Restore a Wooden Spokeshave

Article 159: Restore a Wooden Spokeshave

By: A Woodworker Who Enjoys the Whisper of Cutting Wood

Wooden spokeshaves are excellent for shaping curves, chair legs, and spindles. They’re often passed down, but many need TLC before use.

Restoration Steps

1. Clean Body

   • Use a soft brush and mineral spirits.

2. Check Sole

   • Flatten gently with sandpaper on glass.

3. Sharpen Blade

   • Honing jig helps maintain angle (~25°).

   • Polish the back flat.

4. Adjust Throat

   • Clean chips and debris.

   • Tighten wedge to hold iron securely.

5. Test Cuts

   • Use on pine to fine-tune cutting depth.

Sketch – Side View of Spokeshave

 ___________
|  Handle   |
|  |  Iron  |  ← Held by wedge
|__|_______/|