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Using Fine Woodworking Tools
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 We equip our shaves with a pre-sharpened, A-2 Steel blade. A-2 is
used because of its ability to hold an edge and because of its
durability - especially in green oak.
The Standard size blade is hollow ground on both sides, like an
old fashioned straight razor. This profile produces a smoother cut
with less friction and makes the blade easier to sharpen. We want to
be sure of your satisfaction so please read these instructions for
getting the most out of our tools.
The shave comes sharpened and tested and ready to use but may
need some adjustment to work correctly. Please be careful to avoid
cutting yourself on the sharpened edge and also don't let the blade
drop onto a hard surface or come in contact with anything that might
nick the edge.
In our shaves, depth-of-cut is changed by removing the blade and
adjusting the "Jackscrews" found under the blade tangs. While some
other methods of adjustment have been developed we prefer this
method because of the following:
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Once adjusted for the cut, the Jackscrews give the blade a
stable bearing surface, reducing the chance of chatter
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The blade can be adjusted for a fine cut and quickly
adjusted to cut thicker shavings temporarily by loosening one
nut by a quarter or half turn; then returned to its original
setting quickly, by re-tightening
-
Once adjusted to the user's particular needs the blade is
usually left in that position and always returns to exactly the
same place when returned from sharpening.
Removing the Blade for Adjustment
Hold the tool over a bench with the blade pointing away from you.
Spin off the brass nuts and let the blade drop to the bench.
Sometimes the blade will not fall completely out of the "Stock".
Apply even pressure to the tang studs to push the blade down and
out.
If it still remains in the stock flip the tool over, so
the blade remains pointed away from you, and lay it on the bench.
Carefully grab the tips of the tangs with your thumbs and
forefingers and lift the blade out.
With the blade out note the two Jack Screws just inside each tang
stud hole. Take a standard Phillips head screwdriver and turn the
screws clockwise to lower the blade for a smaller cut and
alternately counter-clockwise for thicker cut.
A very little change
goes a long way here - as little as a 1/12th turn can make a
difference. Carefully replace the blade and nuts (these should be
snug to avoid chatter) and test. Repeat as necessary until you are
getting the shavings you expect. The tools are tuned with the goal
of giving the user a cut across the full length of the cutter.
Tip:
Many people like to have a blade set a little higher on one
side to give a deeper cut on one side of the blade. Figure 4 shows
the blade slightly higher on one side.
NOTE on the CIGAR SHAVE:
The following is important for getting the
most out of this tool. When you are cutting a very tight inside
curve you will need to let the blade out a little so it can bite
into the work.
Holding the Tool
When using the shave it is better to "choke-up" on the stock to get
the best control.
Experienced users tend to hold the shave with
their first two fingers on the square part of the stock on either
side of the blade, with their thumbs on the opposite side. Their
other two fingers wrap around the inside curve of the handles.
This
technique works best on a push stroke, especially when "lifting" the
shaving by bringing the front of the tool up at the end of the
stroke.
When pulling the shave across the work spreading
your fingers on the back of the shave helps in control.
- Tip: Other things to consider are material and application,
i.e. if you are working green oak you can cut a thicker shaving
than in dry oak, and, while you will want a lighter cut in
general in softwoods, you will want a finer cut in a chair seat
while finishing than if you are shaping.
- Tip: When loosening to get a temporary thick cut, add tension to
this by tightening the other side a little.
© Kevin Brennan of
Kansas City Windsor
Tool Works
Email: Kevin Brennan
(The PDF version of this instructional article iv
available on Kevin's web site).
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