The Humble No.151 Spokeshave

This spokeshave and its various copies are a wonderful tool, worthy of a place in any serious woodworkers tool kit. Like many of the cast metal tools such as Bailey planes, the 151 puts a versatile mass produced hand tool into the hands of woodworkers for very little outlay. As is often the case, tools that were once part of the trade are constantly recycled on eBay, car boot sales and by tool dealers for very reasonable prices.

One of the reasons these spokeshaves are so forgiving is the flat sole and presence of adjusters. Although shaves without adjusters aren't difficult to use, there is a bit more of a knack to getting them singing. Why make things more difficult than needed, especially when starting out?

The 151 is essentially a very short soled, bevel down plane. It works well for general shaping, gentle concave curves and pretty much any covex curve. As long as the iron isn't pitted, there's no need to rush out and buy a new cutting iron, the standard fitment, as with most old, quality tools, is more than up to the task.

I've seen a few modern copies of this tool and I would personal steer clear of. There are so many quality second hand variants out there it seems a real waste to buy new new versions that are the same price and not as good as the originals.

I'll aim to share a 151 spokeshave tune up at some point that might inspire you to pick one up at have a go at using this incredibly useful spokeshave.