In search of travisher

[chuck van dyck]

Hey all

Well after looking around the inter webs a bit for a travisher, I thought this would be a good place to turn. There sure aren't many resources for them here in the states. Elia's are a bit outta my price range at the moment, and the one Highland sells are made to order, which is fine but would love to get one soon. Anybody out there have one they're willing to let go of?

Thanks for looking and have a great evening :)

[Robert Hayward]

I just Googled travisher and came up with several that were in stock. Highland Woodworking has a decent looking one for $120 in stock.

[Paul Saffold]

https://thewindsorworkshop.co.uk/tools/
James Mursell has a school in England and sells very nice tools for Windsor chair making. Not as expensive as many and the shipping is quick and reasonable. I have his travisher and like it.

[chuck van dyck]

Thanks guys. After a bit more research I've decided making my own body will be the easiest. I've ordered a blade from Elia.

Rob, if you look closer you will notice the Highland one is made to order. You can find the same maker on etsy for $10 cheaper, also made to order.

Paul, I've considered the travisher from the windsorworkshop for years but never had to courage to actually get going on chair making. Now that I'm halfway through my prototype chair I wish I would've pulled the trigger years ago.


Gotten this far with just a scorp and spokeshave.

[John Keeton]

Chuck, Elia makes a fine blade and I actually built a travisher similar to the ones sold by Elia. It is somewhat challenging, but I would recommend his brass sole, as well. It gives you more flexibility and easily worth the extra $10.

I also have the Mursell travisher and love it!!! I ended up selling the one I made.

[Paul Saffold]

Claire Minihan has a dvd on making a travisher and spokeshave. Apparently it is now a steaming video not dvd, but $22.
https://store.popularwoodworking.com/products/make-your-own-spokeshave-travisher

Also a blog with lots of good info http://cminihanwoodworks.blogspot.com
She makes beautiful travishers, started out with Pete Galbert. They are works of art with a lead time going into years, and a price to scare you.

Making tools is fun and it seems special using them, too.

[chuck van dyck]

Claire Minihan has a dvd on making a travisher and spokeshave. Apparently it is now a steaming video not dvd, but $22.
https://store.popularwoodworking.com/products/make-your-own-spokeshave-travisher

Also a blog with lots of good info http://cminihanwoodworks.blogspot.com
She makes beautiful travishers, started out with Pete Galbert. They are works of art with a lead time going into years, and a price to scare you.

Making tools is fun and it seems special using them, too.

Wow, I will definitely be making one of those polishing spindles.

[chuck van dyck]

For what its worth, I just called Highland and they do indeed have some in stock.

[David Bassett]

https://thewindsorworkshop.co.uk/tools/
James Mursell has a school in England and sells very nice tools for Windsor chair making. Not as expensive as many and the shipping is quick and reasonable. I have his travisher and like it.

Be aware Royal Mail is having a series of Labor Strikes and all bets are off. (I usually see 1-2 weeks to the US West Coast, including Customs check, on small packages but now...?)

[Robert Henrickson]

https://thewindsorworkshop.co.uk/tools/
James Mursell has a school in England and sells very nice tools for Windsor chair making. Not as expensive as many and the shipping is quick and reasonable. I have his travisher and like it.

I have one of these and love it -- I've used several tools for Windsor chair seats. This is by far my favorite.