Suggestions for shaping thick fir corbel with hand tools?

43 posts in 270 days

258 days ago

I’d like to shape some nice curved profiles on a 3” thick chunk of fir. The profile will be about 8” long. I guess I could draw the shape, cut it close on the bandsaw, and smooth it on a spindle sander. I have that option, though I’ll have to clean up a couple of hard inside corners with a sanding block and / or shoulder plane. My question really is, how would I do it using only hand tools? I have a 12” bowsaw, but at that thickness I don’t think I’ll be able to cut too close to the line. And then what would I use to fair and smooth the surface? Card scraper? Some parts of the profile will be basically end grain.

4 replies so far

bhog home \| projects \| blog 1079 posts in 887 days #1 posted 258 days ago	A sharp spokeshave may help ya. -- They just don't get my chub on.-Bertha on modern handplanes
Wdwerker home \| projects \| blog 313 posts in 430 days #2 posted 258 days ago	Rasp, file, sandpaper. -- Fine Custom Woodwork since 1978
John home \| projects \| blog 43 posts in 270 days #3 posted 257 days ago	Thanks. I guess I was hoping for some sort of trick, but maybe this is the excuse I need to find a low-angle spokeshave. I think I’ll cut one long and try my hand on the waste before I go for the real deal.
bhog home \| projects \| blog 1079 posts in 887 days #4 posted 257 days ago	I would play on scrap first if its your first time with a spokeshave.Watch the grain direction.You will get to where you can feel it and know you need to go the other way.Keep it sharp and dont set the blade too deep.Depending on the shave they can hog off material in a hurry.I really enjoy shaping with a spokeshave.Those long curls are therapy… lol… Also depending on the situation a chisel comes in handy. -- They just don't get my chub on.-Bertha on modern handplanes

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Suggestions for shaping thick fir corbel with hand tools?

4 replies so far

Have your say...

Woodworking Skill Share Your woodworking skills are displayed for several lifetimes in each project. Have you had to compromise your project...

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Scrollsawing Intarsia, fretwork, intricate design cutting and more! This forum is for scrollsawers: share your tips, ask questions...

Joinery Have a question? a tip/strategy to share? a challenge, perhaps? Share your "joinery" discussion here.

Finishing The finish, whether paint, wax, stain, or something else, can make or break a project. What are your tips and questio...

Designing Woodworking Projects Looking for information on designing your projects? Having difficulties reading project plans? Looking for help with ...

Power Tools, Hardware and Accessories Are you unsure of which tools, or hardware, you need, or which brands to buy? Investing in tools and hardware can be ...

Hand Tools Wood, your hand tools, you and a little know-how. Share your questions, tips and strategies for the use and maintenan...

Jigs & Fixtures Using a jig is like having a couple extra hands helping out. Show us your jigs, share your tips, strategies and, of c...

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Woodturning
On the lathe, by the lathe: do you have questions? frustrations? tips? This forum is for all the woodturners out there.

Woodcarving
Relief, 3D, chip-carving, whittling; carving knives, chisels, pocket-knives, power tools. If you are a carver or want...

Scrollsawing
Intarsia, fretwork, intricate design cutting and more! This forum is for scrollsawers: share your tips, ask questions...

Joinery
Have a question? a tip/strategy to share? a challenge, perhaps? Share your "joinery" discussion here.

Finishing
The finish, whether paint, wax, stain, or something else, can make or break a project. What are your tips and questio...

Designing Woodworking Projects
Looking for information on designing your projects? Having difficulties reading project plans? Looking for help with ...

Power Tools, Hardware and Accessories
Are you unsure of which tools, or hardware, you need, or which brands to buy? Investing in tools and hardware can be ...

Hand Tools
Wood, your hand tools, you and a little know-how. Share your questions, tips and strategies for the use and maintenan...

Jigs & Fixtures
Using a jig is like having a couple extra hands helping out. Show us your jigs, share your tips, strategies and, of c...

Wood & Lumber
Different wood requires different woodworking strategies - from cutting to finishing. Share your tips and challenges ...

Safety in the Woodworking Shop
Before you pick up those woodworking tools, take the time to ensure your safety in the shop! Eyes, ears, fingers, and...

Focus on the Workspace
Are you looking for or do you have tips to share regarding the workshop? Storage, equipment placement, efficiency, an...

Sweating for Bucks Through Woodworking
If you are selling your work, then you have entered a woodworking dimension with added complexity and stress. If you...

Woodworking Trade & Swap
All of us are holding onto treasure in our shops, that we either don't need, don't want, or could part with if presen...

LumberJocks.com Site Feedback
Connect with the Website Gurus and tell us what you are thinking, suggestions, problems, functionality issues, and so...

Coffee Lounge
Need a break from all the standing and wood dust? Chat with your Forum Friends about their projects, their life, thei...