I picked this up locally from FB marketplace. Originally from PA., according to the listing. Almost all the construction is bored holes with wedged tenons or dowels. Nearly six feet in length. I've always wanted to make one for axe and hatchet handles. It will be quicker and more comfortable to use than the bench vise. My wife would like a deacons bench to go on one side of the future kitchen table (that I have not made yet). I think the legs and spindles would be all drawn squarish with round ends. The upright slats for the back flat with round dowel ends. This is a way off project, but maybe I'll start putting materials off to the side. I would love to make it in oak, but I have plenty of maple saplings here. I'll be looking forward to the days when I can just sit and listen to the wood curls peeling off the draw knife blade.
Fantastic find there! Lot of history in it, no doubt. Wish I could see all the items made on it in the past!
It is used for wood working. Mostly using a drawknife or spokeshave to work on handles for tools. It can hold different thicknesses of wood by adjusting a peg. The work is held by pressure on the foot treadle.
A live horse is notoriously unstable to shave on. If they don't have a very steady gait or make a misstep or side step at the wrong time, you could cut yourself badly. The shaving horse was developed so you could sit astraddle and lean back against the rest (which, as you can see, is adjustable) and shave in stable comfort. These devices were usually set in front of a small mirror on a stand.
Very Nice! I made my own but its not as cool as that one. Its great to use old tools with history to them.