Hi,
I have used Sorbys lots of times for mortises in stuff like hickory
and maple, and love 'em
As has been said, sounds like you used a paring chisel, which isn't
very good on mortising. It's thinner and can vibrate, also with no
side support as in a thick mortising chisel, it can twist aroundf on
all kinds of angles on its way into the wood.
I once needed to cut 43 mortises 1/2" deep and 3/8" wide, in
quartersawn oak 1-1/16" thick. I kid you not, I'm a masochist.
Anyway, after some slow uncertain cutting with a bevelled chisel, I
went out and bought a Sorby Heavy Duty mortising chisel.
Tool of the gods. You can cut mortises in ebony with that suckah, I'm
telling you! Yes, costs plenty, $45 or more depending on where you get
it. But the feeling of mastery it gives you is so worth it :-)
James
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