I joined the forum not long ago. I have all (most) of the power tools I'll ever find useful, but I still don't have that many handtools. I'm beginning to feel I might get even more enjoyment from handworking some of the things I efficiently bang out using the machinery at present. Plus my younger son (eight) is interested in making 'stuff' with Dad and with holidays looming...
Methinks perhaps I should consider investing in some better quality basic handtools e.g. saw, chisel, plane to enjoy, but also that my son(s) can learn to use in time (and one day inherit).
My question is (and I have looked in some of the dustier corners of the forum), particularly, what chisels are best? My guess is that they should have steel that holds a good edge for a long time. I know Japanese chisels are laminated etc, etc, but you have to be careful and not lever with them so I'm not sure they would be the best thing to go for. And another thing, when and how useful are butt chisels compared to normal bevel edge chisels as I have never worked with one? There's alot of choice and I expect much of it is pretty good, but if I want good quality at less than stellar prices - well I'm starting to feel lost. N.b Planes are well covered as I have been reading with interest on this forum.
I at present get by most jobs with a set of 4 Footprint chisels (the 3/4" chisel holds an edge much better than the 1" from the same set), Stanley No.5, Stanley 220 and Clifton 3110 planes. I'm keen that my younger son in particular, will really get sparked off with woodwork, with the help of tools also suitable for smaller hands and jelly bar arms!
Your thoughts and opinions would be most welcome.
Ike
Methinks perhaps I should consider investing in some better quality basic handtools e.g. saw, chisel, plane to enjoy, but also that my son(s) can learn to use in time (and one day inherit).
My question is (and I have looked in some of the dustier corners of the forum), particularly, what chisels are best? My guess is that they should have steel that holds a good edge for a long time. I know Japanese chisels are laminated etc, etc, but you have to be careful and not lever with them so I'm not sure they would be the best thing to go for. And another thing, when and how useful are butt chisels compared to normal bevel edge chisels as I have never worked with one? There's alot of choice and I expect much of it is pretty good, but if I want good quality at less than stellar prices - well I'm starting to feel lost. N.b Planes are well covered as I have been reading with interest on this forum.
I at present get by most jobs with a set of 4 Footprint chisels (the 3/4" chisel holds an edge much better than the 1" from the same set), Stanley No.5, Stanley 220 and Clifton 3110 planes. I'm keen that my younger son in particular, will really get sparked off with woodwork, with the help of tools also suitable for smaller hands and jelly bar arms!
Your thoughts and opinions would be most welcome.
Ike