Crafting your own furniture, building a boat, or completing a woodworking project can be an incredibly fulfilling experience. However, the quality of your tools plays a significant role in determining the final outcome. A high-quality chisel set, for instance, can elevate an average woodworker to a master craftsman. Such an exceptional set will contain all the necessary chisels, and then some, to complete even the most ambitious projects.
In addition to being essential for woodworking, a chisel set is highly versatile, allowing you to tackle a wide range of tasks, including carving holes, shaping blocks of wood into bowls, shaving down rough edges, creating perfectly tapered bevels or intricate dovetails, cutting mortises, and scraping glue from a workpiece.
While power tools like a wood planer can speed up large-scale projects, a chisel set provides the precision and control needed to work with softwood or hardwood without compromising the fine wood grain.
The 8 Best Chisel Sets
When it comes to wood chiseling, having the right tools is crucial. A good quality chisel set can make a huge difference in the ease and precision of your woodworking projects. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best wood chisel sets available in the market. From Stanley’s 16-150 3-Piece Chisel Set to Irwin Tools’ Marples M444SB6N Woodworking 6-Piece Chisel Set, and even VonHaus’ 8-piece Craftsman Woodworking Wood Chisel Set, we’ll explore some of the top-rated options.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced woodworker, having the right chisels can make all the difference in your projects.
Our Top Pick for the Best Chisel Set
Our top recommendation for the best chisel set is the Narex 6-piece offering, which boasts exceptional craftsmanship, precision cutting action, and exquisite solid wood handles that will make working with them a true pleasure. While they arrive in a beautifully crafted presentation box, these professional-grade chisels are sure to find themselves at your side, assisting you in crafting wooden masterpieces for your hobby or creating the furniture of your dreams.
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How to Choose the Best Chisel Set
Chisel Set Size
When it comes to chisel sets, there’s a wide range of options available, each with varying numbers and sizes of chisels. For general woodworking or hobby-related tasks that don’t require heavy-duty use, a smaller set might suffice. The Stanley 16-150 150 Series Short Blade 3-Piece Wood Chisel Set, for instance, offers three blades in different sizes: ½, ¾, and 1 inch.
On the other end of the spectrum, professional carpenters and woodworking enthusiasts may prefer larger sets that provide a broader range of options. The Narex 853053 6-piece Chisel Set and VonHaus 8-piece Chisel Set are excellent choices for those who need more versatility, offering a variety of sizes including ¼, 3/8, ½, 5/8, ¾, 1, 13/16, or 1 1/32-inch blades.
Blade Width
When choosing a chisel, consider not only its material and edge retention but also its blade width. A narrower blade offers greater versatility for delicate cutting operations, allowing you to precision-craft intricate details. In contrast, a wider blade provides enhanced leverage and cutting power when working with larger or more substantial materials.
Types of Chisels
When it comes to woodworking, having the right type of chisel can make all the difference.
While there are many variations available, most workshops will typically stock a selection of four essential types: bevel-edge bench chisels for general-purpose carving and shaping; paring chisels for removing small amounts of wood and creating precise joints; mortising chisels for cutting out square holes for tenons and other joinery elements; and wood lathe chisels, which are specifically designed for use on a lathe to shape and hollow out wooden vessels.
Beveled Edge Bench Chisels
The beveled edge bench chisel is an incredibly adaptable addition to any woodworker’s arsenal, boasting a wider blade and angled edges on three sides that make it capable of tackling an astonishing array of projects. Its versatility stems from its ability to seamlessly transition between various tasks, rendering it an indispensable tool for any serious woodcraft enthusiast.
Paring Chisel
When working with wood, cabinet-makers often rely on a paring chisel as their go-to tool for precision tasks. The unique design of this chisel features a thinner blade that gradually tapers towards the cutting edge, making it ideal for shaving off thin strips of timber from a workpiece. This characteristic allows for the creation of fine details on furniture pieces, demonstrating its versatility and importance in the hands of skilled craftsmen.
