spokeshave

A spokeshave is a type of hand plane, distinguished by its blades being set in a frame with two handles. It is designed for shaping and smoothing wood, particularly for creating curved surfaces and long, tapering shapes. The user holds the spokeshave by its handles and draws it towards themselves, pushing it away is also possible depending on the design and desired action. The depth of the cut is controlled by the angle at which the spokeshave is held relative to the workpiece and the amount of pressure applied.

Spokeshaves are typically used for tasks such as shaping spokes for wheels, creating chair legs, carving tool handles, and refining the curves of wooden boats. Their compact size and the leverage provided by the handles allow for precise control over the wood removal. The blade is usually a flat iron, sharpened on one side, and set at a relatively steep angle to effectively cut against the grain or with it. Different types of spokeshaves exist, including flat-bottomed and concave-bottomed versions, to accommodate various shaping needs. Historically, spokeshaves were essential tools for woodworking and carpentry, especially in the production of wheeled vehicles.