Dave's Shaves - Frequently Asked Questions

Reproduction Wooden Spokeshaves & Service

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What is the difference between a wooden spokeshave and a metal spokeshave?
Wooden spokeshaves, or more correctly termed low angle spokeshaves, appeared on the tool time-line ahead of cast metal spokeshaves by at least a century and possibly several. Metal spokeshaves appeared in the mid-1800’s following the advent of the cast metal bench plane. Both may appear the same outwardly because of the centrally located blade flanked by handles, but the real difference is operational and in how their blades are set up.

The fundamental difference between these two tools focuses on the bed angles of their cutting blades. The bed angle is the angle of the blade "face" (the side opposite the bevel) relative to the work piece. The metal spokeshave is actually a cousin to the metal bench plane in that they both share a similar bed angle and have soles that extend ahead and behind of their blades. In contrast, the wooden shave has a low bed angle that approaches a paring chisel in use, and has a sole only ahead of its blade. The single sole helps control and regulate the cut. Together, these features give the low angle wooden shave its unique ability to whittle shavings and excel at shaving end grain.

Which spokeshave do I choose?
I make two models of spokeshaves with two sole styles and 3 different sizes. This variety can make things confusing when it comes to choosing a shave. Below I have outlined some selection criteria that may be helpful. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. All of my shaves can be classified into one of two types based on the configuration of the sole. The two sole types are flat sole and compass (rounded sole). Because the shape of the sole determines the function of the shave, first consider the task the shave will need to perform. Please note that my recommendations for shave selection below are directed toward Windsor chairmakers, but these tools are not limited to this use. Nearly all other woodworking areas and disciplines have used spokeshaves at some time or another in their History.

What is the difference between a flatsole and compass shave?
The terms I use below for classifying spokeshave soles are not historical terms, but were devised for my own convention. The “old guys” may not have used these terms, however they do accurately describe the tools. The flat sole shave is the most commonly used wooden spokeshave. As the name implies, the sole is flat. Shaves of this type are often seen with a brass wear plate fitted to the sole. This is referred to as “brassing” the shave. The advantage of brassing is to prolong the life of the sole when the shave is used extensively or used on very abrasive/hard wood species. This shave is used for working straight, convex or moderately concave edges. The compass shave is a specialized tool. The sole of the compass shave is rounded to gain access into concave edges too curved for the flat sole shave. This is similar to the role of a compass (circle) plane. Note that the compass shave’s sole is rounded in the front-to-back direction for the purpose of hollowing edges, and should not be confused with the side-to-side curvature of a travisher (a cousin to the spokeshave) which hollows surfaces. Because the compass shave is intended for lighter duty than the flat sole shave, it is not brassed.

What is the difference between the Tradition models and the Custom models?
The Tradition is a production model shave. The Custom model has extensive body shaping/sculpting and is available in various other wood species upon request. Both models have the "Sheffield pattern" look, share the same cutters and cutting geometry. Both have hand fitted mouths and throats. Both have similar hand contoured mid bodies. The Custom model is also offered in two additional sizes not available in the Tradition models.

I am taking a class on how to make a Windsor chair. Which spokeshave will I need?
A general purpose spokeshave, such as the flat sole shave, is the best choice for making a Windsor chair. It will handle all the shaving tasks required for an oval seat Windsor chair. It will also handle the majority of shaving tasks required on shield seat Windsor chairs. Either Standard shave models work equally well. If a larger shave is desired as a dedicated seat shave or for shaving tasks on larger projects, the Standard XL is an excellent choice. Shield seat Windsor chairs have concave anatomical details on their sides that are difficult to access with the flat sole shave (See this side concavity on the child's seat pictured in the "Products" section). These areas can be easily shaped with specialized spokeshaves like the compass shave. The large compass shave (No.2) is best used on large or moderate radii and the small compass shave (No.0) for the tight radii or detail work.

I am taking a class on how to make cabriole legs. Which spokeshave will I need?
A compass shave can be used to perform the entire task of shaping these legs. However, you may have use for both the flat sole shave as well, since the cabriole leg has both convex and concave areas to shape. For the tightest of inside curves, the small compass shave (No.0) shave would be recommended.

Are all your spokeshaves in stock?
I try to keep a small inventory of shaves on hand, but more often the case, I make them to order. If you plan to attend a woodworking class that requires a spokeshave or wish to purchase one as a gift, please note that a lead time is needed. Allow two to four weeks from my receipt of your order to its shipping date. Occasionally, I will need to ship directly to the class if time is tight. Please note that times will vary depending on existing orders. Please inquire if you have questions on availability or special requests.