Planshaves

A planshave is a woodworking hand tool used for shaping and smoothing wood. It consists of a blade set into a stock, which is typically shaped to be held with two hands. The user pulls the planshave towards themselves or pushes it away, shaving thin layers of wood to refine curves, reduce thickness, or create specific profiles. The blade's angle and the depth of cut can be adjusted.

Planshaves are particularly effective on curved surfaces such as chair legs, spokes, and boat hulls, where a bench plane would be difficult to use. They can also be used on flat surfaces for finer adjustments or when a very thin shaving is desired. The tool requires a degree of skill to operate effectively, as an uneven grip or inconsistent pressure can lead to an uneven finish.

Different types of planshaves exist, including the straight planshave for general-purpose work and the spoke shave, which often features a concave or convex sole for shaping specific curves. Some planshaves have handles extending from the stock, offering greater control and leverage, while others have a simpler body that is gripped directly. The sharpness of the blade is crucial for efficient and clean cutting.