Spokeshaves - the emperor's new clothes?

[Woody2Shoes]

I've just about mastered the techniques of fettling spokeshave blades - I think!

I've tried cheap and expensive versions of the 151/152 metal spokeshave.

I've tried the Veritas low-angle spokeshave and a 'Rapier' which looks and works remarkably similar.

I've tried old-fashioned wooden spokeshaves that need tapping with a persuader to adjust the blade every so often.

I've tried them on green/seasoned wood.

I've tried them on straight/wild/adverse grain.

Am I the only one who doesn't see the point of the 151/152 style spokeshaves at all??

As far as I am concerned the Veritas/Rapier low-angle design (or an equivalent in wood with a brass wear-plate and a proper, non-impact-related(!) adjustment mechanism) is all I need. In all the situations I've tried it is vastly superior.

Is the 151/152 emperor wearing any clothes?

Cheers, W2S

 

[Racers]

They are tricky things you need a good flat bed and very sharp blade, even then they chatter, Prestons are the best.

But the one I always reach for is my home made Hock bladed one, all the advantages of a low angle with the adjustability of a 151/152.

Body with the blade fitted http://thewindsorworkshop.co.uk/tools/spokeshave-kits
Or blade only https://www.classichandtools.com/acatal ... lades.html

Pete

 

[Sean Hellman]

I go with Pete, I got a kit from James, the small one. Love it. I also use a veritas long handled one, expensive but great to use. I really do not get on with the 151/152

 

[Cheshirechappie]

Must admit, I prefer the old-fashioned wooden ones too. I don't mind adjusting with a 'persuader', and I find them sweeter-cutting and lighter to use. I've also got a fancy Harris Tools (think they're defunct now) adjustable wooden spokeshave which is nice to use, but a bit of a fiddle to adjust.

 

[bugbear]

Despite having a good range of shave to choose from, I do probably 70% of my work with the Veritas low angle, and 20% with a Sweetheart #63. Most of my spokeshaving is handle making and fitting, especially axes.

BugBear

 

[tobytools]

it depends what you like woody, i have an 151 style spokeshave with a hock iron and thats been fully fettled and its as good as any of the ones I've played with, id say the or "my go to" would be the LN flat, verities low angle for end grain and the miller falls cigar shave for tight curves. but any shave is as good as any other imho.
my all time fave is a coopers shave i own that is about 16" long with a iron that is 5 1/2" long and 1 1/8 wide.
thanks
TT

 

[mouppe]

Funny, I'm the opposite. I love my Veritas spokeshaves and use them all the time but rarely use the low angle wooden one. Spindles, round legs, chamfers, trimming veneer edges etc. I find the higher angle suits me better. Mind you, I also use a 35 degree bevelled blade in my low angle block plane most of the time making it the same angle as a bevel down bench plane so I think it's just a preference for higher angles in the way I work.