It's called a Track II Spokeshave and it operates the same as a regular spokeshave, but with the twin blades, it works even better.
The front blade is designed to lift the fibers from the beard, I mean board, while the second blade trims them clean for a baby smooth finish.
Not only that, but it comes with a spray can of foaming wood conditioner that you first apply to the surface. This helps lubricate the fibers so they're not chafed by the shearing action of the twin blades.
It's a remarkable bit of ingenuity. I give it two thumbs up!
Was this company at WIA??!?
ReplyDeleteVery nice! But the can of foam is a bit too much :-)
ReplyDeleteH-m-m-m? Let's see.... What did you say was today's date?
ReplyDeleteFinally! Where can I get the wood conditioner? I've been burning the wood lately with my substandard single-bladed spokeshave! Oh, and are they going to come out with a double-bladed drawknife too?
ReplyDeleteLOL
Thanks Kari!
Rick
I was also contacted by them. They sent me the TRACK III with three blades and this thing rocks! It sooo puts the TRACK II to shame.
ReplyDeleteThe TRACK III comes with a post-use wood conditioner, Old Slice.
So I'd recommend TRACK III over TRACK II any day of the week!
I'm holding out for 5 blades. I plan to sharpen the first like I do my scrub irons, and then progressively less camber to the blades until the final which I'm thinking of putting a back bevel and slightly higher effective cutting angle on for final smoothing. I'm pretty sure with this setup I can go from a rough blank to finish ready surfaced cabriolet leg in on stroke.
ReplyDeleteYuo guys crack me up!
ReplyDeleteGood one.
I was especially impressed with the handles that are made from actual baby eggplants.
ReplyDeleteCharles--Old Slice--dang! Wish I'd thought of that!
Eric, you might be onto something. ; )
Hey Kari,
ReplyDeleteDo you know if there are to versions of the plane?
It seems there should be one for face surfaces and another for legs.
That's a brilliant observation, Bob. I will be sure to ask the company when I submit my review. They might even need to introduce a version that works for underneath chair arms. Traditionally, those are tricky areas to shave and I have heard that prior to the 20th c., those areas were often overlooked.
ReplyDeleteToo bad you only got the Trac II. My spokeshave goes to 11.
ReplyDeleteI'm planning to build a replica of woodhenge with it.
I think thousands of these were given away - with only one blade. Since the blades cut well but are impossible to clean or maintain, the manufacturer is counting on making the profit on the replacement blades.
ReplyDeleteAlfred
Actually I'm holding out for the tri-blade version that takes 4 double-a's in the handles and vibrates at an insanely high frequency!
ReplyDeleteVinny
The only problem I'd have with getting that is Sylvia would end up using for cutting her stubbly roses and then I'd unwittingly burn my wood the next time I picked it up...YIKES!!
ReplyDeleteSince we are talking about innovative products, take a look at this new saw from Veritas:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?p=62708&c=3
Let me guess...wait! Someone already stole my thunder. This IS apr 1 Right?
ReplyDeleteLee valley's the best! I've just added 6 new tools to my wish list.
ReplyDeleteKari,
ReplyDeleteYou must have 'photoshopped' the picture of the spoke shave to get in the second blade, right.
Alfred
Alfred, I did use photoshop. :o)
ReplyDelete