I'm looking to dive into woodworking with a focus on creating organic and curvy designs. I've heard that hand tools are great for this style. Can anyone recommend the best tools to start with? I've been considering if a spoke shave is essential or if I might need a draw knife instead. Do I need a standard straight bed spoke shave, or should I be looking at the more challenging curved versions? I've noticed there aren't many tutorials specifically for organic shapes. For context, here's what I currently have: a rusty jack plane (which I plan to restore), four chisels, a ryoba, a dozuki, several clamps as makeshift vices, a basic workbench made from a 2x12 with legs, mechanical pencils, and a combination square with a marking gauge.
6 Answers
You definitely want to explore a variety of tools beyond just a spoke shave. A turning saw and a draw knife are key, plus some scrapers and rasps. The important thing is to learn how to sharpen your tools well; that's a game changer. Also, try to sand as little as possible for a smoother finish.
Honestly, a good mix of the tools discussed will set you up nicely. Don't forget to prioritize work holding—having a stable setup will save you a ton of frustration!
Building a proper workbench with a real vise should be your first project—it’ll make everything else so much easier! For curved work, think outside the box: you can use rasps and gouges, and curved spoke shaves are your friends. Don’t forget that supplementing hand tools with some machines, like a lathe or bandsaw, can really help you out.
I’d recommend getting a set of carving gouges, rasps, spokeshaves, and a drawknife. A carver's vise will also help hold your work securely while you're shaping it. Just bear in mind, the size of your projects can influence your choice of tools.
If you're on the lookout for a circular plane, both Stanley and Record make excellent pre-owned options. They really help with the curves!
What type of curves are you aiming for? For inside curves, tools like adzes and travishers are great. Spoke shaves and rasps work well for outside curves, and if you're dealing with tight curves, consider a coping saw or carving chisels. I've done some projects like arched frames and tables using planes and rasps, so you can definitely achieve great results with the right tools!
Consider adding a #20 circular or compass plane to your toolkit! They're fantastic for shaping too.