Mortise Chisel
Traditional mortise chisels boast a sturdy build, characterized by thicker and wider blades with flat backs that maintain their straightness during the cutting process. The solid oval handles of these chisels are designed to withstand repeated blows from a mallet, making them an ideal choice for removing any residual wood from a workpiece, ensuring clean and precise results.
Wood Lathe Chisels
For woodworkers and DIY enthusiasts, a comprehensive wood lathe chisel set is an indispensable tool for creating intricate and precise woodworking projects. A prime example of such a set is the PSI Woodworking LCHSS8 8-piece Chisel Set, which offers a range of essential tools for tackling complex tasks with ease. If you’re new to woodworking, gaining insight into the most commonly used chisels can be invaluable.
Fortunately, there’s a helpful video available that provides a visual representation of these tools in action, offering a valuable learning experience.
Blade Design
When it comes to wood chisels, the blade’s quality is paramount. A good blade should strike a perfect balance between sharpness, durability, and resistance to chipping or scratching. Moreover, it should retain its edge well over time. While a chisel’s blade may not always arrive in razor-sharp condition, this can be quickly rectified by using sandpaper or a high-quality whetstone to hone the edge to perfection.
Blade Steel
When it comes to crafting the ideal chisel, the choice of steel for the blade is crucial. Among the various options, molybdenum high-speed steel, chrome vanadium steel, manganese steel, and high carbon steel are considered the best types of steel for a chisel’s blade. Each type offers unique characteristics that can affect the overall performance and durability of the tool.
Molybdenum High-Speed Steel
Molybdenum high-speed steel stands out as a versatile cutting tool material, boasting exceptional strength and a sharp cutting edge that holds up well to grinding. However, its capabilities are best suited for precision tasks rather than high-impact applications, where other materials may be more suitable.
Vanadium (or chrome vanadium) steel
When it comes to crafting a chisel’s blade, vanadium (or chrome vanadium) steel is a top choice among many. The exceptional hardness of vanadium allows for a razor-sharp edge to be maintained, while the added presence of chrome provides an additional layer of protection against rust and corrosion, ensuring a longer lifespan for the tool.
Manganese Steel
Manganese steel boasts an impressive combination of hardness and sharpness, rendering blades with exceptional edge retention even after sharpening. To further enhance durability, some manufacturers incorporate chrome into the alloy, effectively inhibiting rust formation on the blade’s surface.
High Carbon Steel
High carbon steel is an exceptional material for chisel sets, such as the IRWN 6-piece Chisel Set. Its remarkable toughness allows it to maintain its razor-sharp edge for an impressively long period of time when sharpened, which explains why it’s often used in crafting cutting tools like tactical knives. Furthermore, manufacturers may apply a corrosion-resistant coating that prevents the blade from rusting.
Handles
When it comes to handling your chisel, the choice of handle is crucial. A good handle provides the comfort and control you need as you work on your project. Wooden handles are often a popular choice due to their natural comfort and added strength against impact from a mallet. However, it’s worth noting that wooden handles can become slippery when exposed to moisture.
On the other hand, plastic or polypropylene handles offer exceptional strength, but may not be as durable as wood if you plan on using your chisel with a mallet frequently. For those who will be relying heavily on their chisel and mallet, rubberized handles are an excellent option, providing robustness, sturdiness, and comfort for repeated use.
In cases where a mallet is a staple tool in your workflow, look for a handle that features a steel butt or bolster – this added strength can make all the difference in ensuring your chisel remains reliable.
Storage Tool Box
Including a wooden box or high-quality plastic storage case with your chisel set provides an added layer of organization and protection. By storing all your chisels in one convenient location, you’ll save time searching for the right tool and reduce the risk of damage or loss. As an alternative, some manufacturers may opt to provide individual protective covers for each chisel, ensuring they remain in excellent condition even when not in use.
