I built this Shaving Horse years ago.
I don't use it much; in part because legitimate need
for it doesn't present itself all that often. However, another reason
it doesn't get a lot of use is that it has never had what I thought
was a firm grip on the workpiece. I have added hardwood pieces to
the side of the head to try and add mass, another upright piece under
"ramp" to eliminate flex, wrapping clamp cross piece with leather. In the
second photo you can see some adapter pieces that fasten to the ramp.
These were made in square and round shapes to see if that would help.
Also, a second foot peg on other side of horse was added to even/level
out pressure. None of these measures has really improved the situation.
The other day I started wondering if basic design was the problem.
To Wit: Angle of Incline of ramp. I can't remember where I got dimens,
and the angle or it was just all guessed or what but that angle shown
in first pic is 20 Deg. or thereabouts.
I have some ideas to remedy problem but they involve metal parts
and I wanted to stick to, if not a traditional look, at least all wood construction.
ShavHrseAng.jpg
Any thoughts appreciated.