STOP wasting money on chisels! Most woodworkers only need ONE!

HELP KEEP OUR VIDEOS FREE! Please visit our sponsors►

Follow us on social media►

[fermitupoupon]

Even as a professional furniture maker I basically use 2 chisels. A 6mm mortising chisel and a 25mm bench chisel. I very rarely use a 12 or 18mm one.

Saves a lot of time measuring joints when you can just use the chisels themselves to mark and chop a mortice and to get the tenon to match perfectly.

[j.d.]

This is the most sound advice a man can give. It's so true. You saved me a ton from that impulse buying and just got to have a new toy.
I am an old dude that just started playing with wood. Bought a bunch of Stanley #60's at flea markets. Spent time learning to sharpen them first. Thank God I listened James. Thank you. Good vid

[malouteopaco]

Thank you James for the tip, i am 67 yrs old and just started working with wood stump i only have 4 chisels, the 3 i bought at walmart and the new one at True value i just need it to take the bark from the tree stump just to make plant stand

[MikeBramm]

I bought a cheap set of Stanley chisels with 1/4", 1/2", 3/4" and 1" about 40 years ago and they still work great. They sharpen very nicely and keep their edge for quite a while (3-6 months). Like you said, I do find myself mostly using the 1/2" chisel for cleaning up corners after using the router.

[jraglob]

When I first started "fine woodworking" I purchased a nice set of chisels at Woodcrafters. When my Dad passed away I got his tools. I use his OLD Craftsmen chisels all the time and the expensive ones only in "very" fine woodworking. Great video, again.

[MarkSWilliams]

I've had a set of Marples blue handle ones for years. And, yes, mostly I'm grabbing the 1/2: one. In Jim We Trust!
Thanks for all the informative videos, Jim.

[ibidesign]

You're correct, of course. Although it's ironic to hear you talk about having just one of anything, given that collection of hand tools in your background! And, yes, I realize you're by no means an 'average weekend woodworker, ' but it still made me smile.

[SnowGypsy]

In Indonesia and The Philippines, it's common to see carvers making the most amazing carvings using nothing more than a sharpened screwdriver

[wwscott]

Getting married soon, I am just going to give her a good quality chisel and we can both share it. Simple's.

[polarbear]

James you ARE 100% CORRECT . I never realised UNTIL you said it but MY 1/2 " is easily the MOST used.

[tonyy]

He's right. I now have dozens of chisels but mostly I reach for the el cheapo 1"chisel I bought first, new 15 years ago for just £1 from a web hardware warehouse, along with many odds and ends for household DIY. Despite its price, it actually works very well. I keep it razor sharp and strop it after every use, so it just gets better and better!

[GMANBC]

I got one Dewalt 3/4" chisel I use for scraping glue, lifting staples from reclaimed wood, and anything that might need a hammer to go assist.
I also have a set of 1/4", 1/2", 3/4" chisels that cost 19.99 for all 3. That's my "Good" set !!
I bought diamond sharpening stones with the money I saved.

[kerryfoster]

Great video! I bought 1/2 " and 3/4 inch plus 2 files at a car boot sale for £3. After restoring them they are superb!

[TimRoyalPastortim]

So true! I started with a cheap set of $20 Wood River chisel, and bought a 1/2" Peril. Been adding 1 at a time since.

[deezynar]

My inventory: Full length bevel edge chisels: 1/8", 1/4", 1/2", 3/4", 1". Butt chisels: 1/4", 1/2", 3/4", 1". Firmer: 3/4". Slick: 2". I keep a 3/4" butt in my apron.
I don't use all of them all the time, but it's nice to have the other sizes on hand. As for quality, good is good enough.
But the point he's making is worth hearing, I could get along with the 1/2" chisel most of the time.

[wayneprice]

Buying a full set of 8 premium chisels is a worthwhile investment . I have a complete set of Keen Kutter chisels from the 1920's that I believe are swedish. They are easily brought to a razor sharp edge and make difficult jobs easy. I am a professional restoration carpenter so I use them every week. I also have some older Buck Brothers and James Swan that are amazing. Having a quality chisel that is the perfect size is the difference between skillful surgery and butchering a job . Always use the right tool for the job.

[gabrielguzmannufo]

Thanks for the advice and this video! Almost made the mistake of buying an expensive set as a new woodworker. I will add sizes as I need them, again thank you!!!

[MintStiles]

Right on!! 1/2” for smaller stuff and 3/4” for 2-by mortises. Everything else just end up for specific sized mortises or cleaning the mortises made by these two sizes :)

[AGregPalmer]

Thanks James. I really value your wise words and clear presentation of information. I’m a beginner at 60 yo and your voice of experience is something I am very grateful for.

[johnhunter]

I also find a 50mm chisel very handy specially for doing edge banding. Cheers John