I picked up a fine spokeshave from Lee Valley Tools, a Veritas flat bottom spokeshave. I had tuned half a dozen Stanleys by that time, their toolbed is horrid, the rest of the quality control all but nonexistent. I was expecting a little work on the Veritas, but was happily mistaken! I did open the throat a little to take thicker curls when I am setting the D2 tool steel blade deeper, though.
I think many people that dislike spokeshaves have mainly had to deal with a poor tool. Making sure the cutting blade is wedded flawlessly to the tool bed eliminates a lot of chatter. Dead flat sole with relief at the toe and heel also contributes to a smooth pull. And then you gotta beat it into people's heads that the bevel faces DOWN to give you a good sharp angle to the cut!!! Never mind how you gotta keep the blade razor sharp!
I know, I know, it is a poor workman that blames the tool. But how many violin makers use a sharp edged rock and another rock to build violins, huh?
