spokeshaves

A spokeshave is a type of hand plane, distinguished by its blades being set in a frame with two handles, one on each side of the blade. The user grips these handles and draws the tool towards them to shave thin layers of wood. Spokeshaves are primarily used for shaping curved surfaces. Historically, they were essential for woodworking tasks such as making wheel spokes, hence the name. They are also used for shaping chair legs, tool handles, and other curved components.

The body of a spokeshave is typically made of wood or metal. The blade, similar to that of a bench plane, is sharpened and adjustable to control the depth of the cut. The pitch of the blade can vary, affecting its aggressiveness and suitability for different types of wood and shaping tasks. A lower blade angle is generally better for end grain and harder woods, while a higher angle can be more effective for shaping curved surfaces across the grain. The handles provide leverage and control, allowing the woodworker to guide the tool smoothly along the workpiece. Different types of spokeshaves exist, including flat-bottomed and concave-bottomed models, each designed for specific shaping applications.