I have a scar on my chin and up over my left eye because I used this tool incorrectly, I call it my Baptism on the lathe, the skew is the Devil's can opener, I now use a bowl gouge with Irish Grind instead. I have the greatest respect for fellow woodturners who have mastered this tool
I think I was prety much scared to use a skew because of all the stuff I'd read and watched about how difficult they are to use. That's not a good place to be as your learning experience starts. You can't do anything about all that negative stuff that's out there, it's there and if you read it, the psycholgy is set. The main thing to know about a skew is that it has a sharp spike and if you let that get into a position where it digs into the workpiece it damages the workpiece and gives you a fright - the negative psychology has been reinforced. So what to do? Number one understand about the fulcrum point of the tool and number two - if you can manage it first, watch this video and some of Richard Raffan's for a really positive and useful explanation. It goes without saying when using a lathe ALWAYS wear ppe.
Hmm... This technique of planing doesn't quite match what most instructors provide. Usually when planing, the heel is avoided to prevent dig-ins, and the toe is avoided to prevent catches. With that in mind, usually the lower 2/3rds of the edge (nearest the heel) is used for making a planing cut. Yours may be one option, but I'd recommend viewing other videos (such as of Allan Batty or Alan Lacer) that explain in detail skew usage. I won't say this technique is wrong, but it wouldn't be my first option.
Thanks for commenting. You are certainly correct in saying there are many ways to use many turning tools. If you get good results and are safe I say go for it.
The use of the points is exactly opposite the advice of another you tube video . Is that because you are using a radiused skew while the other video used a straight skew chisel ?
It is hard for me to comment without seeing the other video. The radiused sharpening shouldn't make any difference to the chances of a bad catch. Long point up or down will definitely work as will short point up or down. The key for me is to avoid the catch I get if the cut drifts away from the cutting edge. If you can make it work then for sure you should use the technique that is comfortable for you.
Many thanks, you are a very good teacher, I'm a beginner to woodturning and I learned wonderful things.
Thanks so much for commenting. Glad you found it useful.
Thank you thank You thank you, I was Doing that exactly WRONG. Be Well and Good Journey Richie
I have a scar on my chin and up over my left eye because I used this tool incorrectly, I call it my Baptism on the lathe, the skew is the Devil's can opener, I now use a bowl gouge with Irish Grind instead. I have the greatest respect for fellow woodturners who have mastered this tool
Thanks Trent, excellent video, I might even try my skew now
Well done appreciated it. Looking forward to more. Helps me refine the use of a skew
Thanks Norm. Nice to hear from you.
excellent vid
Very good explanation. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you! That was the best most straight forward demonstration of Skew use I have seen yet. Cleared up a lot of issues for me. Thanks again.
You are so welcome John. Thanks for commenting.
Great video, I have a small skew that needs taming perhaps into the recycle bin. I had a few catches and stopped using it now I know why.
Vic
Thanks Vic for your support.
Hello friend 👋 good work i like this, your work the same me.
Thank you.
How do you shape and sharpen your skew?
I think I was prety much scared to use a skew because of all the stuff I'd read and watched about how difficult they are to use. That's not a good place to be as your learning experience starts. You can't do anything about all that negative stuff that's out there, it's there and if you read it, the psycholgy is set. The main thing to know about a skew is that it has a sharp spike and if you let that get into a position where it digs into the workpiece it damages the workpiece and gives you a fright - the negative psychology has been reinforced. So what to do? Number one understand about the fulcrum point of the tool and number two - if you can manage it first, watch this video and some of Richard Raffan's for a really positive and useful explanation. It goes without saying when using a lathe ALWAYS wear ppe.
Is there a limit on the diameter of the wood beyond which you wouldn't use the skew?
I don't think of the diameter as a limiting feature as long as the position of the wood and tool are safe.
Hmm... This technique of planing doesn't quite match what most instructors provide. Usually when planing, the heel is avoided to prevent dig-ins, and the toe is avoided to prevent catches. With that in mind, usually the lower 2/3rds of the edge (nearest the heel) is used for making a planing cut. Yours may be one option, but I'd recommend viewing other videos (such as of Allan Batty or Alan Lacer) that explain in detail skew usage. I won't say this technique is wrong, but it wouldn't be my first option.
Thanks for commenting. You are certainly correct in saying there are many ways to use many turning tools. If you get good results and are safe I say go for it.
👉✊👈
The use of the points is exactly opposite the advice of another you tube video . Is that because you are using a radiused skew while the other video used a straight skew chisel ?
It is hard for me to comment without seeing the other video. The radiused sharpening shouldn't make any difference to the chances of a bad catch. Long point up or down will definitely work as will short point up or down. The key for me is to avoid the catch I get if the cut drifts away from the cutting edge. If you can make it work then for sure you should use the technique that is comfortable for you.