Additional Extras
When it comes to chisel sets, some may come with additional accessories that can prove incredibly useful in a woodworking setting. For instance, a sharpening stone can be a game-changer if you find yourself without access to sandpaper or have run out of supply. This tool ensures your chisels are always razor-sharp and ready for the task at hand.
Additionally, a honing guide is an invaluable asset that enables precise honing of your chisels, guaranteeing they’re consistently ready for use in any woodworking project.
Best Chisel Set Reviews
Stanley 16-150 150 Series Short Blade 3-Piece Chisel Set
The Stanley 16-150 150 Series Short Blade Chisel Set offers a perfect blend of precision, durability, and affordability. This comprehensive set includes three chisels measuring 1/4, 1/2, and 1 inch in size, making it an excellent addition to any woodworker’s arsenal. The beveled-edge chisels boast short blades designed for precise control during small woodworking tasks.
The heat-treated carbon steel blades are precision-ground on all faces, ensuring exceptional strength, durability, and a razor-sharp edge. To protect the blades from harsh conditions, Stanley has applied a rust-resistant lacquer coating. While the blades may require occasional sharpening due to consistent use, this can be easily achieved with sandpaper or a sharpening stone.
The shock-absorbing black polypropylene handle is robust and resists deformation, while the bolster distributes impact evenly along the chisel. Stanley stands behind its product with a limited lifetime warranty for the 3-piece set. This chisel set’s pros far outweigh its cons. The high-quality blades are great value for money, and the affordable price makes it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced woodworkers alike.
Its well-made construction contains three sizes of chisels, making it ideal as a standalone set or to supplement an existing collection. Furthermore, the durable heat-treated carbon-steel blade is fully precision-ground to ensure razor-sharpness, and its lacquer coating provides optimal rust-resistance. The comfortable, strong black polypropylene handle resists deformation, and the bolster evenly distributes weight along the chisel.
In conclusion, the Stanley 16-150 150 Series Short Blade Chisel Set offers exceptional performance, durability, and value for money. While some may find the polypropylene handle less comfortable or durable than wood, this is a minor drawback compared to the set’s numerous benefits. For those seeking a reliable and versatile chisel set, the Stanley 16-150 150 Series Short Blade Chisel Set is an excellent choice.
WORKPRO 3-piece Chisel Set
The Workpro Wood Chisel 3-piece Set is a versatile and essential toolset for any home workshop. This comprehensive set includes three chisels with sizes ranging from ½ inch to 1 inch, conveniently marked on each blade. The drop-forged chrome vanadium blades are exceptionally durable, thanks to their heat-treated design that ensures razor-sharp edge retention.
These chisels excel in a variety of woodworking and carving tasks, including cutting mortises, smoothing rough surfaces, and removing glue residue from softwood, hardwood, and laminated wood. The ergonomic red and blue bi-material rubberized handles provide a comfortable grip, while the hardened steel butt withstands heavy hammer or mallet blows. A full-length blade guard adds an extra layer of safety protection for your hands during use.
With a 1-year warranty offered by WorkPro, this set provides great value for its price. The pros of this chisel set include high-quality blades, excellent edge retention, and ease of sharpening. Additionally, the ergonomic handles offer comfort and firm control. While it may not be ideal for large-scale professional projects, this set is well-suited for general woodworking and carving tasks. One minor drawback is that the blade may require re-honing or sharpening before first use.
Nevertheless, the Workpro Wood Chisel 3-piece Set remains a great value for its price.
Narex 853053 6-piece Chisel Set
The Narex 853053 6-piece Chisel Set is a must-have for any woodworking enthusiast, offering exceptional quality and great value for money. The set’s six chisels – including 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 5/8, 13/16, and 1 1/32-inch sizes – are crafted with precision and attention to detail in the Czech Republic. Each chisel features its size etched into the blade, making it easy to select the right tool for the job.
The blades themselves are made from fine-grained, tempered Rockwell RC59 hardened chrome-manganese steel, providing exceptional durability and excellent edge retention. The slimmer cross-section and 25-degree bevel allow for precise control and smooth cuts. The ergonomic handles are crafted from stained European beech and feature well-seated heavy steel ferrules designed to withstand vigorous mallet work.
