kbrunco Posted August 2, 2013 Report Share Posted August 2, 2013 I have a set of big box store Stanley chisels (I know they are not that great, but they are what I have at the moment). I am trying to use the 1/2-in one to cut some dovetails. I flattened the back and polished up the front and put a fairly decent cutting edge on it. When I went to test it out and tried to do some simple pairing work in the dovetail the edge rolled over. Did I sharpen it at to low of an angle (I matched the factory angle already on it)? What angle should I be sharpening at? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TerryMcK Posted August 2, 2013 Report Share Posted August 2, 2013 The factory angle is 25 degrees. A microbevel on the tip can be anything greater than 25 up to around 30 to 35 degrees. I prefer 30 degrees for the type of work I do. This sounds like the hardness of the chisel has been compromised probably a result of not done correctly in manufacturing. I've never had an edge roll over even on budget chisels. Take them back and ask for either another set or a refund. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wdwerker Posted August 2, 2013 Report Share Posted August 2, 2013 Or pick up a single decent chisel for doing your dovetails. Think of the time and effort you invest in sharpening , is it worth it to put such effort into a cheap tool? There is a place for inexpensive chisels. I have 3 levels of them, fine hand work( like your dovetails ), general shop work, and job site/rough carpentry (high level of abuse ! ) 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave H Posted August 2, 2013 Report Share Posted August 2, 2013 Are you sure its not the burr that rolled over? If not the burr than your chisel lost its temper ( did you use a grinder on it?) every chisel even the crappy ones chip before they bend except the burr because it is paper thin or, thinner. If it is that soft and, you didn't use a grinder than it never went through the tempering process and is useless, buy another chisel. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G S Haydon Posted August 2, 2013 Report Share Posted August 2, 2013 25 deg grind bevel, 30>35 deg honing bevel. Even though the stanleys are cheap they should work OK. Practice with your sharpening a little more before sending them back http://www.antiquetools.com/sharp/sharpholdblade.html . I would like to try these out http://paulsellers.com/2011/03/ally-pally-show-questions/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChetlovesMer Posted August 2, 2013 Report Share Posted August 2, 2013 Can you post a picture of the rolled over edge? I'd be interested to see it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kbrunco Posted August 4, 2013 Author Report Share Posted August 4, 2013 I think it was just the very tip of the edge. It felt more like a burr after closer inspection. I have to hone it VERY often. Maybe my angle is to tight? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wdwerker Posted August 4, 2013 Report Share Posted August 4, 2013 Did you flatten and polish the back first before sharpening? And then again after sharpening , just lightly? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G S Haydon Posted August 4, 2013 Report Share Posted August 4, 2013 I think it was just the very tip of the edge. It felt more like a burr after closer inspection. I have to hone it VERY often. Maybe my angle is to tight? Sounds like it to me, or the metal is a bit on the soft side. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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