Spokeshaves were originally designed for shaping the spindles of wooden wagon wheels. In modern woodworking, spokeshaves can be used to shape chair spindles and shaping round surfaces.

Avoid grabbing the spokeshave tightly; instead, hold it lightly using the thumb and forefinger of each hand. The spokeshave cuts more effectively if you turn it slightly sideways when working on a piece, rather than going straight up and down.

Spokeshaves have different soles for different applications. Some are flat-soled to work on outside curves. Curved-sole spokeshaves work on inside curves. For some spokeshaves, the blade itself gives the tool a very low angle sole.

Inexpensive, newly manufactured spokeshaves can be difficult to use. Consider spending a little more money for a premium new spokeshave or purchasing an older model at a flea market. (You can get aftermarket blades to fit older spokeshaves.)