New Stanley 151 spokeshave - help.

MixedHerbs · 28 Jan 2006

Dear All,

I realise I should have bought a Boggs spokeshave from Lie-Nielson for approximately £100, but I cannot justify paying that sort of money for the minimal use I would make of one.

So I bought a Stanley 151 spokeshave (curved version) and expected to do a bit of tuning. Got it home, tried it "out of the box" (if there was a box, but there wasn't) just for the **** of it. Absolutely ghastly!

I took it apart, the "flat" bit behind the blade was covered in dimpled/bumpy black enamel. I have started to flatten that with various grades of wet/dry silicon carbide paper wrapped around an old thin file. I will make the blade as sharp as I can. But then what? I must admit I have run out of things I can tune.

What else do I need to do to make this spokeshave sing?

Regards, Peter.

MikeW · 28 Jan 2006

Hi Peter,

I have simply used a file by itself as it is much faster than sandpaper and perhaps more "true."

The only two things to do--after the bed is flat and you try it some more--is to make sure the cap iron also is filed if needed to provide a firm, tight fit to the iron as well it is possible to obtain a thicker replcement blade.

This could mean needing to open the mouth more, but as I haven't performed surgery on a new Stanley 151 and replaced the blade, I don't know if it is necessary to open the mouth or not.

As long as the current blade beds well and clamps firmly, it should work fine at least for light cuts.

Take care, Mike

Chris Knight · 28 Jan 2006

Peter,

Somewhere on the web - can't find it at the mo, there is a comprehensive set of instructions for fettling these. It includes making a new bedding surface for the blade with epoxy.

I think the bottom line however, is that if you value your time at minimum wage, it is cheaper to buy the LN!

These links might help however:-
http://www.taunton.com/FWN/SkillsAndTec ... px?id=2451
http://www.jeffgreefwoodworking.com/pnc ... harpspoke/
http://www.tools-for-woodworking.com/in ... tegory=257
http://www.fine-tools.com/eisen.htm

bugbear · 30 Jan 2006

waterhead37":2u3g2373 said:
Peter,

Somewhere on the web - can't find it at the mo, there is a comprehensive set of instructions for fettling these. It includes making a new bedding surface for the blade with epoxy.

I can't find it either, but here's Alf doing the same thing to a block plane.

https://www.ukworkshop.co.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?t=5490

If you just want a working tool, the Veritas "basic" models appear excellent value.

https://www.ukworkshop.co.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?t=1885

BugBear

Alf · 30 Jan 2006

bugbear":27nxj3ta said:
waterhead37":27nxj3ta said:

Peter,

Somewhere on the web - can't find it at the mo, there is a comprehensive set of instructions for fettling these. It includes making a new bedding surface for the blade with epoxy.

Click to expand...

I can't find it either

Brian Boggs in FWW; the article used to be available but it's now only available if you divvy up the lettuce. He practically rebuilt the thing, IIRC; I couldn't help feeling if all that was necessary to get a new Stanley or Record working it makes the LN and Veritas versions cheap at the price.

Peter, no-one's told you the comforting news; round-soled shaves are notoriously difficult to use, especially if you're a shave novice. It's flamin' tricky to get the knack of keeping the area of the sole right in front of the mouth the one in contact with the work. Get some scrap and just practice a lot; I still blow it on a regular basis and fall back on a little refreshing practice to get my eye in again.

nil desperandum :wink:

Cheers, Alf