> I tried using a spoke shave on my canoe and could not get anything done
> with it. I was trying to get it to cut like a plane and got nothing but
> gouges and "chatter".

Hi Jim,

Gouges typically mean that you are cutting against the grain. Using a real sharp blade and a fine cut can eliminate the chatter.

The advantage of a spoke shave is that is has a small footprint and can follow contours well - this is also a dis-advantage because it is very easy to change the angle of the cutting edge relative to the wood if you are not watching closely. A spoke shave is half way between a knife and a block plane in controlling the cut depth. It will help you in guiding the blade but you are in control.

I like to have a "fair" amount of edge exposed and control the cut by rocking the spoke shave and angling the cutting edge relative to the direction of the cut. This works well for hard woods. For soft woods use less edge - or it will dig in too quick.

Until you get used to using a spoke shave it is best to set the blade to take a very thin cut with the food sitting flat on the work.

A flat faced spoke shave is easier to use that a round faced one.

Hope this helps.

Hank