Woodworking Edge Cutting Tools
When it comes to shaping and refining wood, few tools offer the tactile satisfaction and precision of woodworking edge cutting hand tools. Among the most versatile in this category are spokeshaves and surform tools—essentials for any woodworker looking to elevate their craftsmanship.
Woodworking Edge Cutting Tools
In the world of woodworking, precision is everything—and it all starts at the edge. Whether you're crafting fine furniture or tackling a DIY project, the right woodworking edge cutting tools can make the difference between a clean finish and a frustrating mess. In this blog post, we’ll explore shokeshave and surform tools; two types of edge cutting tools. Learn about what sets them apart, and how to choose the right one for your craft.
What Is a Spokeshave?
Traditionally used in wheelwrighting and chair-making, the spokeshave is a small hand tool with a blade set between two handles. It excels at shaping and smoothing curved surfaces, such as chair legs, paddles, and tool handles.
Why Use a Spokeshave?
- Control: The two-handed grip allows for fine control over the cut.
- Curves and contours: Ideal for concave and convex surfaces.
- Finish quality: Leaves a clean, smooth surface with minimal tear-out.
At Axminster Tools, our range includes both flat and round-bottom spokeshaves, giving you the flexibility to tackle a variety of shaping tasks. Whether you're refining a Windsor chair or adding detail to a carved piece, a spokeshave offers unmatched finesse.
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What Is a Surform Tool?
Think of a surform as a hybrid between a rasp and a plane. It features a perforated metal blade that shaves off fine curls of wood, making it perfect for rapid material removal.
Why Use a Surform Tool?
- Speed: Removes material quickly without clogging.
- Versatility: Works on wood, plastic, and even soft metals.
- Ease of use: Great for beginners and pros alike.
Surform tools are especially handy for rough shaping before moving on to finer tools like spokeshaves or sandpaper. They're also a go-to for green woodworking and sculptural projects.
Choosing the Right Tool for the Job
| Task | Best Tool | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Shaping chair legs | Spokeshave | Precision on curves |
| Roughing out a carved form | Surform | Fast material removal |
| Refining tool handles | Spokeshave | Smooth, controlled finish |
| Working with green wood | Surform | Less clogging, more bite |
Tips for Success
- Keep blades sharp: A dull spokeshave blade can tear fibres rather than slice them.
- Use light passes: Let the tool do the work—especially with spokeshaves.
- Match the tool to the grain: Surforms are more forgiving, but spokeshaves require attention to grain direction.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're a seasoned maker or just starting out, adding a spokeshave or surform to your toolkit opens up new possibilities in shaping and detailing. These woodworking edge cutting tools bridge the gap between rough shaping and fine finishing, giving you more control over your creative process.
Explore our full range of edge cutting tools in-store or online, and don’t forget to check out our Woodworking Wisdom videos for hands-on demonstrations and expert tips.
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If you’ve used a certain type of edge cutting tool for one of your projects, or have recently bought one, we'd love to hear from you. Comment below or send us a photograph and tell us all about what you've been up to, or what you've bought.
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