I'm starting to get into woodworking and I'm looking to buy some chisels and gouges for personal use. I've heard that Pfeil is a great brand, but their prices are quite high. Are there any other brands you'd recommend that offer good quality at a more affordable price? I'm also open to buying used tools, as my girlfriend's late grandpa was a woodworker and I plan to use those as well. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
4 Answers
Make sure to check out Aldi’s Work Pro chisels; they’ve been getting good reviews for the price! You might be surprised at how decent they are. Sometimes those budget options can really stand out if you just need them for home projects.
I bought a super cheap set of Task Force chisels about twenty years ago and they've been surprisingly reliable for general tasks. I’ve seen them on eBay for under $10! Just remember, the quality of the edge depends largely on your sharpening skills. Full-tang chisels with a solid strike cap are what to look for. They can take a beating without breaking. But be careful—some cheap chisels may come crooked, so check them out before buying!
For regular carpentry chisels, I’d suggest checking out Narex. They’re great because with a little work, you can get them polished up to a level comparable with higher-end brands like Lie-Neilsen or Veritas. They also have a carving chisel set, though you might need to search for a dealer that carries those specifically. If you want to dabble in carving without breaking the bank, there are some generic sets that look decent—just don't invest heavily until you're sure you like it. If you find you enjoy it, you can always upgrade to Pfeil later on. Oh, and don’t overlook vintage tools; they can be gems locked away in thrift stores!
You're right about Narex! They’re some of my favorites, especially for the value. Plus, the vintage finds can be awesome, just be ready to do a bit of restoration work.
Hey! I also started with Narex chisels from Lee Valley, and they do a solid job for around 20 bucks each. They hold an edge well, too. If you’re willing to dabble a bit, thrift stores often have nice vintage chisels at great prices. Sometimes they just need a little love to get back into shape, which can be rewarding!
Yeah, I second that! Good sharpening skills can make a budget chisel work wonders. And yeah, full-tang is key for durability.