Build a Shaving Horse

Build a Shaving Horse

A shaving horse is a useful item to have around the homestead. I had a good sized piece of red oak and decided to go ahead and make one. That wood was not very cooperative when I was splitting it, so this seemed like a good project. It took a few days to make and later when I use it, I’ll explain how to use it. It is a great way to latch on to a piece of wood and still have your hands free. Tool handles and such are quite often made with one of these. Usually, the tools used on this are draw knives, spoke shaves and files. I’ll probably add a hole where I can stick a dowel so I can file on it. If you’re clamping on one end and have something to lock it against life gets a little better. It isn’t a bad idea to make a hood shield to hang around your neck for when you are using a draw knife. I say that because you will occasionally be dragging a rather sharp tool towards your chest area. It can also be used to lock pieces in place. Anything to stop movement is helpful as you will learn.
The part where I was chiseling and sped it up was around 35 minutes total. If you have a way to immobilize your work, you can blow right through a task like that.

Here is where I show you how I make my wood nails these days. https://rumble.com/vnqx0j-make-yer-own-wood-nails-for-timber-framing.html