Stupid spokeshave question

12/28/03, 7:21 PM #1

Robin Frierson
Guest

Stupid spokeshave question

Robin Frierson

>I feel like an idiot not knowing, but do you pull or push a spokeshave. I got a new Boggs/LN spokeshave for Christmas and found it works both ways. This baby is gonna come in handy on those curved rails.

Re: Stupid spokeshave question

12/28/03, 7:26 PM #2

Dan Donaldson
Master Craftsman
Offline
5,264 posts

Registered: 9/17/01

Either

Dan Donaldson

>You can push or pull it depending on what you are doing and your preferences. Many times I will do both on a given piece depending on how the grain runs. If it is tearing out, I will change the direction of the shave rather than go to the other end or turn the part around. In short, there is really no "right" way;-)

- - -

I have been woodworking for about 25 years now, and would consider myself an enthusiastic amateur. My claim to fame (or infamy) has always been fixing stuff. I spent time in the Air Force in the 60's then went to work as an electronic technician for civil service. I finally got my EE, and being fed up with the civil service nonsense, took a job with Ford Motor Company until I went with the split to Visteon last year. I got interested in music and started playing in a bluegrass band. I wanted a new guitar, and that kind of led me into woodworking. I bought some books, a few tools, and built a guitar. Luckily, I didn't know any better than to try that as a first ever project. I still play it when I get a chance, so it must not be too bad if it can live for over 20 years. After a stint in Mexico for my job, I moved into a new house and built a small shop. Since then I have been collecting tools and skills, probably more of the former than the latter ;-). Finding this site has done more for my skills and enjoyment than anything else. I have learned a lot and really enjoy the friendships that I have made here. I have been married to LOML (Lori) for 32 years now and have 6 kids. When they are all gone, I want to get a 1 bedroom house (so there is not room for them to move back in) and at least a 6 car heated/air conditioned garage for a shop. (Dream on...)

Re: Stupid spokeshave question

12/28/03, 7:28 PM #3

Eric Hedberg
Carpenter
Offline
280 posts

Registered: 12/28/03

Dan's correct. No "right" way. Do what feels good.

Eric Hedberg

>

Re: Stupid spokeshave question

12/28/03, 7:58 PM #4

Pam Niedermayer
Guest

Re: Stupid spokeshave question

Pam Niedermayer - Austin, TX

>Both ways work, although most spokeshaves have little thumb rests that indicate pushing is the right way, these can be ignored. I find that I then to push downhill, pull through a trough, and then push again.

Pam

Re: Stupid spokeshave question

1/2/04, 12:36 AM #5

Bill Houghton
Master Craftsman
Offline
8,480 posts

Registered: 1/1/70

Slightly off topic

Bill Houghton, Sebastopol, CA

>You didn't ask, but some FWW article or other taught me the proper way to hold a metal shave, and it is not the way that seems natural: when pushing, lightly grip the body of the shave each side of the iron between index finger and thumb, using the handles as a convenient place to rest the remaining fingers. This gives me far more control than the apparently natural grip, which resembles gripping two pocket knives, one in each hand.

Stupid spokeshave question

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