Tool rest height with oval skew?

[Band Saw Box]

When using an oval skew what should the height of the tool rest to the blank? I just got my skew and I want to give it a try. I've watch a video or two and I can't really tell. Thanks for the help.

 

[Fish30114]

Dan, It is like other tools, I just set my tool rest so that my skew is centered on my work piece--that works for me.

 

[alankulwicki7]

It depends on what I am doing. Sometimes I have it above center so the skew is taking off fine shavings on the top of the blank. Other times it's at center if I'm detailing (beads, etc).

 

[TBCbushings]

I use it at different heights. Depends how i am using it. Cutting on top or bottom...

 

[Charlie_W]

For using a skew on pens in skew mode, I raise the tool rest so the cutting edge of the skew is about at the 1:30 to 2 o'clock position on the pen.
In scraping mode, cutting edge about center line...3 o'clock.
I will raise the handle of the skew if I have a burr on the edge. Sometimes, come in a little lower on the blank since the pen diameter is small compared to a bowl for example.

Watch some videos on the skew and watch different turners to come up with what works for you.

 

[reddwil]

With the size of my skew, i place my rest just slightly higher than center. Works well for me. Play around with some scrap to see what works best and is most comfortable to you.

 

[jsolie]

I position the height of the tool rest so that the cutting action is around 10:00-11:00. I'll move the tool rest in and adjust height again after roughing if needed. I find that closer is better with an oval skew, possibly due to flex for having less material than a traditional square-edged skew.

 

[low_48]

For using a skew on pens in skew mode, I raise the tool rest so the cutting edge of the skew is about at the 1:30 to 2 o'clock position on the pen.
In scraping mode, cutting edge about center line...3 o'clock.
I will raise the handle of the skew if I have a burr on the edge. Sometimes, come in a little lower on the blank since the pen diameter is small compared to a bowl for example.

Watch some videos on the skew and watch different turners to come up with what works for you.

Are you south of the equator Charlie? What side of the lathe do you turn on?

 

[KenV]

The morning people look ar the headstock

The afternoon people look at the tailstock.

Both are correct, but different

 

[Charlie_W]

Are you south of the equator Charlie? What side of the lathe do you turn on?[/QUOTE]

Physically or Mentally? I turn on the top side of my lathe

You know how some folks just do things backwards? I believe I think backwards sometimes......like since we have the Good Humor Man (ice cream), why isn't there a Bad Humor Man?....
...McDonalds has a Happy Meal...do they also have a Sad Meal? Does Buzz Lightyear have a Buzz Darkyear?.....

 

[Charlie_W]

The morning people look ar the headstock

The afternoon people look at the tailstock.

Both are correct, but different

Doesn't everyone turn ambidextrously? Depends on your orientation to the lathe!:biggrin:

 

[flyitfast]

My Headstock points toward the West, so if I'm facing towards the South I must be in the Northern Hemisphere and its cloudy but I think it is early afternoon.
Anyway, my toolrest is just above center and the point of my skew is pointing up and the angle of the cutting part is at a 45 degree to the wood moving to the left (or West!) and riding the bevel.
gordon

 

[TonyL]

I am about a month into oval skews: both are 3/4 inch - one is a Sorby and the other is a Benjamin's Best (and don't ask me which one I like better ). Therefore, I have been watching a ton of videos. I have turn about 15 pens with them.

After watching the videos, and turning pens, I came up with this and have enjoyed success.

I adjust my tool rest to achieve the following combination:
Cut with the lower third of of cutting edge and
Hold the cutting edge at a 45 degree angle to the horizonta line of the blank and
Ride as much of the bevel as possible (bevel against the blank).

Like Ed Brown posited, I pay much more attention to what I am doing as I am doing something right. When I see the nice ribbons "flow" from the blank, I pay attention to the what I am doing and how things are positioned.

The short answer is (tool rest height): 3/4 to 7/8 toward the top of the blank (which get lower as you cut it).

I hope this helps; it works for me, but still learning.

 

[Band Saw Box]

Thanks for all the replies, I guess I need to get out in the shop a practice.

 

[TonyL]

I certainly do!

 

[JimB]

Tony made an important point about cutting with the bottom third of the cutting edge. You do not want the top point of the skew anywhere near your wood. if the top point touches the material you will get a nasty catch and probably take a chunk out of your blank.

 

[Charlie_W]

Tony made an important point about cutting with the bottom third of the cutting edge. You do not want the top point of the skew anywhere near your wood. if the top point touches the material you will get a nasty catch and probably take a chunk out of your blank.

Absolutely! Thanks for pointing that out.
A catch even with out the top point will cause the skew to flip down which can pull the point in to the stock.

 

[Band Saw Box]

I was going to play around today, that's not going to happen we are with out power....maybe I should check in to a foot powered lathe for times like these.