. The 60 1/2 and 9 1/2 are currently just over £105 including postage. They have no website so look here. http://www.applegate.co.uk/company/10/26/084.htm