: Modern shaves are typically cast iron , providing weight and stability. Older wooden-bodied versions offer a lower cutting angle (bevel-up), which is often preferred for finer work or end grain.
The Art and Utility of the Spokeshave: A Buying Guide The spokeshave is a master of the "in-between." Neither a full hand plane nor a rough drawknife, it is a specialized tool designed to shape and smooth curved surfaces—traditionally wheel spokes, chair legs, and bows. For a woodworker, buying a spokeshave is not just about adding another edge to the till; it is about choosing a tool that extends the hand’s intuition into the grain of the wood. 1. Understanding the Anatomy buy spokeshave
: A critical factor in performance. Thicker blades (above 2.5mm) are less prone to "chatter"—the rhythmic vibration that leaves a washboard texture on the wood. 2. Flat vs. Round: Which to Buy First? : Modern shaves are typically cast iron ,