Popular Woodworking 2004-04 № 140, страница 92

STANLEY

151 SPOKESHAVE

This tool, now made in England, is the genetic ancestor of the Kunz,Anant and one of the Veritas shaves. Too bad it has fallen on hard times.The Stanley 151 of old was a finer tool than this modern version. The fit and finish was better on the old models I've had in my shop, as was the fit between the body, iron and cap iron. In fact, the modern Stanley version has been

eclipsed by the Veritas (which is far superior) and even the Kunz (which has nicer adjustment knobs). Like the other less-expensive shaves, the Stanley didn't like to take a heavy cut or work in harder woods. If you were inclined, you could tune up the bed, replace the iron - a $25 to $33 investment - and make yourself a

new heavy cap iron. However, that reminds me of the joke about the guy who bought an old handsaw. He didn't like the feel of the handle so he replaced it with a more comfortable handle.After using the saw for a bit he realized that the steel in the blade was junk and so he replaced that, too.The only original parts left were the saw's nuts. If you like Stanley tools, I recommend you check antique stores, flea markets or eBay for a vintage 151. They are quite common and reasonably priced. In fact,you might find a specimen for less than the $23 you'd spend on a new version. While it's a shame that this once-great manufacturer of quality hand tools is now more focused on garage-door openers, it's the simple economics of the modern age.

Available from Garrett Wade, 800-221-2942 or garrettwade.com

VERITAS

LOW-ANGLE SPOKESHAVE

This hybrid tool has a lot of things going for it. Because it has the bevel facing up, it cuts at a low angle.This makes the tool easy to use even in hard woods and it is the best tool - hands-down - for shaping end grain. In fact, you can shave off ribbons of end grain when this Canadian-made tool is freshly sharpened - try that with any other metal shave. Because the tool's body is cast aluminum, it's lightweight (like a traditional wooden shave) but the throat won't wear out like a traditional wooden shave is prone to because the body made of metal. The most unusual feature of the tool is its toe piece. It can be

turned over and reattached to the body, allowing the tool to be used on outside and inside curves.You set the depth of cut by adjusting the toe piece up and down, exposing more or less of the blade as needed. You also can shift the blade forwards and backwards in the body of the tool, regulating the tool's throat.All-in-all, it's a very adjustable tool.As mentioned earlier, the lower cutting angle means you have to pay closer attention to grain direction to avoid tear-out. If you build chairs (where straight-grained spindles are riven from logs) then this tool is ideal. It's also great for any work that requires extensive shaping of end grain.

Available from Lee Valley Tools, 800-871-8158 or leevalley.com

VERITAS

SPOKESHAVE

Lee Valley's newest spokeshave does everything right. The body is cast from nearly unbreakable ductile iron with nicely fitted rosewood and brass handles. The bed of this Canadian-made tool is fully machined, resulting in an airtight fit between the iron and body. The brass adjustment screws fit into the notches on the iron perfectly with no discernable play or spinning - this results in an iron that is easy to set and stays set during your cut.The iron is .125" thick and made using A2 steel, which I personally prefer. The cap iron is a massive .20" thick and is machined on the bottom where it meets the

iron and the top where the shavings escape. The throat is a good size for most general work. For woodworkers who prefer a tighter throat, the tool comes with two custom-fitted shims that you can place between the blade and the shave's body. Overall the tool is a joy to use.The rosewood handles are quite comfortable (and I'm told there will be a kit offered soon that will allow you to make your own custom handles for this tool). The Veritas is easy to set and takes a fine or thick shaving without a hint of protest. Harder woods pose no problems for it. Priced at $65, this tool will become one of your best friends.

Available from Lee Valley Tools, 800-871-8158 or leevalley.com PW

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