I need help with using a skew for turning a pen blank. How do I set the tool rest? When I sure a carbide I have the rest set so the cutter it at the center like of the blank. I've looked at videos but they really don't say. Thanks for the help.
I never got formal instructions either. But, in experimenting, I found the best location for me (so far) is above center with the tool rest as close to the blank as possible. The skew laying almost horizontal and, taking more of a slicing cut along the surface. Ed Brown and, others are masters using this tool. Maybe someone else can explain the use better than I have.
Additionally, I think I like the toe on the bottom best.
In looking at the skew in Eric's photo and Ed's videos, it seems the blade of the skew is perpendicular to the axis of the handle. Most skews I see on the market (including all that I have) present the blade edge of the skew at an angle (other than 90*) to the axis of the handle. This may be difficult to picture in words. What I'm eluding to is this: is the angle of blade edge to handle axis more beneficial at 90* or at another angle?
I've thought about grinding down an old skew to make the blade edge perpendicular just to try it, but I haven't found the "stones" to do it yet.
Use mine just like Eric does. Lin
Use mine just like Eric does. Lin
Out of curiosity, would you use it the same way on other turnings? Or is that a pen specific approach?
I was browsing through some of my old pictures for another reason and came across this shot. It shows that the chisel is ground at at 30 degree skew angle.The perspective of the photograph can be deceiving. If you looked at my skew presentation from the top, it would look very similar to Steve's.