Using a Stanley Spokeshave on mesquite I quite often find that the mouth blocks with fine ‘crumb type” shavings. They are not trapped between the chip breaker and the blade but rather between the front sole and the blade.
The blade is sharp (maybe I am not the best at sharpening, but it seems pretty good on other woods, producing fine shavings) so could it be the complex grain of the mesquite?
Anybody else had this problem or would a different spokeshave be a better option?
Replies
Yes, get a better spokeshave
You didn't say if this is a fairly new Stanley spokeshave (say less than 20 years old) or a vintage one. Either way take a good look at the shave you have and check it for any burrs or rough areas that might be snagging the shavings. Check the mouth and the iron cap. Also make sure the iron cap fits tightly across the top of the iron (blade) and that the iron's back (the non bevel side) is truly flat. Any gap between the two will cause the shavings to jam up. If it is only clogging up on the mesquite and not other woods then it is possible that the grain pattern is coming off in crumbs instead of ribbons.
gdblake
Spokeshave clogging
Thanks for the feedback - it is a new (12 months old) Stanley. I had thought that i had a good fit between the blade and the iron cap but I shall review and adjust (flatten) as needed.
Thanks again - Mesquite is a difficult wood to work with at the best of times but it is so pretty.
The new Stanley spokeshave it's that great
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the shave you have requires a lot of tuning up to perform at anything close to an acceptable level. Do an internet search on "tune up a Stanley spokeshave". It will give you links to some good articles. Also do a search on "teachshave" for an article on how to make your own. Very easy to do and you will have a tool that actually works. Wooden shaves are bevel up low angle tools versus metal shaves which are mostly bevel down shaves.
Good luck,
gdblake
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