good advice from all .. I would grab a patternmakers vise, if I could afford one, but I make do with the 6 inch vise on my bench.
Also, I would counsel you to avoid buying chisels (or anything else for that matter) in "sets." It's been my experience that you will actually use only a few of them, and the remainder will sit in the pretty box, which will keep them from gathering too much dust. Instead, buy chisels as you need them, and buy the very best quality that you can afford, and you'll have fewer tools and more money to spend.
As regards the use of concrete nails for making your own small chisels, this is a slippery slope... I have only about a zillion of the little guys floating about on my bench … I actually did make a holder for them, which was rather a big waste of effort, since I soon made more small chisels and now I have many more tools that places in the holder for them … another holder is in order, but I cannot help but sense a pattern beginning to develop … hmmm … perhaps I should get some of that much- touted 'self control' stuff my kids seem to think is so wonderful …
I would also advise you to et a system which will allow you to keep your tools razor sharp … no - sharper than that … neurosurgery sharp … I use the wet/dry sandpaper method, but there are a bunch of ways you can get an edge to scary sharpness. Do not hesitate to strop your edges as well: just get a hunk of veg. tanned leather from e- bay and some polishing compound. Dull edges will slip out of the cut and into your flesh … too dull to properly cut wood, but more that sharp enough to cut flesh … bloodstains don't come out of tigerstripe maple at all well (don't ask me how I know).
Good luck with your project!