Help, those of you with HF chisels

[Rob R]

OK,

i've done some searching and have discovered that HF has 2 different chisel sets.

8 piece with light colored handles for 35.99

8 piece with dark colored handles for 44.99

it has been suggested in past threads to get the ones with the dark handles.

here's the issue: Why???

i am getting a jet midi for christmas and am going to need some tools. this looks like the way to get started. but which one?

thanks!!

rob

[Tom Miller]

Chisels with darker handles tend to stay sharp a little longer.



But, seriously, I guess I only know about (and own) the chisels with light colored handles -- I think they say "Windsor", and are HSS (high speed steel), which is what you want. Are there any other attributes listed for the dark colored handle chisels?

Regards,
Tom

[DonHo]

I have the dark handled tools from HF. I haven't seen the light handled ones nor am I experienced enough to compare the quality of tools. I also have a few PSI tools and the HF tools seem to be about the same quality. I'm sure not a good as some of the hight end tools but they do the job and I feel a lot better about learning to sharpen on the cheaper tools than I would on some of the hight end tools that cost twice as much for one tool than my whole set cost.
DonHo

[Pappy]

Don't just go by handle color. HF changes stuff faster than most folks change skivies. Like was said, you want the set that is HSS.

[Rob R]

Don't just go by handle color. HF changes stuff faster than most folks change skivies. Like was said, you want the set that is HSS.

they both say HSS. the dark ones are a little longer but only about 1/2" or so. so it looks like i'll go with the cheaper ones and put the $10 towards something else unless there is something i'm missing...


Thanks guys!!!

[gerti]

I started out with the light colored handled "Windsor" chisels. They are usable, but don't hold their edge very long and need very frequent visits to the grinder.

These days I only use them to grind into infrequently used specialty shapes.

[leehljp]

The darker colored handle set has approx. 3/32 in thick brass rings holding the handle to the blade. The lighter handled set has thin ferrels that are more or less stamped metal in place of the brass rings. The ferrels are held on to the wood handle by a brad. The brass rings of the dark handled ones are much stronger.

I was fortunate enough to find both sets at one store and I opened both and examined in detail. The darker set was a better quality set inn both detail and in strength - in my opinion. Well worth the extra dollars.

BTW I was in Reno, NV last spring visiting a friend when we went to his HF store and I saw the difference. I also knew that they did not have them in the Memphis store (near where I lived) so I bought the dark set and carried them in my luggage back to Memphis. I was a happy camper with dark red handled set.

[Rob R]

Thanks for all the help. It looks like it will be the dark handles for me. My harbor fright has both of them, i guess i just don't know what to look for.

can't wait until after christmas...

i think i may order the ext bed too...45$$ on amazon right now, beats 59$ plus tax at woodcraft/rockler!!

[Doug Jones]

keep in mind that the HF set does not include a "bowl" gouge.