In a world where almost every tool seems to have a battery attached, there may not seem to be much space for an old-fashioned tool like a spokeshave. But if you’ve never tried one, you could be missing out on something that’s a pleasure to use and surprisingly efficient.
What is a spokeshave?
A spokeshave is a hand tool used in woodworking to create curved surfaces. It’s like a small plane with a blade fixed in the middle of a short sole and handles on either side. You usually pull a spokeshave towards you, which allows you to remove material quickly while providing plenty of control.
They are commonly used for shaping things like:
- Wheel spokes (hence the name)
- Chair spindles and legs
- Paddles
- Bats and clubs
As you’ll see from the pics, spokeshaves have a blade that sits between two handles, allowing for good control when shaping curves. There are 3 main types, each describing the shape of the sole: convex, concave, or flat. However, a flat spokeshave can also create convex shapes, so unless you have specialist needs, that’s the one to buy.
When you choose a spokeshave, there are a few key features to think about:
1. Blade Quality:
- Steel Type: Look for high-quality steel like high-carbon steel or tool steel, which holds an edge well and can be sharpened effectively.1
- Blade Thickness: A thicker blade generally reduces chatter and provides a smoother cut, especially on harder woods.
- Blade Adjustment: Easy and precise blade adjustment is crucial for controlling the depth of cut. Look for spokeshaves with mechanisms that allow for fine adjustments.
2. Body Material and Design:
- Metal Body: Typically made of cast iron or steel, occasionally bronze, offering durability and stability.
- Handle Design: Comfortable handles are important for control. The Stanley 151 spokeshave design has been around forever, and you’ll find lots of copies that offer good value. The Pinnacle model has larger handles that are more ergonomic, but it’s also a step up in price.
3. Price:
- Old Stanley 151 spokeshaves set the standard for this kind of tool and are now quite collectible. There are lots on Ebay, and they will probably appeal to people who think, “they don’t make them like they used to.” Actually, Stanley still does make them but they’re not cheap. The Taytools spokeshave (above right) is made to the same pattern but costs around $25. You might need new blades every few years, but the tool itself should last a lifetime. If you fancy a splurge, the Pinnacle models are just plain gorgeous, but at around $150 are quite an investment.
As always, if you have any questions or comments drop me a line here.
