Best Spokeshave of 2024

Are you interested in acquiring for your workshop the best spokeshave? You are at the right place if the answer to that question is affirmative. These tools are necessary to have in every workshop.

In this guide we would be looking at the best spokeshave one can buy with money. You are urged to read through so you find out what is available. You might also want to take a look at the cabin air filters, as this tool filters the air that enters your car.

Spokeshaves are tools that have been around for centuries, and although they have endured many modifications, their fundamental use has not changed. Various spokeshaves have emerged over the years, each with its own useful feature.

Like technology, spokeshaves have come a long way. In the early days, they were seen as multipurpose tools mainly used to finesse crooked ends and undulated sunken spots. Another tool that has improved over the years is the wire stripping machine, it went from just using of teeth, to using a tool, to strip wires.

And although not much has changed, spokeshaves have become more specialized with models designed for specific tasks.

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced woodworker keen on taking your carving skills to the next level, you will need a spokeshave that compliments your passion and desire. You need a tool that’s efficient, durable, and economical.

Why Use a Spokeshave Tool?

The spokeshave is used to shape and smooth wood surfaces. It is a woodworking tool and is not necessary for metal works and other materials. This tool is typically used for rounded surfaces, something that many might use a lather or similar tool to complete.

This tool allows you to complete it by hand without firing up or purchasing a lathe. You can smooth curved surfaces simply. Some of the surfaces that these are commonly used for include wheel spokes, chair legs, bows and arrows, paddles, and more. Unlike spokeshaves that smooth wood, a rubber mallet doesn’t, rather it is made to hit things.

You can do some intricate curve work with a spokeshave and smooth your surfaces to a perfect finish.

As a woodworker, you might also need to own a tire inflator, to help in unforeseen circumstances.

SPOKESHAVE BUYER’S GUIDE

The buyer’s guide used for a spokeshave should be different from that which is used for a concrete vibrator, as they perform entirely different functions.

Overall Design

Most spokeshave tools are designed with a curved or straight center blade. This blade is set between two handles so that you can hold a handle on each side and move down the surface you are working with.

The handles typically stick out to the sides but you will notice that one of our options has the handles set in a downward position. You can work with either setup, whichever you find more comfortable or useful for the cause.

What you want to watch is that the design is comfortable and that the tool is not overly heavy. Look at the length and be sure the handles are a sufficient size.

Blade

Next, you want to review the blade and ensure that it is a durable blade. Look at the blade thickness and materials to determine this measure. Every spokeshave tool should provide this information and if they don’t, then it probably isn’t worth your time and money.

You want something sharp and something sturdy that can hold up against the pressures of the job.

Prep Work

When you purchase a spokeshave tool, it’s given that you will have to do a bit of work to get it set up just the way you want it. You may have to grind the blade or even the tool itself to get it set just right. This is an expectation.

However, some of the tools require more preparation than what should be required. Just be sure to watch for those details and be prepared for possibly having to do some shaving, grinding, and adjusting to get your tool ready for use.

BEST SPOKESHAVES

Kunz Spokeshave , Half Round

This spokeshave from Kunz is another really great option. This one does cost quite a bit more but it has the materials and quality to show for the price overall. It’s well-made and it won’t let you down or fall apart easily. It’s sturdy and reliable.

This spokeshave is a half-round design. It is made to work with curves and rounded surfaces. The concave face blade makes shaving round stock easily. This cast iron beauty is made in Germany. It is heavy-duty but not overly heavy or bulky in size and weight.

Anndason 2-Piece Adjustable SpokeShave Hand Tool

This spokeshave from Anndason comes in a 2-piece set. It’s affordable and well-made, making it our top pick overall on the market. This plane is perfect for beginners but can work well for experienced users also. It works quite well for shaping and smoothing surfaces.

The blade is adjustable and works well with curved surfaces, including chair legs and seats. It’s a comfortable size and it is lightweight, giving you complete control as you work. The blades are nice and sharp and are made with durable carbon steel to last.

Robert Larson 580-1000 Kunz 151 Flat Spokeshave

The Robert Larson 580-1000 is a versatile flat-blade spokeshave with well-fitted parts. It is, therefore, suitable for flat and convex surfaces. The sharp blade can be adjusted easily to control the depth of cuts and the thickness of shavings.

