I have an axe head I bought a while back that still needs a handle. I've looked at buying one online to match but can't find anything that I think will fit or that I like. So I want to make my own. Now I have plenty of tools that I can make one with but I know from experience that a shave horse is the easiest way to hold and work it.
Now I have made a couple over the years (one for my brother and one for myself) but I sold mine when I had nowhere to store it after we moved here. I've decided that even if I just chuck a sheet over it it'll be worth having it outside. I also had a few lengths of less than straight 4x2 so this seemed a good use of them.
I decided that the design I used last time was ideal - it's a simple one designed by Mike Abbott called Champion The Lumber Horse - click the link to see the plans - doesn't take long to build and uses really easily available materials.
I also thought this would be the perfect project to do with my eldest daughter. She loves making things and it's been great to see her skills develop.
So for this she marked all the timber to length, squared it and helped me cut it by hand. Then once we got to assembly she drilled all the pilot holes and screwed in the screws.
She was so good with all the tools and any downtime she grabbed a broom to sweep up!
A lovely way to spend time together and I'm hoping we'll be able to make a few things with it!
She was as pleased as punch with it when finished and loved showing the others! Need to find my old draw knife now to use with it.
Now I need to find a bit of ash to make an axe handle!
Who else uses a shave horse or has made one in the past?
Kev that's a spectacular beehive in the background of the first photo. Is it in use? I can't sing your praises enough for including your daughter so naturally in workshop time. It's not just the practcal skills but the developing ability to thing out processes and feel the elation of having created. I grew up in a family like that and the life resources if provides cannot be bought. (F)
ReplyDeleteNot in use yet but hopefully next year - It's a Warre hive after reading the idle beekeeper. Hopefully fairly low maintenance bee keeping!
DeleteI found her sat on the shave horse this afternoon - not using it but sat there quite happily playing with it and a smile on her face.
Her life skills far exceed mine already!
ReplyDeleteHaha! I'm sure that's not true!
DeleteWhen I was at grammar school in the early 50's. there was an annual school toy making competition. My sister and I always entered the hard toy section (in a girls school, no many did)For 10 years we always managed to get at least the top two prizes. The skills learnt from my father have always been invaluable. Now my sons, one a computer programmer and one with mental disability have both imbibed the skills and ability to 'find a way' to do things.
ReplyDeleteGood for you.
Is there any demand for cherry wood, it seems a waste to burn it.?
Kathy
Yeah, finding a way is key - I think that's why I was useful on so many building site - I've always been good at solving problems and come up with ideas not everyone will have thought of.
DeleteCherry is a beautiful wood but as always it will depend on what you have and how much as to whether it's much use to anyone.
I would love a quick video of you using it, see how it works
ReplyDeleteWill do! I've to got to get my draw knife sorted first.
DeleteSecond on the video if possible. Love how proud she looks!
ReplyDeleteShe was so pleased with it. I'm thinking pole lathe next!
DeleteI wasn't altogether sure what a shave horse was but I do recall seeing one now its complete. Your daughter is very lucky to have the mixed environment she is being brought up in.
ReplyDeleteHaha - you don't see my constant nagging about table manners and how they have to do the dishwasher! Hopefully doing stuff like this shows that the world isn't just school.
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