Wanted scew toutorial

Signed-In Members Don't See This Ad

sgimbel

Member
Joined
Dec 23, 2008
Messages
675
Location
Round Rock, Texas
I'v read and read about using the skew. I went to the liabrary and couldn't find anything. Has anybody ever done a video demo on the proper way to use a skew. Many of us,I believe, stear away from it because we really don't know the proper technique
 
Last edited:
Signed-In Members Don't See This Ad

KenV

Member
Joined
Oct 28, 2005
Messages
4,720
Location
Juneau, Alaska.
SKEW --

Alan Lacer has a couple of DVDs that are excellent on the skew --

Skew Chisel: The Darkside & The Sweet Side

The Son of Skew -
Sequel to: Skew Chisel: The Darkside & The Sweet Side

I have used both of these for pointers --

But I suggest you find a AAW Chapter close to you or take a basic woodturning class at a place like Woodcraft so you can be mentored by a more experience turner. AAW chapters usually have a mentor program and they can really help your progress.
 

JimMc7

Member
Joined
May 12, 2009
Messages
731
Location
NE Oklahoma
If all else fails, try the skew like a scraper: flat on the tool rest and make the cut with tool at or near center line. I could never get a skew to work for me until I tried this -- based on a tip I read here at IAP and I'd give credit if I remembered the poster. Also cut some blanks from scrap wood and practice -- you may be surprised how easy the cuts are when you're not worried about the results -- I was! I also use a radius grind on skews which IME reduces chance of a catch.
 

snyiper

Member
Joined
Aug 24, 2009
Messages
1,601
Location
St Inigoes, MD
I use the skew as a scraper I wasnt aware it could be used another way till someone said something here lately!!! Hmmm something to try!!
 

Mac

Member
Joined
Feb 15, 2008
Messages
532
Location
Bingen, Arkansas
The skew is not a scaper. And can catch being used as one.
A scaper is a lot easier to use as a scraper than a skew being used as a scaper.

Good video---- ed4copies--- had to watch it again..
there are several on utube (skew practice comes to mine).is one.
 
Last edited:
Joined
Sep 24, 2006
Messages
8,206
Location
Tellico Plains, Tennessee, USA.
One of the best ways to learn to use a skew is try it and play with it... watch a couple of videos if you find them, then practice.. then practice... then practice... then practice some more..... I find it one of the more versatile tools in my tool rack.... I'm still in the practice mode myself.
 

mranum

Member
Joined
Oct 26, 2009
Messages
191
Location
Wisconsin Rapids, WI
I had a devil of a time using a skew until I started turning pens. Now its all I use on pens. I turn them so they are almost down to the bushings then use it as a scraper to finish it off.

Great practice with technique since the way I have my mandrel setup if it gets too aggresive the blanks will just stop spinning on the mandrel. Biggest thing I learned when I started was that I didn't have them sharp enough.
 

Lenny

Member
Joined
Jan 6, 2009
Messages
3,475
Location
Searsport, Maine
One thing I'll add to all the good advice above is ... turn a scrap piece round and then with the lathe OFF practice presenting the chisel to your work piece, being careful to note how the cutting edge meets the work. With a sharp skew and the correct presentation of the tool to the work,(riding the bevel) you should be able to "plane" a shaving off your blank. hth
 
Top Bottom