Portable Shaving Horse

In the modern workshop, the tablesaw
is the central tool. A few centuries
ago, for coopers (barrel makers),
bodgers (chairmakers), and
carpenters, the shaving horse was
indispensable. Woodworkers
use them for, among other
things, making chair parts with
a drawknife and spokeshave.

Often these craftspeople brought
their shaving horse into the
woods, rather than hauling the
heavy, green timber back to their
shop.

For today’s woodworker this is
less of a necessity, but many find it
refreshing to occasionally work in the
woods or backyard. Most shaving
horses are cumbersome to transport,
but this horse knocks down and packs
flat, yet it is still rigid enough to perform
admirably.

The most notable feature of this shaving
horse is that the legs, bridge and
yoke fold up into a package small
enough to tuck under your arm and
store against the wall. The split rail of
the main bench is as strong as a solid
plank without the added weight, and
the seat is both adjustable and removable.
The adjustable bridge height and
seat position make it a breeze to work
on both long and short stock without
awkwardness.

You can size the bench to suit your needs, but they are typically 18-in. tall
at the seat, and between 5 and 6 ft.
long.

Click any image to view a larger version.