Spokeshave is a woodworking tool used for shaping and smoothing wooden rods and spokes. Its spelling can seem a bit tricky, as it contains a silent "e" at the end, but the word is pronounced as "spohk-shayv," with the emphasis on the second syllable. The "o" in the first syllable is pronounced as the "oh" sound in "bone," and the "a" in the second syllable sounds like the "ay" sound in "say." The phonetic transcription for spokeshave is /ˈspoʊkʃeɪv/.
A spokeshave is a hand-held woodworking tool that is primarily used for shaping and smoothing curved surfaces in wood. It has a concave blade that is set between two handles, resembling the shape of a hand plane. The blade is adjustable and can be exposed or retracted by adjusting the screws on either side, allowing for precise control of the cutting depth.
Spokeshaves are commonly used in woodworking and carpentry to shape chair legs, round edges, and create intricate designs on wooden surfaces. Unlike a plane, which is primarily designed for flattening and smoothing flat surfaces, a spokeshave is specifically designed for working on curved and concave areas. With its narrow blade, it allows woodworkers to remove small amounts of material at a time, providing more control and precision in shaping the wood.
There are different types of spokeshaves available, including flat-bottomed, round-bottomed, and convex-bottomed designs. The choice of spokeshave depends on the specific woodworking task and the desired shape of the workpiece.
Overall, a spokeshave is an essential tool in woodworking, allowing craftsmen to create smooth and curved surfaces in wood with precision and ease. It combines craftsmanship and manual skill, enabling woodworkers to achieve intricate and detailed finishes in their wooden projects.
The word "spokeshave" originated from the combination of two words: "spoke" and "shave". Here's the breakdown of the etymology:
1. "Spoke": A spoke refers to one of the wooden rods or bars that radiate from the center of a wheel, connecting the hub to the rim. These spokes provide support and stability to the wheel. The term "spoke" comes from the Old English word "spāca" or "spāke", which means a wooden rod or staff.
2. "Shave": As a noun, "shave" refers to the act of removing thin layers or shavings from a material using a cutting tool. "Shave" as a verb means to cut or remove something in the same manner. The word "shave" comes from the Old English word "sceafan", which means to scrape or shave off.