Since it has an iron body, the material is hard and durable. Also, the tool is not too large or too small, thus making it the ideal size for comfortable cutting or shaving. The blade of this spokeshave is finely polished; it, therefore, does not require further adjustments. The even and rich painting of this tool suggests that it is of good quality.

Timber Tuff TMB-05DC Curved Draw Shave Tool – 5”

This spokeshave tool from Timber Tuff is made slightly different. This gives you a unique design and setup compared to the other options but it works in much the same way. This particular option is a curved blade, which is the most popular. The company also has straight shavers available.

These are designed a bit differently but they work very well. They are sturdy and reliable and comfortable to work with. The handles are long and point downward instead of outward. This tool is designed with a 5-inch curved blade.

Kunz Round Bottom Spokeshave

These Kunz spokeshaves are manufactured in Germany and feature two adjustable screws to set depth of cut. Round bottom allows shaping of concave surfaces. Flat bottom allows shaping of straight or convex surfaces. 10″ long. Blade width 2-1/16″ wide.. These spokeshaves are based on the Stanley and Record models 151 and 151R.

Swpeet 2Pc 10” Adjustable Spokeshave

The Swpeet 10’’’s blade is 46mm long, a good length, as it’s not too long or short. The blade is made of carbon steel, thus making it very tough and durable. The handles are ergonomic, which allows you to grip them comfortably, and they are coated with corrosion-resistant epoxy. The blade can easily be adjusted with the adjustable screws, and the process is fast and effortless.

Although this spokeshave would be best used in carpentry, it can be adjusted to perform other tasks. It is also much more affordable than the above-mentioned spokeshaves, thus earning the title of “best for the money.” If you’re willing to sacrifice a few of the quality aspects that the top two spokeshaves provide, in order to cut back on costs, this spokeshave is for you.

Accessbuy 10” Adjustable Wood Craft Cutting Edge Spokeshave

This tool is versatile that you can use on both soft and hard surfaces without complications. It planes complex and irregular patterns on your surfaces such as curves and arcs. Of course, for adjustable spokeshave such as this one, you have to master blade settings. Doing a couple of road tests before the commencement of the project is key.

It comes with an iron cast body that adds weight so vital for stability during use. But as with all metallic objects, you have to clean after every use and keep it away from moist surfaces to prevent rusting.

Stanley 12-951 Spokeshave with Flat Base

The Stanley 12-951 is an affordable flat-based tool. Like the others, it consists of an adjustable blade and well-fitted handles that allow you to have a snug grip. The blade is easy to replace.

Although the tool appears to be similar to the others, it is at the bottom of the list, because it possesses many shortcomings. It’s made of low-quality steel, with poorly fitted parts and an uneven paint job. You can clearly tell that the plane of the tool could be improved, because it is clunky. The body erodes quickly. The blade is dull and blunt, and very thin, meaning that it has a short lifespan; it requires regular touch-ups and will need regular replacement.

Meolin Wood Craver Woodworking Adjustable Spokeshave

The flat base design is efficient for curved surfaces. It has brass adjusting screws which facilitate horizontal and vertical blade setting to produce results on inclined flat surfaces and joints.

The lever cap and fixation screw ensure that the blade is well-positioned. This tool measures 8.46” in length and 1.9” in width, the right size for good grip.

Double handles which lie near the surface might hinder performance. But this is unlikely to be a problem with continued use. As with all tools, you will be able to master a good handling technique as time goes.

Taytools 469553 2 Piece Set Flat and Round Bottom Spokeshave

They have a dual blade adjusting mechanism which controls the depth of shavings quite accurately. The adjustment knobs are made of brass and capped with stainless steel screws.

2” thick steel blades aid in producing fine chatter-free cuts in almost all types of wood materials. It also has a tough-ductile cast iron body with double handles shaped for control, ensuring a comfortable grip during push and pull.

The 1” wide sole provides rest, providing good conditions for you to press down the tool to achieve a greater degree of control.

CONCLUSION

Modern spokeshaves have transformed woodwork, and whether you are fine-tuning legs or table surfaces, you will need a model that provides good value for money. No matter the model you settle upon, it is important to keep your tool clean. A moist cloth does the trick, but with this comes the risk of rusting, so you have to let dry.