Cabinet scraper and Spokeshave look very similar, but they are very different in what they do. So if you are not fully aware of their differences, you might buy the wrong tool.
That is why it’s mandatory to know about Cabinet Scraper vs. Spokeshave.
Both are very high-performing woodworking tools. But they have some fundamental differences between them. Besides, both tools are designed for separate usage.
But you can use them interchangeably. However, it is imperative to know their differences. So, let’s begin.
A Quick Comparison Table
If you do not have enough time or patience, a quick comparison table will help you understand their differences at a glimpse. You will understand how they differ with a glance. Moreover, you might end up choosing one between them.
Here’s the quick comparison table between the Cabinet Scraper and Spokeshave:
| Aspects | Cabinet Scraper | Spokeshave |
| Applications | Shaping and Finishing | Smoothing and Removing |
| Material | High Carbon Steel | Metal and Wooden |
| Parts | Various Parts | Various Parts |
| Types | Many Types Based on Usage | Many Types Based on Usage |
| Maintenance & Care | Sharpen Blade, Wipe Out With Clean Cloth | Sharpen Blade and Take Care of Other Parts |
Key Difference Between Cabinet Scraper And Spokeshave
Cabinet Scraper is a woodworking tool used for shaping woods and finishing. They work like sandpaper and can give flatwood surfaces a nice and smooth finishing.
The location of the blade and the body shape are different from a Spokeshave.
A Spokeshave is also a woodworking hand tool used for shaving and carving woods in the desired shape. It works like a specialty plane tool that can shape wood by removing small slithers and smoothing them. It is smaller in size and specially designed for working with curve woods.
Let’s look at some of the key differences between Cabinet Scraper and Spokeshave:
- Applications
Cabinet Scraper is a mandatory tool used for shaping and removing small amounts of materials while working on wood. Besides, this tool can remove any tear-out and marks caused by machines.
Cabinet Scraper is an essential and versatile tool for making cabinets.
On the other hand, you can use Spokeshave for many precise applications related to curving any wooden surfaces. It works best on curved surfaces, but you can also use it on flat surfaces.
But you might not get a fast result from Spokeshave on plain surfaces. However, it is mainly used for making chairs, canoe paddles, and bows.
- Material
You can tell how good a product is from its materials. It also determines how sturdy and durable a particular product would be.
As for Cabinet Scraper, High Carbon Steel makes it very firm, sturdy, and durable.
On the contrary, you will get both metal and wooden Spokeshaves. The wooden one is considered an old tool.
However, metal is now widely used to make them. Besides, you will get slightly different results from metal Spokeshaves.
- Parts
As we already know, Cabinet Scraper and Spokeshave look somewhat similar. But being differently designed, they come with distinct body parts.
A Cabinet Scraper consists of a scraper handle, scraper retaining screw, scraper clamping screws, clamping bar, scraper blade, and a scraper body.
On the other hand, a Spokeshave has a body, handles, a blade, blade screw, adjustable thumbscrew, cap, cap screw, and a sole.
- Types
Both Cabinet Scraper and Spokeshave come in various types. All these types are designed for serving specific purposes.
You will find many Cabinet scrapers, including flat cabinet scrapers, two-handled cabinet scrapers, gooseneck scrapers, concave and convex scrapers.
In the case of Spokeshave, there are a lot of variations too. You will find flat Spokeshave, round Spokeshave, convex Spokeshave for outward curving, concave Spokeshave for inward curving, etc.
- Maintenance & Care
By taking proper care and maintenance, you can extend the life of any woodworking tool. These two tools are not any exception.
You will have to sharpen the blades of the cabinet scraper frequently. Make sure to wipe down your scraper with a clean cloth after each use. Otherwise, the dirt and wood remaining will damage your tool.
Similarly, you will have to sharpen the blade of your Spokeshave regularly. You must take care of all the other parts, not just the blade.
Which Tool Is Suitable For You?
From the above discussion with all the features and their comparison, I’m sure you have gathered enough information to figure out the best tool according to your need.
You have to note that both tools serve little different purposes.
If you want to shape any wooden item and give a nice finish to it, you must use a cabinet scraper.
It will also remove any unnecessary remaining materials from your item. You must use this tool for making cabinets.
But if you want to make a chair or a bow, you must use a spokeshave. It works excellently on curved surfaces. However, you can also use it on plain surfaces but do not expect too much.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Many people think Cabinet scraper and card scraper are the same tool and use their names interchangeably. But they are two different tools with different shapes.
A cabinet scraper gives the wood a nice finish and makes them smooth. In contrast, a spokeshave works on curved surfaces make shapes them according to your design.
A cabinet scraper is specially designed for making cabinets. It can remove any amount of materials remaining on a wooden surface and give it an excellent finish.
You need a cabinet scraper to make cabinets and remove the remaining materials from the wood. Although, you can use a card scraper too.
Wrapping Things Up
You will find many woodworking tools designed for various purposes. It might be a disaster if you end up with the wrong one. I hope this article helps you determine the deviation between Cabinet Scraper vs. Spokeshave.
Now that you know their features and contrast, you can quickly sort out the best one. I would suggest you pick the tool based on your project.
