The word "drawshave" is spelled as /drɔːʃeɪv/ in IPA. This tool is commonly used to remove bark from wooden logs or to smooth out rough surfaces on wood. The word is made up of two parts: "draw" which means to pull or drag, and "shave" which means to cut or shave off. The spelling of this word can be confusing due to the use of the silent "w" in the word "draw". Despite this, it remains an essential tool for woodworkers and carpenters alike.
A drawshave is a specialized woodworking tool primarily used for shaping and smoothing wood. It consists of a straight blade, typically around 8-12 inches long, with a concave or convex curve running along its cutting edge. The blade is attached to two handles, one at each end, allowing the user to hold and control the tool with both hands.
The drawshave is commonly used in tasks that require the removal of substantial amounts of wood, such as rough shaping of chair seats, shaping of curved surfaces, or stripping bark from logs. It is particularly useful for creating smooth, flowing contours and beveled edges. The curved shape of the blade enables the user to work in both directions, easily removing wood across the grain or along the grain.
To use a drawshave, the woodworker grips the handles firmly and positions the blade against the wood surface to be shaped. By applying pressure and pulling the tool towards oneself, the blade shaves off thin, continuous wood shavings. The user can control the depth and angle of cut by adjusting the pressure and angle of the tool. It requires skill and experience to ensure even and controlled wood removal.
Drawshaves are commonly found in the toolkits of carpenters, furniture makers, and wood sculptors due to their versatility and efficiency in shaping wood. With its sharp, curved blade and dual handles, the drawshave facilitates precise, controlled wood removal, enabling artisans to craft intricate and detailed woodwork.
The word "drawshave" has its roots in Middle English and Old English.
The first part of the word, "draw", comes from the Old English word "dragan", meaning "to drag or pull". This sense of pulling or dragging is associated with the action of using a drawshave tool.
The second part of the word, "shave", comes from the Old English word "sceafan", meaning "to scrape or shave". This indicates the purpose of the tool, which is to scrape or shave off wood or other materials.
So, the etymology of "drawshave" combines the action of dragging or pulling with the purpose of scraping or shaving, describing a tool that is pulled or dragged across a surface to shave or remove material.