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A spoon mule is an unusual and functional woodworking tool. It is made from a single selected piece of wood, usually 2×12 Doug Fir. It was constructed in two days, including the time required to hollow out the wood and chamfer the edges. The plans for building a spoon mule are relatively straight forward and can be found at the Michigan Sloyds’ blog. I highly recommend using the plans for making your own spoon mule.
Plans for a spoon mule
A spoon mule is a workhorse that clamps and holds small complex shapes, such as wooden spoons. Its use has expanded to all kinds of carvers, ranging from hobbyists to professionals. Originally meant for carving wooden spoons, it’s inexpensive and easy to build out of ordinary softwood timber. The EUR12 Workhorse plan includes plans for a spoon mule as well as a carving stool, marquetry chevalet, shaving horse, pole lathe, saw sharpening stand, and pole lathe.
To make the mule, you’ll need a select 2×12 piece of Doug Fir. The mule is approximately 1200mm long and 300mm wide, and weighs around eight kilograms. You can disassemble the mule easily, as the legs are supported by tapered mortice and tenon. The neck is held securely with a tapered wedge, and the paddle/jaw assembly is a single-pin assembly that can be adjusted in three positions.
When it comes to woodworking, a spoon mule is a great choice for beginners. It helps you clamp workpieces low and from the sides. It is an excellent tool for woodworkers who haven’t yet acquired the skills to build a shaving horse. A shaving horse is a great tool for beginners, but is not as versatile for long and thin parts. A spoon mule makes the process more efficient, especially when you’re using smaller parts.
Tools needed
You can use a wooden spoon mule to shape wood parts. The spoon mule is useful in green woodworking projects because it helps in shaping awkwardly shaped parts. Using a spoon mule will also help you reduce transition time and fatigue. If you are looking for a new tool to make your woodworking project easier, consider a spoon mule. You will need to purchase a spoon mule kit, which includes instructions and plans.
A good spoon mule kit comes with all the tools you need to build it. You can also buy one. Dawson’s spoon mules are excellent examples of quality craftsmanship. They are constructed from select lumber and precise joinery. They have been proven to be highly effective in production spoon carving. You will need to carefully follow the instructions to get the most out of your spoon mule. The cost of building a spoon mule kit varies, but it’s well worth the money.
A good quality axe is essential for shaping a spoon. For beginners, a Gransfors Bruks Wildlife Hatchet is a perfect choice. Its lightweight and suited edge geometry makes it the perfect tool for this purpose. The tools you need to make a spoon mule will depend on the style of spoon you choose. So, take your time and find a quality axe.
During the course, Rose will walk you through the traditional greenwood carving process. In the course, you will learn how to split a small log using a froe and prepare the blank. The actual carving will be done on blanks provided by the instructor. The instructor will supply Mora knives and hook knives. During the class, Rose will demonstrate proper knife grips, safety, design, and decoration.
Using a Mora 106 knife
To make a spoon mule, you’ll need a mora 106 knife and some wood. Choosing the right wood is crucial for the spoon mule’s smooth flow. For a smooth finish, construction grade pine is ideal. Be sure to check the lumber’s moisture content and sturdiness before buying it. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a very soft spoon mule that won’t last very long.
For more information on a Mora 106 knife, read the rest of the article. It has a 3-inch blade length and a nice, positive-click sheath. You’ll find it useful for whittling, carving, and other small tasks in the outdoors. For beginners, the knife’s low price will keep you using it for a long time.
After you’ve bought your Mora 106 knife, start carving. Whether you choose a straight blade or a curved blade, you’ll need to prepare a block of wood for the spoon. Make sure you have an extra piece of wood for the vice. Once you’ve cut into the wood, you can use a froe or an axe to split it. To clamp the logs for carving, use pegs or wedges to hold them in place.
Another knife that’s useful is the Ossia. This one has a very low weight and is well-built. It’s also very sharp and does not require the use of a toe for testing its sharpness. The Morakniv knife is not only lightweight, but it’s also deceptively sharp – it bleeds more than a yard of narrow blades.
Another reason to buy an Osprey multi-purpose knife is its versatility. This versatile knife is a good investment because it can be used for anything imaginable. Although it’s more expensive than some other knives, it’s worth it for its super sharpness, low weight, and great balance. A multi-purpose knife like the Osprey 106 is a multi-purpose tool that is perfect for any outdoor activity.
I’ve used this knife for decades now, and it’s one of my favorites. It’s very simple and functional, with no frills or fancy inlays. The knives even have basic plastic sheaths that friction fit firmly to protect the edge. They’re also all flat and Scandinavian. You’ll have a sturdy and versatile spoon mule in no time.
Using a shaving horse for green woodworking
One of the essential tools for green woodworking is a shaving horse. Using a traditional shaving horse can produce shavings of ash that look like curled butter. You can use your own power source or a foot treadle to use a shaving horse, so you’re not relying on electricity. After a full day of shaping wood, I had a shaving horse ready to finish. The experience was satisfying, and it was a great way to get started with green woodworking at St Olaves.
A shave horse is typically workshop-made by the user, but you can find them on eBay. A modern version will have some modern hardware for retightening or knocking down. The original shave horse was made of wood by itinerant bodgers who valued lightness and simplicity. They fashioned their shaving horses from logs. This type of tool may be a good choice for the occasional woodworker, but beware that it can be very dangerous!
A shaving horse is a traditional workbench that’s especially useful for green woodworking. It’s a useful tool for creating a rounded profile on a square piece and is ideal for use with a drawknife or spokeshave. It is also useful for carving small parts, such as spoons, utensils, paddles, and walking sticks. It’s also useful in other woodworking projects, too, including coopering and bowyery. It’s an effective way to reposition a chair spindle.
The use of a shaving horse is traditional for woodworking, but you can use it for other purposes as well. Aside from making bows, a shaving horse is also useful for off-the-wall work such as making a windmill. Traditionally, the shaving horse and drawknives go hand-in-hand when green woodworking, since the horse dictates the work angle and posture.
To use a shaving horse, place your workpiece on the support. Adjust the height of the back legs using the rails. Then, lower it to the clamping jaw. You can adjust the height of the back-up bar in eight different positions, depending on the size of your workpiece. After that, you should clamp the back-up bar to one of the rails. Then, using a ratchet, a pivot locks the column into place. When you turn the treadle, lever arms swing outward, and squeeze the clamping jaw against the workpiece.