The chisel set comes in an elegant wooden presentation box with a metal clasp, perfect for storing and transporting the tools. To top it all off, the set is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, ensuring you’re completely satisfied with your purchase. Pros include exceptional quality, great value, and excellent performance. The chisels are well-suited to most woodworking applications, and the sizes etched onto the blades make them easy to use.
While some users may find the hardened blade takes a while to sharpen, many will appreciate its durability and razor-sharp edge retention. The only potential drawbacks are the need to occasionally flatten the back of the chisel before use and the fact that hardwood can quickly dull the edges. Overall, this set is an excellent choice for any serious woodworker or DIY enthusiast.
Irwin Tools Marples M444SB6N Woodworking 6-piece Chisel Set
The IRWIN 6-piece Marples Chisel Set is a comprehensive toolset for professional or DIY woodworkers. This high-performance chisel set boasts six precision-cut blades in sizes ranging from 1/4 to 1 inch, catering to traditional fine woodworking applications. The longest chisel measures 11 inches, while the shortest is 9.5 inches, providing ample leverage for efficient work.
The high-carbon steel blades have been specially hardened to 58-RC, making them resistant to chipping and ensuring long-lasting edge retention. Additionally, the 25-degree beveled edge contributes to their durability.
While the strong plastic handles lack rubberization, they feature a slim, contoured design for comfortable grip. For beginners, maintaining a firm grip is essential, whether using the palm of your hand or a mallet.
The handles can withstand mallet work remarkably well despite potential impact felt through the non-rubberized material.
The set also includes six nozzle caps to safeguard the chisels from wear and tear. You have the option to choose from three different sets: the 6-piece, which is available with or without a durable plastic case, as well as a 4-piece variant.
IRWIN Tools stands behind their product with a full lifetime guarantee on the 6-piece chisel set.
The pros of this set include high quality, great value for money, good price, and the availability of six sizes. The razor-sharp high-carbon steel blade, hardened to 58-RC, provides extra resistance to chipping and improved edge retention. The beveled edge also contributes to its durability. Super strong, slim, contoured blue plastic handles are designed for use with a wooden mallet or the palm of your hand.
The cons include the need to sharpen and hone the blades upon first use and the potential for constant sharpening with frequent usage. Furthermore, the impact from mallet work may be felt through the non-rubberized plastic handle.
VonHaus 8 pc Craftsman Woodworking Wood Chisel Set
The VonHaus 8-piece Chisel Set is an excellent choice for both home woodworkers and professional craftsmen. This comprehensive set includes six precision-ground chisels in various sizes: 1/4-inch, 1/2-inch, 13/16-inch, 1-inch, 1-1/4-inch, and 1-1/2-inch – each featuring razor-sharp chrome vanadium steel alloy blades. The set also comes with a valuable aluminum oxide sharpening stone and honing guide to ensure the blades remain in top condition.
Notably, the blades’ narrow side bevels allow for swift and precise flattening and sharpening. The ergonomic handles are designed for improved comfort and control, while the bolstered design provides additional strength for use with a mallet. The storage case is made of durable blow-molded plastic, allowing you to keep all your tools organized and within reach.
This set offers excellent value for money, with its high-quality construction and affordability making it an ideal choice for home DIY woodworking projects as well as professional applications. While the blades may require some initial honing and sharpening, the end result is a set that will serve you well for years to come.
PSI Woodworking LCHSS8 HSS 8-piece Wood Lathe Chisel Set
Get ready to take your woodworking skills to the next level with the PSI Woodworking LCHSS8 Wood Lathe 8-piece Chisel Set. This comprehensive kit is designed for hobby enthusiasts, providing everything needed to turn small pens, spindles, bowls, and larger projects. The set includes a range of essential chisels, including a parting tool, spear scraper, skew chisel, round nose scraper, bowl gouge, spindle gouge, and roughing gouge.
