How to use a Shave Horse and Drawknife for GreenWoodworking

Elia Bizzarri shows how to use a drawknife and shave horse to work green wood

Joshua Farnsworth Portrait  By Joshua Farnsworth  |  Published 03 January, 2024

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How to use a Shave Horse and Drawknife for GreenWoodworking

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Joshua Farnsworth Portrait  By Joshua Farnsworth  | Published 03 January, 2024

In the above video, Windsor Chair maker, Elia Bizzarri, shows how to use a drawknife and shaving horse to work green wood while making Windsor chairs.

Elia Bizzarri Sitting At His Shaving Horse Making A Windsor Chair In His North Carolina Workshop

A shaving horse (or shave horse) is essentially a foot-operated vise used to clamp green wood while making greenwoodworking projects with a drawknife or spokeshave.

Elia Bizzarri Sitting On His Shaving Horse In His Chair Making Workshop

Greenwoodworking shave horses come in many different designs, but Elia’s uses a discarded Windsor chair seat, which makes for a more comfortable “ride”.

Shaving Horse In Elia Bizzarri'S Chair Making Workshop

You can see many different types of shaving horses in our GreenWoodworking tools guide here. That article also shows what to look for when buying a vintage drawknife and other greenwoodworking hand tools.

Green Woodworking Tools On A Woodworking Workbench, Including Carving Hatchet, Carving Gouge, Hook Knife, Bowl Adze, Draw Knife, And Wooden Spoon Inside A Wooden Bowl

Elia Bizzari is an expert Windsor Chairmaker and teacher based in North Carolina.  The above video is an excerpt from our popular video: “Build a Traditional Windsor Rocker with Elia Bizzarri” which you can buy here.

Build A Traditional Windsor Rocker With Elia Bizzarri

Here are some of our other articles & videos featuring Elia Bizzarri:

Greenwoodworking,Shave Horse,Shaving Horse,Drawknife

Greenwoodworking,Shave Horse,Shaving Horse,Drawknife

Greenwoodworking,Shave Horse,Shaving Horse,Drawknife Greenwoodworking,Shave Horse,Shaving Horse,Drawknife Greenwoodworking,Shave Horse,Shaving Horse,Drawknife Greenwoodworking,Shave Horse,Shaving Horse,Drawknife

You can visit Elia’s website to learn more about his workshop, his Windsor Chairs, and his classes.

Windsor Chair Maker Elia Bizzarri Standing In Front Of His North Carolina Windsor Chair Wood Shop With A Tractor

Here are some photos of Elia’s chairmaking shop and his Windsor Chairs:

Greenwoodworking,Shave Horse,Shaving Horse,Drawknife

Yellow Windsor Chair Made By Elia Bizzarri In His North Carolina Woodworking Workshop With A Woodworking Workbench

Leg Spindles Of A Windsor Chair Made By Elia Bizzarri In His North Carolina Woodworking Workshop With A Woodworking Workbench

Greenwoodworking,Shave Horse,Shaving Horse,Drawknife