Skew Mastery

[wizer]

(not Steve Maskery) :lol:

I've seen the DVD "Taming The Skew" So I know what can be done with the skew chisel in the right hands. But just look at this video:

http://popularwoodworking.com/article/v ... el_handle/

This guy is chucking the skew about all over the place. Long Point, Short Point, Planing, Shaping, Roughing.....Not one catch :shock:

I was literally wincing all through it. Just shows you what can be done in the hands of someone with a bit of skill.

He's using a chunky skew too.

 

[stevebuk]

Jeeezus h christ, i cant even do that with a spindle gouge let alone a skew :shock: :shock:

 

[Doug B]

Come on boys, grip it & rip it.

Faint heart never won fair maiden.

 

[Philly]

Wowsers! Scared the doo-daa out of me! You can tell he turns a lot of handles :lol:
Philly

 

[Bodrighy]

Look at it again, a couple of beads and planing, that's all he's done. On the same lathe as I'm using incidentally. It's the fact that he was pressing so hard that makes it look scary, the lathe is a lightweight and not bolted down.

What he said about rough down is actually true. I tend to do that for smaller things now as well.

Go on, give it a go :lol:

Pete

 

[CHJ]

Also as Pete indicated, look how stout the gouge is and how firmly he is holding it and pressing against the tool rest, any attempt to catch at those speeds passes in an instant and as the tool and its control are so firm it equates to a fixed tool held in a tool holder on a pattern lathe etc.

Does take nerve to try it the first time though. Note he starts by cutting towards the end as you should do on any spindle truing. If you attempt to address the piece from an open end :shock: you won't want another skew in the shop. :lol:

 

[Bodrighy]

Just popped out and did this. The crochet hook is 9" long and max dia. is 8mm, hook end is 4mm. The skew is all I used, it's a 1" skew. Took 19mins. Not one catch. It has shallow coves as well as beads. It is much easier than using a gouge honest, use the both points for cutting in and beading and the flat for the rest. (I did the actual hook with a thin japanese back saw and a file, not the skew :lol: )




Hope this gets you using a skew

Pete

 

[CHJ]

Show off, looks like you're hooked on that little earner now Pete. :lol:

 

[Bodrighy]

Show off, looks like you're hooked on that little earner now Pete. :lol:

I wasn't intending to show off I had used a skew for these but never done the whole thing so decided to have a quick go and that was the result...don't forget I am not an experienced turner like you Chas and so still way up the slope. I also remember what Tom and others feel like using the skew and having to go and change your trousers when it catches. I am lucky and have a pro at our club who showed me how to use it and that has made all the difference.

These hooks are definitely a good seller, especially in the States and Australia for some reason where they buy them in sets of 5. Also it's led on to other things that crafters use like that orifice hook, caourronne sticks, cone sticks ....it's another world.

Pete

 

[CHJ]

Just kidding Pete, have had a request for some myself after your efforts were mentioned to the daughter by Someone, I think I might be going into 'dislike Pete mode soon' :roll: :lol:

 

[wizer]

Good work Pete. That tool makes me say naughty things and there have even been times when I've wanted to open the roller door and lob it into the road. In fact I'm getting worked up just thinking about it... :lol:

 

[BMac]

Breatheeeeeee Wizer, breatheeeeeeeee...you are lying in a beautiful meadow beside a babbling brook on a beautiful summer's day...and there's a big giant skew hanging by a tiny thread right above your head!

(Sorry, the Voices made me do it)

Brendan

 

[CHJ]

......
(Sorry, the Voices made me do it)

Brendan

AKA The leipreachán :lol:

 

[wizer]

......
(Sorry, the Voices made me do it)

Brendan

AKA The leipreachán :lol:

I've got one of those standing on my head at the moment (literally). It's ok, she goes to bed soon. :lol:

 

[Bodrighy]

......
(Sorry, the Voices made me do it)

Brendan

AKA The leipreachán :lol:

I've got one of those standing on my head at the moment (literally). It's ok, she goes to bed soon. :lol:

Ah that brings back memories. You wait till she's 6 and thinks she can still do it :lol:

Pete

 

[Jenx]

aah... the SKEW OF DAMACLESE, from Greek Mythology ...

Dangling above one's head, ready to 'drop' ! :wink: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

 

[petercharlesfagg]

Also as Pete indicated, look how stout the gouge is and how firmly he is holding it and pressing against the tool rest, any attempt to catch at those speeds passes in an instant and as the tool and its control are so firm it equates to a fixed tool held in a tool holder on a pattern lathe etc.

Personally I think this is the secret, most of us approach the Skew with fear in our hearts of a catch, this gentleman is using his weight to hold down the tool. He even admits that it is blunt but continues!

Peter.

 

[Lightweeder]

Also as Pete indicated, look how stout the gouge is and how firmly he is holding it and pressing against the tool rest, any attempt to catch at those speeds passes in an instant and as the tool and its control are so firm it equates to a fixed tool held in a tool holder on a pattern lathe etc.

Ever since I had a lesson from Duncan, I've been using my skew more, and I've been wondering about that. So, in theory, if you held the skew as tight as a 'fixed tool' and actually put some weight on the toolrest, you shouldn't get into much trouble ? :? :?

 

[wizer]

I'm a fool, I'm going to have a go tomorrow....

 

[Bodrighy]

Tom, try a piece of pine first. I have been making light pulls from old doorposts using a skew and you can get a finish that hardly needs sanding. You say you are OK with planing, try doing beads using the corners,

Pete