Help me chose a tool

[wbrent]

I'm getting into this timber framing thing and think I want to add to my tools. I'm on a budget so can only afford one probably. I have three chisels - 3/4", 1" and 1 1/2". They're old but I've managed to sharpen them well  they all have swept backs on them. Since we do mostly 2" mortises I'm wondering about a 2" Robert Sorby chisel. That would also give me one flat back chisel. My other option is a 1" corner chisel. Between it and my other chisels I could still chisel out the ends of the mortises. So what do you all say. 2" Robert Sorby or the 1" corner chisel. 

[Don P]

2", I used to have a bruzz, haven't seen it in 30 or 40 years and really haven't missed it.

[Brad_bb]

Other options for 2" is

Get a good antique 2" from Jim Rogers.  He sells good tools ready to work.  He has timberframe tools for sale in the for sale section on the forestry forum.

A new Barr chisel is another option, but I prefer the old stuff.  I own all chisels from the 1800's.

I'd get the 2" before a corner chisel.  A corner chisel is not a need but a nice to have.

[Jeff]

Timber Framing Hand Tools for Sale in For Sale

[Ljohnsaw]

I'd get the 2" before a corner chisel. A corner chisel is not a need but a nice to have.

+1


I bought a 2" off of eBay about 5 or 6 years ago.  Had to make a handle for it.  It is a super heavy one and keeps its edge well.   I think that is where I found a real nice 3/4" as well.  I already had a couple 1" that I make do with.  Somewhere along the way I found another 2" that was horribly abused.  The socket was rolled over from pounding it with a sledge hammer.  I cut that off and made a new socket.  It keeps it edge fairly well but not as heavy as my first one.  Then I was on a quest to find a 1" corner chisel for a reasonable price (a unicorn).  I did find one last year for $30-40 and it was in really fine shape (needed a handle).  It is nice for mortise clean up - saves a bit of time but, by far, the 2" saves the most time on 2" mortises.