A travisher has handles that curve upward from the middle of the blade so that it reaches down further for even deeper cuts. This is, of course, where spokeshaves got their name. A curved blade is best for projects that have a lot of hollowing out. There are three different kinds of blades and four different kinds of soles for spokeshaves. For that reason, it’s common for woodworkers to keep several types of spokeshaves in their toolboxes. As you can see, spokeshaves and draw knives have similar uses, but they’re also different in many respects. What Is the Difference Between a Spokeshave and a Draw Knife? These are generally between 3-6 inches long. Classic Hand Tools Limited Hill Farm Business Park Witnesham Ipswich Suffolk IP6 9EW United Kingdom. Company Registration No. This gives the tool a wing-like shape. You might even think of a spokeshave as the “little brother” to the draw knife. However, we recommend you watch videos of using these tools before the final decision. Back then this tool was made out of sharpened stones. It’s not a must. 8" Mike Abbott Drawknife by Ray Iles . Place the spokeshave sole on the flat surface of the wood. Have fun! The spokeshave may also come with sharpened notches that allow you to shape the wood to the correct diameter. A spokeshave is a hand tool used to shape and smooth woods in woodworking jobs such as making cart wheel spokes, chair legs, paddles, bows, and arrows. Sit down at your shaving horse and secure your piece of wood in the grip. Spokeshave vs Drawknife: Which One is the Best? Hi, after reading the review on the Draper Spokeshave. However, you can use the straight and curved blades interchangeably. One of these blades can fit two types of soles, and we’ll explain that in a bit. A spokeshave, on the other hand, is helpful for paring off fine shavings to smooth wood and create intricate detail. One of the main differences between spokeshaves and draw knives is the level of control over the depth of cut. Hock Spokeshave Kit . You should also be aware that because of the difference in depth control, using a draw knife requires more skill, so there’s more of a learning curve when you’re just starting out. They curve inward and are used for round pieces and corners. If you want to compare a spokeshave to a familiar tool, think handplane. Pull the spokeshave towards you along the surface of the wood. I had originally included them in my list of Unfamiliar but Useful Tools (see AWR #61), but it became obvious that they were worth an article on their own. I thought it was toast, but it turns out to be the one I reach for first. Another part of the spokeshave is called the sole. Most of the people can’t even tell apart these two tools at first glance. The spokeshave has two handles extended form the middle. THIS MEANS THAT AT NO COST TO YOU, I WILL RECEIVE A SMALL COMMISSION IF YOU PURCHASE THROUGH MY LINK. Spokeshave-Double Cutters . If we go to the origins of this tool, then we’ve to go to ancient times. These are: There is also a curved spokeshave called a travisher. Spokeshaves are used to smooth and flatten complex shapes in wood. Now made by fine tool makers from around the globe like Barr, Gransfors Bruks and Lie Nielsen, woodworkers can choose from a variety of quality hand forged and machined shaves and knives, sized for just the purpose. They are used on flat surfaces and outward curves. 53 minutes, DVD. The blades of a spokeshave and a draw knife are different as well. New spokeshaves, designed with a cutter and cap iron, come in several shapes: flat-edge for flat and some round surfaces, half-round for convex cuts, radius for hollows and chamfer for edges. What I cant see is what advantage it has over the draw knife. The modern spokeshave came into use around the 16th century, when they were used to create spokes for wooden wheels. Draw knives can be either straight or curved. 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