Spokeshave advice?
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I just finished Christopher Schwarz’s book and am shopping around for a spokeshave. In the book, he recommends, if you are only to have one spokeshave to have a convex bottom. Since then, I have read the exact opposite advice. Assuming I could only own one spokeshave, what do you guys recommend I go with? Will a convex bottom comfortably handle the work that is normally associated with a flat bottom?
I found that a round bottom shave dose not work as well on rounding over or doing convex curve, but you can get better results and tighter on concave curve.
The flat bottom good for rounding over and can perform concave curve but you will not get as tight as you do with a round bottom but still get good results.
I’m the last person to talk about having just one of any tool as I have a few of each.
Spokeshave quite inexpensive so having one of each no big deal.
I would choose a flat bottom.
My preference.Jay,
I picked up a set of spokeshaves from highland last month–one flat bottom and one convex. If you haven’t used spokeshaves yet, I think you’ll find that the flat bottom is MUCH easier to use than a convex. Paul even mentions this in one of his videos. The reason, based on my experience, is that a flat bottom has a full bottom surface to rest on the wood. The convex does not, unless you just happen to be working on an inner radius that is exactly the same as your spokeshave (which will be very rare). As a result, with the convex, you’re forced to use hand and muscle control much more to present the blade at the proper angle. That probably doesn’t sound that difficult, but in my experience it much more challenging than using a flat bottom. Unless you’re certain that you’ll be working on a lot of tight, inner corners I would recommend a flat bottom to start with. I made about 40 spatulas out of cherry as Christmas gifts this year and did it all with a flat bottom spokeshave and a couple of files. Hope that helps and Happy New Year!
Matt
Thanks for the replies, guys. I was leaning toward the flat-bottom, as it just seemed to make more sense, but wasn’t sure if it would be able to handle concave curves. Without having ever used one, it wasn’t completely clear… I’m sure after I get some hands-on time with one it will make a lot more sense to me.
I’ll jump in for what its worth. If I was to have only one spokeshave it would be the flat bottom as well. I find that I’m reaching for it more and more.
Flat bottom for me if I was to have only one. If you find yourself having to smooth out curve that your flat bottom won’t reach, then grab a half round rasp, file or scraper.
I agree with the flat bottom, I have a Stanley #51, #53, and #53 and use the #51 mostly. I do want to get a #151 like Paul uses so I will be on the lookout.
Steve
Thanks for all the replies, guys. Based on your advice I went with a Stanley 64 with a flat bottom. Got a good price, looks like it just needs light cleanup. I think Hock might make replacement blades for these, I will need to look around.
It took me years to get a convex spokeshave. Never needed it before and rarely do I use it now. The flat spokeshave on the other hand is one of my most-used and favourite tools.
The learning curve is also far, far steeper on a convex spokeshave.
You made the right choice.
Thanks… you are fueling my confidence. 🙂
I only have one and it’s a flat spokeshave. I haven’t needed any other. I’m sure there is a use for the conex shape. I just haven’t needed it yet.
Have two flat, and was given a round bottom as a gift which I plan on trying on canoe paddles. Definitely a different feel than the flat, no registration face to ‘rest’ on as Matt pointed out above.
Would anyone care to comment on sizes? I got a Stanley 151 from my wife for Christmas, but it feels a little larger than what I was expecting. What’s the most typical size of Spokeshave? Does anyone know the size of the one Paul uses in his wooden spoon video?
151 is the standard spokeshave 2″ iron
Paul uses the one Joseph Made for him quite a lot in his videos this is based on the Stanley 151 or Record 0151.
Veritas have shaves that have a metal body for iron and have wooden handles that come off of the metal body. I think Veritas do a large shave as well same sort of thing with a metal body and wooden handles just larger. Also do a mini shave as well.
Lie-Nielsen Do what is called a bogs spokeshave this dose not have adjustment screw to set blade but has metal body with wooden handles and also do a mini all bronze spoke shave.
There are other makes but most based on 151.
Then there are wooden spokeshave these can come in all manner of sizes.
If you want your own bronze one there are these:
http://www.mobergtools.com/spokeshave.html
although the high polish seems more chrome-ish, but that might be just the photos.
I was considering this spokeshave but I settled on the flat bottom Veritas spokeshave because theyre so tried and proven. But, does anyone have experience with the Moberg spokeshaves?
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