What sets these chisels apart is the high-quality M2 Molybdenum high-speed steel used in their construction, which ensures they remain sharp and durable for years to come. The beautifully crafted hardwood handles are not only stylish but also provide a comfortable grip, making it easy to work with the chisels for extended periods. When your projects are complete, the entire set can be stored in an attractive softwood plywood display box.
The PSI Woodworking LCHSS8 is available in three convenient options: 1, 2, or 3-pack. One of the most notable benefits of this product is its exceptional value for money. With a 2-year limited warranty from PSI Woodworking, you can be confident that your investment will remain protected and performing well over time. However, it’s worth noting that some users may need to re-sharpen or flatten their chisels before use, and the set may not be ideal for high-impact woodworking projects.
Additionally, some buyers have reported issues with the case’s adhesive application, which can affect its overall durability.
KSEIBI 312130 4-piece Premium Wood Chisel Set
The KSEIBI 312130 4-piece Wood Chisel Set is an exceptional choice for both beginner and professional woodworking enthusiasts, catering to various renovation and carving tasks. The chisels’ fine-grained blades are forged from double-tempered chrome manganese steel, offering unparalleled sharpness, strength, and durability.
The four-piece set comprises 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, and 1-inch chisels, suitable for cutting a wide range of materials, including softwood, hardwood, lumber, trim, and engineered wood products. The beveled edges ensure smooth trimming and working in tight corners. The ergonomic contoured oval-shaped polypropylene handles feature soft TPR inserts, providing improved comfort and control during usage.
A heavy-duty steel striking cap eliminates the need for a specialized mallet, prolonging the life of the handle and preventing mushrooming. Although the kit does not come with a case, individual protective covers keep each chisel’s blade razor-sharp and ready for the next project. KSEIBI backs the chisel set with a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee. The advantages of this product include high quality, great value for money, and an affordable price.
It is ideal for both beginners and professionals in the woodworking field. The four-piece kit offers versatility, with the ability to cut various materials.
DEWALT DWHT16063 Short Blade Chisel 4-Piece Chisel Set
For those embarking on light-duty home woodworking projects, the Dewalt DWHT16063 Short Blade Wood Chisel 4-piece set is an excellent investment. This comprehensive kit includes a range of beveled edge chisels in sizes from 3/4 to 1/8 inches, catering to both general woodworking tasks and precise, fine-tuned operations. The high-quality blades are crafted from hardened, heat-tempered chrome carbon steel, boasting impressive sharpness and edge retention.
To ensure the longevity of these tools, Dewalt has applied a lacquer coating to protect the blades from corrosion, making them suitable for indoor and outdoor projects alike. The ergonomically designed orange and black bi-material handle provides optimal comfort and control during use, while the heavy-duty strike steel cap on the larger chisels offers added impact resistance when working with a mallet.
For storage purposes, each blade is accompanied by a protective plastic cover to maintain their razor-sharp condition in your tool box. The set’s pros include its high-quality construction, great value for money, and reasonable price point. The four-piece set is specifically designed for general home woodworking use and fine detailed work, featuring blades with good edge retention and an ergonomic handle for comfort and control.
Additionally, the heavy-duty strike steel cap ensures extra durability when used in conjunction with a mallet. However, some users may find it necessary to flatten the larger chisel before use, particularly for intricate or precise woodworking tasks. A small amount of blade finishing may also be required before using the largest chisel. Despite these minor considerations, this 4-piece set is an excellent addition to any home workshop.
Our Top Pick for the Best Chisel Set
The Narex 6-piece chisel set stands out as our premier choice, boasting exceptional craftsmanship, precision cutting, and exquisitely crafted solid wood handles that make a joy to work with. The chisels arrive in a beautifully designed presentation box, but it’s their impressive professional-grade quality that ensures they’ll be put to good use helping you shape your next woodworking project or craft the furniture of your imagination.
