Spokeshaves: Versatile Shaping Tools in Traditional Woodworking
Among the most nimble and tactile hand tools in a woodworker’s kit is the spokeshave—a small, specialized shaping tool ideal for carving smooth curves, chamfers, and transitions. Originally developed for wheelwrights, spokeshaves became indispensable in many trades, from furniture making to instrument building. Their name comes from their early use in shaping the spokes of wooden wheels, but their usefulness extends far beyond that.
What Is a Spokeshave?
A spokeshave is a hand tool with a short blade set between two handles, designed to shave thin slices of wood from a surface. Unlike a plane, which rides on a flat sole and is guided along wide surfaces, a spokeshave is pulled or pushed by hand with much more control and flexibility, especially on curved or irregular shapes.
Traditionally, spokeshaves were made from wood, often with a flat or rounded sole, and secured with a wedge to hold the blade. In the 19th century, metal-bodied versions became more common, offering durability and easier blade adjustment. Both types remain popular today.
What Are Spokeshaves Used For?
Spokeshaves excel at shaping, refining, and smoothing curved or contoured surfaces, especially where other tools—like planes or chisels—are too large or unwieldy. Common uses include:
- Shaping chair legs, arms, and spindles
- Rounding over tool handles or stair balusters
- Sculpting wooden bows or paddles
- Trimming tenons or joinery in tight spaces
- Fitting curved surfaces in furniture and cabinetry
Because of their control and versatility, spokeshaves are often used for refining work after rough shaping with drawknives or saws. They can remove tear-out, smooth tool marks, and gently adjust a curve to perfection.
Types of Spokeshaves
There are several types of spokeshaves, each suited for different tasks:
- Flat-soled spokeshaves: Best for general shaping and use on convex curves or flat surfaces.
- Round-soled spokeshaves: Ideal for working on concave surfaces, such as the inside of a bowl or curved chair part.
- Concave/Convex shaves: Designed specifically for shaping cylindrical objects, like handles or spokes.
- Adjustable spokeshaves: Typically metal-bodied with screws or knobs for setting blade depth more precisely.
Each type gives the user a different kind of control, and skilled woodworkers often keep several on hand, choosing the one that best matches the shape they’re working on.
How Are Spokeshaves Used?
Using a spokeshave is a blend of feel, technique, and observation. Here’s how it’s typically done:
- Blade Setup: The blade is sharpened to a fine edge and adjusted to project slightly from the sole—just enough to take thin shavings.
- Gripping the Handles: The tool is held with both hands, thumbs often resting behind the blade for control, and drawn or pushed along the wood.
- Following the Grain: Cuts are made along the grain whenever possible to avoid tear-out, adjusting angle and pressure as needed.
- Guiding with the Hands: The spokeshave can be steered easily around curves, allowing for real-time adjustment and a close connection to the material.
Because they allow such fine control, spokeshaves are particularly prized in green woodworking, lutherie (musical instrument making), and Windsor chair building, where subtle curves and tactile surfaces are essential.
A Tool of Feel and Craftsmanship
Spokeshaves are not tools of brute force—they’re tools of finesse. The best results come from a keen edge, a practiced hand, and a feel for the wood’s grain and resistance. There’s something deeply satisfying about the way a well-tuned spokeshave glides through wood, curling up delicate ribbons with every stroke.
Whether wooden or metal-bodied, simple or adjustable, the spokeshave is a timeless tool that bridges the gap between rough shaping and fine detail. Its enduring place in the woodshop speaks to its unmatched ability to bring curves to life, with nothing more than the guidance of skilled hands.
