The tools of the ‘traditional’ trade
Both hand planes and spokeshaves are traditional hand tools that are used to shape timber. Although they are used for different applications (planes to flatten and smooth and spokeshaves to curve and shape ‘rounds’) there are three common principles to both. Although they sound quite simple, they are in fact fundamental to good practice, and should all come together as one.
Tool set-up
To get the most from your hand tools you need to keep them in tip-top condition. A sharp blade is essential when using a plane or spokeshave. In fact, it doesn’t matter how expensive your tools are, if the blades are not sharp, they will never work to your best advantage. For example, a rusty boot fair tool with a sharp blade is better than a more expensive poorly set tool with a blunt blade.
You also need to consider the setting of the blade itself, for example, on a wood plane the position of the frog and chip breaker. The frog is an adjustable iron wedge that hold the plane iron at the correct angle. There are many online resources that go into this in great depth. However, if you prefer face-to-face learning you might like to join one of our courses instead.
Knowledge of timber
When planing or spokeshaving you need to know and understand timber, its grain direction and individual characteristics. Although it sounds obvious, this, in combination with really studying and looking at the piece of timber you are going to work on, will enable you to get the best results. This will then help to eliminate potential tear out and chatter marks, resulting in the desired smooth finish.
The craftsman’s knowledge
With your craftsman’s knowledge the aim is to bring together the principles of good tool set-up and your knowledge of materials, alongside your skills to bring this all together as one. Using the best techniques you can master and refine the required skills, and as with most things, practice makes perfect!
You will also want to be mindful of your posture, making sure you are working in a comfortable way. You will need to make sure you have secured your timber at the right height and adjust this as necessary as you work. And lastly, ensure you hold your tools in the correct way to achieve the best results and eliminate potential injury. It sounds simple but eradicating bad habits from the start can go a long way!
About woodworking planes
There are many different planes available that come in varying sizes from small low-angled block planes to larger jointer planes and everything in between. No matter what the size or shape they contain a blade that is designed to shave off very thin layers of timber with each stroke, enabling you to remove rough layers to a flat smooth finish.
At Edward Johnson’s School of Furniture, we also have a fine collection of antique planes for you to take a look at, but rest assured we won’t be using them!
You can see a comprehensive selection of the different types of planes that are available here: Classic Hand Tools.
About spokeshaves
As the name suggests, spokeshaves were originally used by wheelwrights to shape wooden spokes. There are several different spokeshaves including round, flat, concave and convex. Essentially, they have a handle on each side with a blade in the centre and are used to shape timber into round and oval bars, and to form curved edges. A spokeshave removes exceptionally fine shavings from the timber allowing for intricate detail and a smooth finish.
