Lee Valley Traditional English Shaving Horse Plan

Traditional woodworking projects such as chairs, paddles, walking sticks and snowshoes have grown more popular. Although the shaving horse is a natural companion for these activities, information is scarce for those who want to build one.

Based on a shaving horse used by chair maker David Fleming, this is both a shaving horse and a traditional chairmaker’s low bench. A low bench is used by chair makers when brace drilling and for seat sculpting. It is also useful for any other work best performed sitting down with the work clamped on a bench between your knees.

Several options are described to allow the builder to make the horse that best fits their needs and skills. The design does not require any specialized hardware and can be built by anyone with intermediate woodworking skills.

Versatile, comfortable and efficient to use.

Made in Canada.