How do I pick a Spokeshave?

[Dave Schwarzkopf]

The thought of trying to sharpen up those little blades on the worksharp is scary to me.  On some of the versions where the screw posts are attached to the blade it would be impossible.

Here's another vote for hand sharpening.  Not as hard/iffy as it sounds.  Spokeshave blades are usually 1" +, so it is really easy to feel when you are on/off of the bevel.

What do you use to sharpen up your chisels/plane blades?

 

[Mac]

I sharpen my spokeshave blades on the worksharp 3000, on the top of the spinning disk, and have had no problems. The odd fingertip sometimes strays onto the abrasive, but who needs fingerprints?

 

[RONWEN]

This the thread has become a fantastic resource!  [thumbs up]

 

[Mac]

Some more bits and pieces that might be interesting!

Lie Nielsen Boggs review:
http://www.sawdustandshavings.com/hand_tools/boggs_spokeshave_review.asp

Veritas spokeshave review:
http://www.ukworkshop.co.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?t=1885

HNT Gordon review from Derek Cohen's cool site:
http://www.inthewoodshop.com/ToolReviews/THE%20HNT%20GORDON%20SPOKESHAVES.html

 

[mouppe]

I also use my spokeshave to trim veneered edges flush. I don't like using a router for such delicate work, and sometimes a small block plane just can't get into the corners or along the curves.

 

[jacko9]

I purchased a Japanese wooden spokeshave 30 years ago and it's one of the best tools that I ever purchased.  I purchased it at the Japan Woodworker but, I couldn't find it on their web site.  I'll ask about it's availability the next time I stop in but, I did notice when I was there Friday and Saturday that they are starting to cut back on some of the higher end Japanese chisels and hand saws.

Jack

 

[PaulMarcel]

Definitely would like to know more about that spokeshave.  I love those for shaping so if you have a secret weapon version of a spokeshave, we have to know

 

[jacko9]

I'll take a picture of it tomorrow and post it on here.  All I can say is that the blade stays sharp and the handle is easy to hold while taking very thin shavings.  I also have three Kunz spokeshaves that I never use.  Funny how you find that one great tool and it's the go to for all jobs.

 

[RONWEN]

Definitely would like to know more about that spokeshave.  I love those for shaping so if you have a secret weapon version of a spokeshave, we have to know

You have my attention also -- my only point of reference is my set of three (3) Veritas spokeshaves which I love to use every chance I get.  They do a great job but as I say they are my only ones so I'm up for other great ones.
After watching Chris use draw knives (a wonderful artist) I bought two used ones off e-bay to give a try but I haven't had the right project for yet.

 

[Jesse Cloud]

I don't mean this as a put down at all, but I wouldn't wait for a project to start practicing with those draw knives.  They are great tools, but you have to master subtle techniques.  That same blade can hog out huge wedges of wood or make gossamer shavings, depending on exactly how you approach the wood.  I don't use them that often and I always benefit from half a hour of playing around to regain the muscle memory.

 

[jacko9]

This is my go to Spokeshave.  I kinda remember having to do a little fitting of the blade bed when I first bought this tool and it has been heavily used (and abused) for many years making table legs, smoothing over bandsawn edges, etc. but, it still cuts vibration free smoothly every time.  The blade is almost 1/4" thick and hollow ground on the back.  It's a bi-metal forged blade that holds its edge a very long time.

 

[RONWEN]

I don't mean this as a put down at all, but I wouldn't wait for a project to start practicing with those draw knives.  They are great tools, but you have to master subtle techniques.  That same blade can hog out huge wedges of wood or make gossamer shavings, depending on exactly how you approach the wood.  I don't use them that often and I always benefit from half a hour of playing around to regain the muscle memory.

I might take it as a put down if I found that you are a master such as Chris Wong otherwise I take it as advice.

Jack09, What a wonderful Japanese tool -- I notice it's a style that doesn't accept a wooden wedge to fix the iron but rather a precisely fitted pocket.  I can see why it probably makes your other spoke shaves continue to rest unused on the shelf.

 

[jacko9]

I don't mean this as a put down at all, but I wouldn't wait for a project to start practicing with those draw knives.  They are great tools, but you have to master subtle techniques.  That same blade can hog out huge wedges of wood or make gossamer shavings, depending on exactly how you approach the wood.  I don't use them that often and I always benefit from half a hour of playing around to regain the muscle memory.

I might take it as a put down if I found that you are a master such as Chris Wong otherwise I take it as advice.

Jack09, What a wonderful Japanese tool -- I notice it's a style that doesn't accept a wooden wedge to fix the iron but rather a precisely fitted pocket.  I can see why it probably makes your other spoke shaves continue to rest unused on the shelf.

Ron,

The blade fits into the body with a slight tap on the top and you can adjust the cut pretty finely.  When you want to remove the blade put your thumb on the blade and tap the back until it releases.

After years of frustration with some of my wooden Japanese hand planes I got into a conversation with one of the old timers at Japan Woodworker and he told me that on the cap irons on the Japanese hand planes were installed only for export market.  After I took off all of the cap irons my hand planes performed perfectly.

Jack

 

[MarkF]

Earlier in this thread the request for sharpening was made.  I use a wooden jig to hold the blade like the one on page 7 of the instructions for LV LA SS instructions

 

[flair woodworks]

I might take it as a put down if I found that you are a master such as Chris Wong otherwise I take it as advice.

Me?  A master?

 

[RONWEN]

I might take it as a put down if I found that you are a master such as Chris Wong otherwise I take it as advice.

Me?  A master?

[smile]

 

[ear3]

Just wondering if anyone has additional thoughts on spokeshaves, particularly LN vs. LV.  I like the idea of the larger mouth opening and wider blade on the LV, as it would allow more aggressive shaping of curves.  But the brass body of the LN gives more heft to the tool and would cut down on chatter.

 

[leakyroof]

Just wondering if anyone has additional thoughts on spokeshaves, particularly LN vs. LV.  I like the idea of the larger mouth opening and wider blade on the LV, as it would allow more aggressive shaping of curves.  But the brass body of the LN gives more heft to the tool and would cut down on chatter.

. Another subjective hand tool, much like hand planes as you've found out in your 7/8 thread.... [wink]
As always, if you can , put one in your hands and make some shavings with it. If it pleases your hands, that's a good start.
I do love my LN spokeshaves, but there are others out there .

 

[HarveyWildes]

Just wondering if anyone has additional thoughts on spokeshaves, particularly LN vs. LV.  I like the idea of the larger mouth opening and wider blade on the LV, as it would allow more aggressive shaping of curves.  But the brass body of the LN gives more heft to the tool and would cut down on chatter.

Not sure which LV spokeshave you are looking at.  I like the adjustors on the ones I have.

 

[rvieceli]

Edward - the LN Boggs and the Veritas spoke shaves both weigh around 12 ounces.