When it comes to shaping wood by hand, few tools offer the tactile feedback and control of a well-tuned spokeshave. At Melbourne Tool Company, we know that understanding your tools is essential to get the most out of them—and when it comes to spokeshaves, that means knowing when to reach for flat and when to go round.
Whether you're working on a custom chair, refining a curved rail, or simply enjoying the rhythm of shaving a clean edge, knowing the difference between flat and round spokeshaves can help take your craftsmanship to the next level.
What Is a Spokeshave, Anyway?
A spokeshave is a small hand tool with a blade set between two handles. It’s often described as a cross between a plane and a drawknife—offering precision in tight curves and versatility across a range of shapes. Traditionally used in wheelwright work (hence the name), spokeshaves have evolved into essential shaping tools for woodworkers, luthiers, and furniture makers alike.
Flat Spokeshaves: Straight Talk
The flat-soled spokeshave is your go-to tool for smoothing and refining flat, convex, or gently concave curved surfaces.
Because the sole is flat, it offers a bit more contact with the timber which helps control the cut. But it also prevents the blade reaching into a steeper concave cut...
Round Spokeshaves: Embracing the Curve
The round-soled spokeshave, on the other hand, is built for concave curves. With a sole shaped like a shallow arc, it allows the tool to dip into tight concaves and complex contours.
Using a round spokeshave takes a little practice—it requires a lighter touch and more frequent angle adjustments—but the access it offers in tight spaces is unmatched.
A Few Tips for Success
Sharpening is everything. A dull blade will ruin even the finest timber.
Set it light. Aim for fine shavings and adjust as needed—heavy cuts are harder to control and can lead to tear-out and a clogged mouth.
Use with the grain. Watch the grain direction carefully and adjust your stroke to follow it – this often means working from the top of an arch downwards on a convex surface, and from the outside towards the bottom of the curve on a concave surface.
Feel the feedback. Spokeshaving is about rhythm and control—the more you use it, the more intuitive it becomes. Aim for long, consistent shavings for the best finish.
Final Thoughts
In a world full of jigs, routers, and powered shaping tools, the spokeshave invites you to slow down and shape with intention. It's a tool that rewards practice and patience, and whether you’re working flat or thinking outside the square, it offers a connection to the craft that’s hard to match.
So next time your project calls for a curve, consider reaching for a spokeshave. With these tips in mind they might just become your favourite tools.