Bike shed/workshop + woodcarving projects

Very impressive... I'm in the market for some chisels for diy jobs at home doors...etc.
Any recommendations?
Been waiting for the Aldi/lidl bargains but are they as good as some people say after they have been sharpened?

That was an hour well spent - great thread!

Did you get the walls pre-built or did you lap them yourself?

I'm gearing up to building a vertical bike shed (to hold 3 bikes) and am planning to cut cedar shiplapped boards to length for the sides & front.

The shed / office, I'm getting prebuilt, and just sticking together, but I'll built a desk & worktable myself.

If it's half as good as your shed, I'll be happy.

I'd be happy to clean out your garage, Pat, but you've no frames in my size.

I've read somewhere that the Aldi ones are pretty good, and only need a little work to get a nice edge.

Any recommendations?

Really depends on budget and what you want them for. If you're planning on becoming a cabinet/furniture maker, then something with a nice, slim bevel-edged blade, and a comfortable wooden handle. The kind of thing that you want to look after, and never ever lend to anyone.

http://www.axminster.co.uk/hand-tools/chisels/bevel-edge-chisels

If it's for general carpentry, and you're likely to be bashing it with a hammer, then still get a bevel-edge set, but with a thicker blade and a composite handle, with metal end cap.

https://www.screwfix.com/c/tools/woodworking-tools/cat9800001#category=cat9800002

I tend to use the fancy ones on new wood, and something cheap, if it's used timber. You don't want to risk discovering a hidden nail with your best tools.

You'll want three different sizes, at least. Something like 6mm, 12mm and 25mm. Then add different sizes as you you need them.

Also, leave something in your budget for a reasonably good sharpening system. Water stones are nice, but can be messy, and need regular maintenance to keep flat. Something like a double sided diamond stone/plate is the most convenient, so will encourage you to use it more often.

http://www.axminster.co.uk/axminster-rider-double-sided-diamond-bench-stone-951777

Thanks. I lapped them myself, as there's just too many weird angles in that shed to have anything pre-built :-)

Have a good think about building in security beforehand, as it's really lacking on standard pre-built sheds.

I'm only a diy type person but I have a weakness for vintage tools.
Recently restored a record bench vice that is incredibly useful.
I quite tempted by vintage tools tbh. I heard a lot of good things about crucible steel chisels that were marked cast steel by many old sheffield based makers. Although superseded by modern steels they were the best of the day. So should be plenty good enough for me.
Looking to start a few projects in the summer so I've got a bit of time. Come Aldi stick the chisels in your next diy special.
Then I'll restore the vintage ones for vanity points.

Paul sellers loves an Aldi Chisel!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ki8tt-VjwqI

I lapped them myself

Strong work! How did you cut them? I'm thinking of a circular saw, and a jig for crosscuts.

Do you then just nail them in? I've not yet started that particular YouTube rabbit hole journey.

Security-wise, I totally agree - main security will be cemented-in floor ring and chain, and maybe some steel reinforcement in the woodwork. Luckily, break-ins aren't a thing around us, so I don't need to go nuts.

How did you cut them?

I borrowed a basic chop saw to do most of the cutting. Then, rather than work out loads of angles, I overlapped the edge of all the diagonal sections. That way, I could roughly trim them by hand, with a panel saw. Then tidy everything around the edges with a router.

Brad ( flat headed ) galvanised nails for fitting them. Making sure to pre-blunt the ones used near the edges, so as not to split the wood.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhq86WIBV1E

I then fixed vertical strips of hardwood quadrant moulding along the corners, to cover the exposed end grain of the shiplap boards.

I'd forgotten Lynchman had posted in here.

RIP :'(

Lychnman wiv teh angles. 4vr RIP in r <3s

I saw that too, and talking about coffins to boot!

I'm sold on these tbh.... waiting for restock. Anyone spot them please post on the thread.
Lidls have done them too.

Trying to get more organised, and sort through my collection of carving blanks.

i have access to a whole heap of hardwood, courtesy of my late father-in-law - he hand built furniture.

Rather than chuck it, would you be interested in any of it?

Ooh, most definitely!

If BN doesn't grab it all I'd happily swap you joists for hardwood.

List time

Those who want TW's hardwood...

If any of it would be suitable for hatchet sized axes, I would love a bit or two! I'm nearly finished shaping the haft and hanging the axe head I found whilst magnet fishing.....but I have several more waiting for new handles!

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hatchet sized axes

Do you have to make your own breathing apparatus & fire engines too?

Ha! No, but my axe is in the loft, awaiting my retirement.....I managed to blag one of the last original ones about 15years ago, from the retiring stores bloke!

Or stevo_com's "load-bearing timber" - I could do with it being not under a tarp in my garden.

Hardwood - I'll be at the in-law's in a few weekends time & I'll take a few photos. There's (possibly) walnut, cherry, oak, pear, spalted beech, all seasoned well.

Do you have to make your own breathing apparatus & fire engines too?

Tory government, innit?

Oo, a bit of walnut would be nice, if Pete don't want it all👍