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Stanley Toolworks unveiled three new hand tools today at a press conference in New York City , two different kinds of chisels and a shoulder plane.
I couldn’t attend the press conference, but Publisher Steve Shanesy is there (as I type this) taking photos with his phone. I don’t have a lot of details yet, but here is the first look at the new Sweetheart socket chisels, which look like Stanley’s venerable 750 tools (and Lie-Nielsen’s). And a Bailey line of chisels, which look like standard tang chisels.
The shoulder plane is a No. 92. Other people have reported on this tool, but I have yet to see one in the flesh.
The Sweetheart chisels will (I think , I could be wrong) be made in Sheffield and range in size from 1/8″ up to 1-1/4″. Prices will be $29.99 each, except for the two largest sizes, which will be $39.99 each. An eight-piece set will be $199 and a four-piece set will be $110.
The Bailey Sheffield chisels will be sold as a five-piece set in sizes from 1/4″ up to 1-1/4″ for $79.99. The sets come with a leather tool roll and should be available in September.
More details as I get them. This is all I know.
– Christopher Schwarz
Other Hand Tool Resources You Might Like
– Get all of Adam Cherubini’s “Arts & Mysteries of Hand Tools” articles on one handy hand-tool CD.
– “Hand Tool Essentials,” our very well-priced book of the best hand-tool writing from Popular Woodworking Magazine.
– Want to buy some vintage Stanley woodworking tools? You need to get to know Walt Quadrato at Brass City Record and Tools. Yes, you read that right. He sells vinyl and iron.
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Years ago I bought a set of "housebrand" chisels from my main woodworking supplier. The entire set of 5 or 7 was about $70. The manager didn’t know what type of steel (a bad feeling here). But, I took them home, and brought them back. A couple of hits with a mallet, and you might as well be using a screwdriver.
My first Lie Nielsen purchases were the chisels. Incredible. Great steel, impeccable hardening and tempering even cryogenically treated for 20 hours at -250F (-350?).
Anyway, I pounded out hard maple mortises, and then just stropped on leather and they cut hair off my arm. They are worth the money.
Lie Nielsen customer service is wonderful also-they always, when rarely necessary, "make it right".
I’m preaching to the choir.
They look alright, but considering Stanley’s current low production standards I think I’ll stick with Lie-Nielsen. I can rely on them. Even if the steel is decent, think of how much lapping they’ll require.
The bevel edges don’t look very beveled.
Those look more like 720s than 750s. I think they’re too long for bench chisels. But I’m completely biased as I detest modern Stanley’s recent efforts after abandoning quality in hand tools for the last 50 years.
I’m also very curious about their choices in steel/heat treatment and, of course, flatness.
I don’t think Lie-Nielsen has anything to worry about but perhaps another company should be shaking in their plastic blue handles.
Cheers,
Niels
What type of steel is used?
Did a search and the 92 is on Stanley’s webpage:
http://www.stanleytools.com/default.asp?CATEGORY=PREMIUM+PLANES&TYPE=PRODUCT&PARTNUMBER=12-140&SDesc=No.+92+Shoulder+%2F+Chisel+Plane
I second the "hope" for an upcoming tool review.
Both styles of chisels look intriguing. Certainly the esthetics are superior to most of what is available on the market today except at the very top of the market. Unless the steel is below par, they might have done right by these. At least there are no moving parts as there are in planes; a production challenge that seemed to not be met with regularity in first round of the new Stanley Sweetheart hand tools. I hope a tool review can be anticipated in the near future.