Mortise Chisel Insert - 1/2"

Available in 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" sizes. I bought all three as an alternative to the Lee Valley square hole punches which are double the price. I do not own the Lee Valley square hol punch set so I cannot actually compare these to them but I can say that these chisels hold a sharp edge and are plenty strong and accurate. I use them for creating Greene and Greene style square hole plugs and they are great for that purpose. I suggest purchasing a cone sharpener at the same time. The Lee Valley Cone sharpener is actually good value but as an alternative you can get a mortise chisel sharpener from Peachtree which is also sold on Amazon. The tool comes without a handle and you can use it without a handle if you are creating plug holes as I am although you may want to purchase the special handle sold by Rockler or make your own hardwood handle for added protection.

I made it through 18 hand punched mortises before i noticed the chisels were completely hashed and no longer cutting a crisp square mortise. Cutting 3/8” deep in white oak with predrilled 1/2” holes.

stair project: 90 mortises by hand in oak, no problems.