Skewed

[Adam Pinson]

I really have a hard time trying to get a good edge on my skew chisels, could do with some skew school !

 

[Democritus]

Hi Adam
I know what you mean. I’ve had similar problems. I have a Sorby Proedge, which comes with a jig for skew sharpening. Even that poses problems. It works well when sharpening one edge (when the tool handle is to the right), but when it’s reversed , the handle is fouled somewhat by the machine motor. I have to lay the belt horizontal to get anywhere near a sharpening position. I think it’s a bit of a design fault with this machine. Anyway, I have now stated to use my Record belt sander, holding the skew at what I think is an appropriate angle. It’s a bit hit and miss, but I can get some seriously sharp edges that way.
Someone else may be able to offer you better advice (that also might help me).
Best wishes
D

 

[Dalboy]

I use a diamond card to touch up the edges on mine little and often if it needs more work then O put it an the grinder to shape it and then return to using the card. Mine very rarely goes near the grinder now

 

[Richard_C]

Same. Rarely grind and when I do its on a toolrest, nothing fancy. I do have sharpie lines marked on the rest as an indicator of the proper skew-ness.

Then it's diamond card. The grind is slightly convex from my 6 in wheel so the card bridges the gap.

I doubt it's perfect but it does OK.

 

[pryere]

I use this knock off attachment with my large skew but not very often.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Skew-Chi...443188?hash=item343e3c5eb4:g:csIAAOSwX9FZHhop
I have just invested in a much smaller tool which I hope will help with my lack of skill.

 

[Adam Pinson]

Thanks for the tips chaps, i'll probably get the hang of it one day, but there's going to be a lot of filings in between now and then..... i usually end up making the toe blue, then grind it off completely LOL.... the most difficult for me is the inch wide oval skew !! i do remember using the old sanding belt on chisels when i was on the construction sites, i'll give that a go again for sure, cheers all

 

[Phil Pascoe]

Glue some 100 grit paper (assuming the tool is in reasonable condition, a bit coarser if not) onto an MDF disc and put it on your lathe. Skews, chisels and plane irons ground perfectly straight and flat.

 

[Adam Pinson]

Glue some 100 grit paper (assuming the tool is in reasonable condition, a bit coarser if not) onto an MDF disc and put it on your lathe. Skews, chisels and plane irons ground perfectly straight and flat.

I'll try that today, cheers Phil

 

[scooby]

Glue some 100 grit paper (assuming the tool is in reasonable condition, a bit coarser if not) onto an MDF disc and put it on your lathe. Skews, chisels and plane irons ground perfectly straight and flat.

Thats a good idea. I got a tool post attachment from Axminster that allows you to fit a platform. I'd imagine it would be possible to make a ramp/ angled platform to get a consistent bevel. Or, of course, do it freehand.

I must admit, I find skews difficult to sharpen on a bench grinder.