Spokeshave

[jdiven]

Has anyone considered or used a spokeshave for rounding and tapering of spars?

[michael mott]

I have used a spokeshave for a lot of curved work, I would suggest that a small block plane would be an easier tool for the shaping of the spars for the general rounding or for creating an octagonal cross section, with the exception of creating an octagonal or flat that is scalloped from the round section of the spar, in which case I would use the round spokeshave not the flat one.

 

Michael

Edited July 10, 2014 by michael mott

[dgbot]

Using a spokeshave takes practice and it has to be sharp.  I am not that good with them so I use my finger plane.  However, for larger objects once you learn how to use one you may never look back.

David B

[Ulises Victoria]

What is a spokeshave? May you post a photo, please?

 

EDIT: NVM... found it.

Edited July 10, 2014 by Ulises Victoria

[testazyk]

I tried to use one to taper masts too but found it too difficult to (1) hold the stock and (2) stay even.  I use it sometimes for trimming frames and things like that but I taper masts and spars with an electric drill.

[mischief]

Try using a piece of broken glass.in place of a spoke shave for masts

Edited November 21, 2015 by mischief

[Julie Mo]

I have used spokeshaves for shaping guitar necks.  I love working with them.  Years ago I bought a couple of Record spokeshaves and hated them.  When I got into making guitar necks, I bit the bullet and bought a set of L-N Boggs spokeshaves and never looked back.

 

Flat & curved soles

 

I can achieve a pretty straight cut with the spokeshave but for the final shaping I have several sanding blocks I made out of MDF to which I attach PSA sandpaper.  These sanding blocks from 3" to 18" long.  It takes time to get the final shape right and I use templates to check at different locations on the back of the neck as I do the shaping.

 

When it comes to using spokeshaves on a mast for a model boat, I do not see it as the best tool.  As Michael mentioned, a small block plane would work better.  The problem with using a spokeshave on something as small as a model mast comes in the flexibility of the wood.  You would need a rigid backer to keep it straight and ensure even shavings.  When I make guitar necks, flex is not a problem.

 

I plan on creating a mast with an oval shape.  I will start with a small block plane and finish with long sanding blocks. I will make templates to check the shape as I work.  There may be an easier way, short of CNC, but I don't know what that would be.

[dgbot]

To provide a rigid backing for using a plane make a fixture with a 45⁰ slot and square it up.  Then plane the edges to get 8 sides then round it up with sandpaper.  Using a drill for doing everything may seem faster but you may impart a twist in the yard that will come back to haunt you down the road.

David B

[Richard Griffith]

Like any hand tool, practice makes the master.  I do not claim to be a master even though some colleagues and my admiral think so.

 

As David B stated above, you need a backer board, often with slots in it, either V shaped or square from a table saw cut.  Leave the spar long so you can hold it without damaging the part.  Then use a small hand plane and small spoke shaves to get the round shape.  Finish with sanding devices.  

 

I do use an electric drill and stationary belt sander sometimes but be careful not to build up any heat or your wood will bend out of shape.  

 

My wood preferences are maple, Costello box, pear and cherry.  Basswood is good but is soft and will easily dent and scratch. 

Duff