Multi-Function Shavehorse

There’s a branch of the woodworking family tree that begins, well, with a tree. Log sections are split and shaped into rough blanks while the wood still contains a good amount of moisture. Working “green wood” with hand tools is easier than hard, dried wood. Green woodworkers shape the parts into chairs, stools, spoons, bowls and more.

Working with parts that aren’t flat, straight and square requires a different mindset and employs some tools you may not be familiar with. One of those is a shavehorse. It’s equal parts workbench, vice and workshop chair all rolled into one. And it’s used to hold odd-shaped workpieces while you work them.

To secure a workpiece, press against the foot pedal. The upper jaw clamps down on the piece locking it in place. Repositioning the part only requires you to release the pressure from your feet. This arrangement works well with the two tools most often associated with shavehorses: a drawknife and a spokeshave. The pulling stroke of the tool works in concert with the pushing effort from your feet. The harder you press, the stronger the vice action. It’s very efficient and fun to use.

The main difference between this and other shavehorse designs is the addition of the adjustable vice screw on top. This accommodates different sizes of workpieces with a few turns of the handle.