Shaving horse, anyone have one?

[GILLY]

I have wanted to make one of these since I saw Roy Underhill use one years ago. The photo is what I plan on using but want to make one from a hewed log. Anyone else use one and if so are they all that practicle? It will end up taking up floor space in my shop area but if I use it losts I can't see it being a problem.

[Ron Davidson]

Gilly I am getting ready to have one built. I had one years ago and I used it alot. I figured since I can't use power tools it would be best for me. I sent for some plans I think from Lee Valley Tools. I also wonder if you couldn't make the leg fold up and when noe in use hang on the wall. Just an idea.

[Dylan]

I have a shaving horse. I always liked wanting Roy Underhill. In an age of power tools he could make just about anything with hand tools. I don't use my shaving horse much, but there have been times when it was the only way to go. I guess it depends on what you do. Old time decoy carvers used the shaving horse and I can see that if you were making walking sticks it would be very useful.
Hope this helps.

Dylan

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

I used pictures etc from several other shavinghorses and came up with my own design...I use it almost entirely for removing the bark from walking sticks....I don't do THAT many, but it is invaluable when I do........

[Old_Gord]

There are numerous internet web sites showing construction drawings for making your own shavehorse, a number of them have been posted here previously.
Here's one such site ;
http://www.countryworkshops.org/CWshavehorse.html

OG

[Lightningbolt]

Since walking sticks and building rustic furniture have been my primary mainstays over the years I can't imagine living without (at least two) shaving horses in my life! They are essential in doing what I do with wood and having one in your shop will greatly open many new possibilities in working with wood that you might never have imagined before.

I also used the shaving horse plans provided by the link already provided by Old_Gord but mine are slightly different since I followed the directions by the same author, Drew Langsner, in the book "Country Woodcraft". I'd imagine the book is still in print (?) but I dated mine from 1981 when I first came across it.

Drew also offers classes on using old time tools and I'm surprised that I haven't yet attended one since he has always been a favorite author AND he lives just a short distance from me.

I attached a picture of one of my shaving horses which I made using black locust sawed by a local sawmiller however the legs are red oak. I also built one for our school woodshop where the kids learn the tremendous value of such a tool. In the winter they can also fill up a trash bag of shavings for their wood heater's in about ten minutes! I work at an outdoor wilderness school.

Good luck and don't put off making yourself a shaving horse another single day!!Thumbs Up

[Captain_Bandaid]

I also made a shaving horse from 2 x 6" lumber rather than rough hewn timber. I don't use it a lot but when you need it, you need it. To see mine, go here: Shaving Horse

[GILLY]

Thanks for the info and photos folks. I plan on using a hewed log of my own making because of the hewing axe I found when clearing brush and made a handle for.........it's just something I have to do. Your photos gave me more ideas on how to make this thingy my own with little thingys I can use.

Thanks

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Gilley...if you will do a google search and put in "log shaving horse" you get all kinds of things.... like this http://www2.mcdaniel.edu/Chemistry/WOOD/cgwkshps.htm

[GILLY]

Thanks for the link Hi Ho, That's pretty much the look I am going for, except I want mine to be with a much heavier log for the main beam and much more stout leg to hold my well fed frame.