Recommend a Skew

[woodpig]

I'm in need of a small Skew for cleaning up end grain and perhaps some pen turning when/if! I get round to it. I'm looking at a 1/2" or maybe 3/4" oval skew from either Crown or Hamlet but what do you experts reckon?! If you can provide a link for a reliable supplier at a good price all the better.

Thanks WP.

 

[Paul Hannaby]

I would go for the wider one and grind it with a radius/curved edge. This will make it much easier to use and less likely to catch.

 

[Richard Findley]

Hi WP

I would recommend going for an Ashley Isles 3/4" Skew which has radiused edges. I would avoid the oval skew, it is supposed to be easier to use but I have never found that this is the case, it is also much more difficult to sharpen.

You can experiment with curving the cutting edge, although again, I have not really found much of a benefit to this.

HTH

Richard

 

[Jonzjob]

All 3 of mine have a straight edge. 3/4 oval, 1/2 rectangular, but with the corners slightly radiused and a 1/4 rectangular. I don't have any real difficulties with any of them.

I also have an old Record carbon steel 3/4 rectangular that I ground a curved edge on to see what it's like, but I didn't see much difference and prefer my oval jobbie. Not too sure of the make without looking?

As far as the supplier is concerned I almost always use Axminster. Their service is second to none 8) 8)

 

[nev]

...
As far as the supplier is concerned I almost always use Axminster. Their service is second to none 8) 8)

shh! Melinda might hear you :shock:

ive got two skews, and feel really comfortable with one, the sorby oval 3/4" 809h when doing pens or anything small in diameter, but still a bit tentative with the bigger RP 1" square http://www.recordpower.co.uk/index.php? ... W%20CHISEL especially when 'skewing' a piece that has a larger diameter than the skew is wide, but thats just my inexperience i think.
to get to grips with the skew i spent a weekend turning with nothing but the skew, it works if a bit white knuckle at the beginning :shock:
in my limited experience and at the risk of stating the beeping obvious i would say a smaller one for small stuff and a bigger one for big stuff. i'm sticking with the small stuff for now

 

[Spindle]

Hi

I use the Robert Sorby oval skews and am very pleased with their performance. It's true that they will be more challenging to sharpen unless you have a 'system' other than free hand. I would also advise using the largest skew you can for your required operation - small skews sound fine but in my experience are more difficult to get to grips with.

Regards Mick

 

[woodpig]

Hhm, few different views there! I'll have a look at a few different 3/4" ones I think. I may visit the Toolpost if I can manage it as they seem to stock the most makes.

Thanks, WP

 

[jumps]

Hhm, few different views there! I'll have a look at a few different 3/4" ones I think. I may visit the Toolpost if I can manage it as they seem to stock the most makes.

Thanks, WP

rather inevitable

I was doing an oak spindle piece earlier and used 4 different skews (combination of they were there and they made it easier) so the real issue is down to you.

Interesting that no-one recommended a round skew, and whilst rounded edges got a mention there was no mention of tool rests (or dressing).

IMO a 3/4 oval is an excellent tool for pens generally - and you generally get what you pay for.

For general use it's hard to beat the weight and confidence of a good 1" to 1.25" square edged skew, esp when you want to work at high speeds from roughing to finish (burnish) cuts; rounding the edges is optional and a matter of preference (often brought on by the state of the toolrest....). Pure mass makes a contribution on heavy planning cuts, and can help with feather cuts on thin long stock - against a light suporting finger; lighter skews seem to need more work here.

Overall, it's a subject that will get more opinions than a lot of others; try this for the most rational evaluation I have seen - and the rest of the vid is damm good too

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTAGmTEr_Mo&feature=related

 

[woodpig]

Thats a very good movie. Thanks a lot for posting the link, much appreciated. WP