One problem is you seem to have set it for too aggressive a cut. A business
card is about 1/100 of an inch thick. That's a pretty thick shaving.
Average piece of paper is about 4/1000th. I set my shave for about half
that, 2/1000th.

Also, if it's digging in, be sure you're pushing (or pulling for that
matter) with the grain. You didn't mention what kind of wood you're testing
it on.

Let us know how it goes. While you're at it, post pics of your homemade
shave in ABPW.

Be well, work wood,

JC

"Bob in Oregon" wrote in message
oups.com...
A while ago, I purchased a "make your own" spokeshave kit from Lee
Valley. I worked for quite some time building the body and fitting
everything according to directions. I have the blade set to about the
thickness of a business card and sticking out of the body a bit. To my
great dismay, it works like a dull hatchet. I know the blade is of the
usual great Veritas quality and is razor honed. It just digs into the
wood instead of slicing thin shavings. I have tried pushing and pulling
it.

I have never worked with a spokeshave before. Can anyone tell me what I
am doing wrong?