Are Stanley spokeshaves ok?

NickR

NickR

Well-known member
I'm looking at spokeshaves on ebay . . .

Are Stanley 51, 151, or 152 suitable for a beginning decoy hack like myself?

Thanks for any feedback you can provide!

NR
 
That's what I use and it works great. I bought mine used and can't say for sure if it's a Stanley blade on it or a custom job, but it holds an edge very well. I also use a Zona spoke shave quite often after doing the bigger work with the Stanley.
 
I like some of the old wood ones too. They have a smaller face and they tend to allow a lot move shaping. Take a look at Dave's Shaves he makes a nice new version of it but you can fined old ones at flea markets. HHG
 
I hacktually never saw the need for one. Rough shape with the drawknife then finish rounding with my cabinet rasp. That being said, go with an old wood one as Hank suggests, but you might buy a half dozen before you find a good one, OR, check out the low angle one at Lee Valley. Designed after the wood ones but "new and improved" with a cast aluminum body, or you can buy it in kit form and make your own wood body.

http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=2&cat=1&p=50230
 
Here's what i use. You may need to sharpen them just a little to get them really sharp, but they are a cheap version of the old wooden handled spokes. They are very easy to use and adjust. Again, running it on some 400 grit or so sandpaper for a few strokes will get it just how you want it. Just make sure that you keep the blade FLAT, and don't rock!

http://www.japanwoodworker.com/product.asp?s=JapanWoodworker&mimid=3C30CB3OJWHM06VU6STGCOER2LOYMN6B&pf_id=98%2E104%2E2033&dept_id=13623

BTW they used to be like $12. I am surprised they have gone up so much.
 
the key is you want a LOW angle on the blade. One of the things that I have not seen on a Stanley one is a low blade angle. They could have made one but I'm not aware of it. Nates suggestion is a good one too. HHG
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top