mortice chisel bits and sharpening

[Selwyn]

Got a pile of mortice chisels which are good quality. But I'm so inexperienced I'm not sure which bits fit which chisels properly etc. all a bit of a jumble - also not sure if chisels and bits are sharp enough.

Does anyone know someone really trustworthy who would check them over and sharpen them if necessary and send them back in good condition. Don't know any local sharpeners for this in west wales. If anyone here will do it for me I'll pay you!

 

[custard]

If there are no dimensions stamped on then fitting the individual bits to the chisels is just a case of sliding them in (from the sharp end of the chisel) and finding the combination with the best fit around the lip and spur of the auger and the chisel. It's quite common to have a couple of augers for each chisel as the augers wear out first.

What morticer do you have? Some machines need a dedicated bushing for each size while others just hold the augur in a chuck.

There are dedicated sharpening tools for English pattern, Japanese pattern, and different brands; but it's also possible to make your own sharpening cones. None of this is difficult and I'm sure there will be loads of advice on line. Post a photo here of what you've got and you'll get plenty of help. Really, none of this is at all tricky, and being able to sharpen and touch up your own chisels and augers is an important skill when it comes to operating a morticing machine.

Good luck!