Spokeshaves

About Spokeshaves

Spokeshaves are essential hand tools designed for shaping and smoothing curved and rounded wood surfaces. Originally developed for crafting wooden wheel spokes, these versatile tools have become indispensable for furniture makers, carpenters, and woodworking enthusiasts tackling everything from chair legs to boat building. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive range of spokeshaves from trusted brands including Faithfull, Record, Stanley, Draper, and Sealey.

Available in flat, round (convex), and concave configurations, spokeshaves feature a cutting blade positioned between two handles, allowing precise control when shaping both inside and outside curves. Modern adjustable spokeshaves enable fine-tuning of blade depth for different wood types and cutting requirements, whilst replacement blades ensure your tools maintain peak performance throughout their working life.

Applications

Spokeshaves are invaluable tools across numerous woodworking trades and applications:

• Furniture making: Shaping chair legs, spindles, arms, and decorative curves
• Carpentry and joinery: Smoothing rounded edges and creating chamfers
• Boat building: Shaping oars, tillers, and curved timber components
• Cabinet making: Refining curved doors, drawer fronts, and mouldings
• Green woodworking: Working with freshly cut timber for traditional crafts
• Luthiers: Shaping instrument necks and curved wooden components
• DIY enthusiasts: Home restoration projects and bespoke woodworking

Choosing The Right Spokeshaves

Selecting the appropriate spokeshave depends on your specific woodworking requirements:

Blade configuration: Flat-faced spokeshaves suit convex surfaces and straight edges, whilst round (convex base) models excel at smoothing concave curves. Concave spokeshaves are specifically designed for working outside curves on rounded surfaces. Consider investing in a multi-piece set from MyToolShed.co.uk for maximum versatility.

Adjustability: Malleable adjustable models from Record and Stanley allow precise blade depth adjustment, essential for working with varying wood hardness and grain patterns. Fixed-blade options offer simplicity for straightforward tasks.

Build quality: Cast iron and malleable iron spokeshaves provide durability and weight for controlled cutting. Quality brands ensure accurate blade seating and reliable adjustment mechanisms that maintain settings during use.

Replacement parts: Check availability of replacement blades for your chosen model. MyToolShed stocks individual blades for Faithfull spokeshaves, ensuring long-term tool maintenance and consistent performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between flat and round spokeshaves?
Flat spokeshaves have a straight sole for working convex (bulging outward) curves and edges, whilst round spokeshaves feature a curved sole for smoothing concave (hollowed inward) surfaces. The base shape must match the curve you're working on for effective cutting.

How do I sharpen a spokeshave blade?
Spokeshave blades are sharpened similarly to plane irons. Remove the blade, hone the bevel on a sharpening stone at approximately 25-30 degrees, then remove the burr from the flat back. Regular honing maintains optimal cutting performance.

Can spokeshaves work hardwoods as well as softwoods?
Yes, quality spokeshaves handle both hardwoods and softwoods effectively. For dense hardwoods, use a finer blade setting and ensure the blade is sharp. Take lighter cuts to prevent tear-out and maintain better control over the finished surface.