Good but not expensive draw knife?
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Good but not expensive draw knife?
I recently started making wood spoons and it seems the best way to shape the handles is a draw knife. Some of these are pretty pricey - does anyone know of a well-made brand that doesn't cost an arm and leg? I'd appreciate any and all suggestions.
#2
Aieeee! I see what you mean. I just popped on Rocklers and they want $85 for theirs, and they aren't even gold plated! I guess I'd better take mine out of the tool box and wrap it up better! I would guess an estate sale or flea market would be your best bet. Most times old non standard tools will go for a song.
#3
Doc - Google draw knives and you'll find quite a few sources. I saw some on Amazon for around $40. Would a spokeshave be a better tool for your purpose? Highlandwoodworking. I have no idea of the quality of these.
If you are handy you can make your own. I have two that were made by my grandfather a long time ago. They are made from a scythe blade. I have made knives from a car leaf spring, you could probably use one of those to make a draw knife.
If you are handy you can make your own. I have two that were made by my grandfather a long time ago. They are made from a scythe blade. I have made knives from a car leaf spring, you could probably use one of those to make a draw knife.
#4
Not that I need any competition, but I just happen to be looking for a draw knife as well. Finding good prices on old ones on eBay. Ones in usable condition for about $20 with shipping. Just don't bid on one that I am. :P
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Wow - all great ideas. Thanks, guys. I know what a spokeshave is, but had never even thought about one for this. Now I'm stuck - gee thanks 
In any event, I'll check out these places. Maybe I can get this for less than $50. Or better yet - ask my family to get me one for Christmas!!

In any event, I'll check out these places. Maybe I can get this for less than $50. Or better yet - ask my family to get me one for Christmas!!
#7
For spoons a spoke-shave might be the better option. I'm pealing logs so I need a bigger blade. I played around a bit last night using a machete and that seams to work pretty good. Just need to have a glove on the blade hand.

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A machete? I bet that was fun - with the glove,of course 
Been doing some reading on spokeshaves - they look perfect for the job. Now I have two additional questions of you all -
1) It looks like I should be a concave spokeshave for the handles - is that correct? Is round the same thing? I'm pretty sure I don't want convex.
2) Right now, to work on the spoon end, I've been using round wood ball-like things (wood pulls?) with spray adhesive and sandpaper. Not bad for finishing, but a bear for initially working the shape. what's a better tool?
Thanks!!

Been doing some reading on spokeshaves - they look perfect for the job. Now I have two additional questions of you all -
1) It looks like I should be a concave spokeshave for the handles - is that correct? Is round the same thing? I'm pretty sure I don't want convex.
2) Right now, to work on the spoon end, I've been using round wood ball-like things (wood pulls?) with spray adhesive and sandpaper. Not bad for finishing, but a bear for initially working the shape. what's a better tool?
Thanks!!
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Quick update - was in HD this morning and ran across a set of wood carving gouges. I'm going to give them a try on my spoons. I'm also going to put a spokeshave on my Christmas wish list. I'll let you all know how this works out.....
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Well,that little experiment was short-lived. Turns out what I bought was a set of wood carving tools. The way the ends of the tools were designed there was no way to scoop out wood. Should have known. I guess I need to keep searching.....
#11
Peeling Logs
I'm pealing logs so I need a bigger blade