Dieter Schmid - Fine Tools

Dieter Schmid - Fine Tools Georg-Wilhelm-Str. 7 A - 10711 Berlin Tel ++49 30 342 1757 - Fax ++49 30 342 1764 Website: www.fine-tools.com

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VERITAS Low-Angle Spokeshave The VERITAS spokeshave uses a basic traditional shape, not of the spokeshaves of the last century, but of the century before. Until about 1900, the vast majority of spokeshaves were low-angle spokeshaves with wooden bodies. The blades were hand forged with upturned tangs that fitted into holes pierced in the body of the shave. Wedged in position, they were adjusted by tapping the ends of the tangs or the base of the blade, as required. Although these spokeshaves cut beautifully because of their low cutting angle, they were not easy to adjust and became very expensive as hand processes gave way to automated manufacturing methods. The new VERITAS spokeshave has the same low cutting angle as spokeshaves of old (20° basic bevel with a 25° micro-bevel), but cutting depth has been simplified substantially. Instead of adjusting blade projection, the blade is fixed, forming the sole of the spokeshave. The toe piece is adjustable to control the depth of cut. Used in one orientation, the toe piece is suited to convex and flat work. (Bottom view) Flipped 180°, it allows the tool to be used on concave work. (Bottom view) The blade is fixed by two machine screws with specially shaped heads that wedge it in position when the knurled knobs on the top of the shave are tightened. Because the blade can be moved either forward or backward, the mouth opening is controllable, while the adjustable toe piece controls the depth of the cut. The cast aluminum body has a powder coating and, with fittings, the tool weighs just over 170 g (6 oz). The 3 mm (1/8 in.) thick blade is made of A2 tool steel, which holds an edge longer than regular high-carbon steel. The ease of cutting and the ergonomically shaped body make this tool capable of much more precise work than the standard spokeshaves of today. A beautiful tool with classic origins.

Instructions The VERITAS Low-Angle Spokeshave is configured like a traditional spokeshave, with the blade positioned bevel up. The mouth can be adjusted by setting the blade position as required. Grip the spokeshave with both hands. As with any wood cutting blade, a relief angle is required between the surface of the workpiece and the bottom of the tool (in this case, the bottom of the blade), due to fiber springback.Tilt the spokeshave forward slightly to achieve a relief angle. While this will require some practice and feel, the sole of the toe piece is shaped so that it is at a slight angle and will help guide you to the desired relief angle. This spokeshave is designed for use with either a pulling or pushing action. This allows you to always work with the grain. On more complex shapes, this may involve frequent changes of direction, flipping the tool and pulling or pushing as required. The depth of cut is determined by the position of the toe piece relative to the blade. Raise the toe piece to increase the depth of cut or lower it for a finer cut. This spokeshave is intended for fine, precise work, not the heavy material removal accomplished with a drawknife. The blade can be repositioned to accurately set the gap (mouth) between it and the toe piece. The opening should be as small as will allow the shaving to escape. A tight mouth supports the wood ahead of the blade, preventing break out and reducing the tendency of a shaving to split away from the surface of the workpiece. This spokeshave has been honed ready for use. The micro bevel allows you to easily resharpen the blade at the 25 ° angle. You can increase or lower the angle without having to regrind the primary bevel.