Clifton 500 – Convex Spokeshave

The Clifton 500 is a convex spokeshave designed for shaping and finishing work on curved surfaces. This tool allows for highly precise material removal control, making it particularly useful in concave or recessed areas where flat tools struggle.

Manufactured in Sheffield by Thomas Flinn & Co. under the Clifton brand, this spokeshave adheres to the high quality standards of the Clifton line.

The body is made of nodular iron (spheroidal graphite), an extremely resistant material that offers great durability and stability during use. The surfaces are carefully finished and polished to provide comfort in the hand and precise control during work.

The tool's weight and balance allow the spokeshave to sit firmly on the wood, requiring only a smooth movement to produce clean, controlled cuts. The iron's fine adjustment system allows for precise regulation of the cutting depth, enabling work ranging from light material removal to very fine finishing.

Applications

Spokeshaves are often used to shape curved forms and profiles in wood, such as:

– curved legs of furniture (e.g., cabriole)
– stair posts and handrails
– machine-made curved surfaces that require manual finishing
– modeling wooden pieces with organic shapes

The convex model (500) is particularly suitable for working on concave or recessed surfaces , complementing the concave model (Clifton 550), which is used on convex surfaces.

Technical specifications

Type: Convex spokeshave for concave surfaces
– Body made of highly resistant nodular iron (spheroidal graphite).
Polished surfaces for greater comfort and control.
– Fine adjustment of the cutting depth
Length: 254 mm (10″)
– Approximate weight: 425 g (15 ounces)
– Sole curvature: 2 1/2″ radius
Made in Sheffield, England