The Taming of the Skew.

[TEK]

I’m working on improving my skew handling techniques. I just received my P& N 1 1/8“ X 5/16†skew from Lee Valley Tools. The P& N tools come un handled and need grinding and sharpening before they are ready for use. I’m using it in the Kelton KH3 handle. My first impression of the tool is very good. This is a lot of tool! I never used this large of skew before. I think I could go lion hunting with it! I practiced a bit with it last night. Can really do a lot with that tool, including making some impressive spiral slices I don’t intend to be there. Rolling beads seems to be my greatest challenge. I’ve been watching the Raffan turning projects video and watched The Lacer Skew chisel video also. I was wondering what size and configuration of skews you are using, and for what purposes. I think I like the Lacer style, round edge on the short point edge and flat edge on the long point edge and flat sides. The lengths of the bevels are twice the thickness of the skew and the edge is honed sharp enough to shave with. My other skew is a Crown 1/2" configured the same way. To be truthful I have never tried a round or oval skew. Do you use a strait cutting edge or the radius cutting edge and why? I’m interested other turners insights on how tools work best for them. Now, if I was only as fast as Raffan and as precise as Lacer things would be great.

 

[C Edward Moore]

Semi-tamed skews

Tom,

I hope that you get many years of use from the P&N skew. I recently got the Alan Lacer "Big Mama" which is 3/8" thick and 1 3/8" wide. This came directly from Alan and I believe that Jerry Glaser makes them. I appreciate your lion-hunting comment and have felt that I may be on the same safari.

I make a lot of ornaments with delicate icicles that are probably more than 5" long. I start the process using a 3/8" spindle gouge, then I finish each segment with a sharp spindlemaster. Near the base I put sharp vee grooves that I make with a 1/4" round skew. It is easy (now) to make these with the 1/4" skew and there is really no substitute.

I feel that learning to use these skews has really improved my turning ability.

There are those who put their noses up at the use of the 1/4" skew and at the use of a spindlemaster. I say "Phooey!" to them. Since I like the sequence of tool use that I described above, I'll stick with it.

For the sake of complete disclosure, I have several intermediate sized skews that are nice, most have the rounded grind. I feel that the Sorby oval skews are too "whippy" and thin.

 

[TEK]

Big Mama

Tom,

I hope that you get many years of use from the P&N skew. I recently got the Alan Lacer "Big Mama" which is 3/8" thick and 1 3/8" wide. This came directly from Alan and I believe that Jerry Glaser makes them. I appreciate your lion-hunting comment and have felt that I may be on the same safari.

I make a lot of ornaments with delicate icicles that are probably more than 5" long. I start the process using a 3/8" spindle gouge, then I finish each segment with a sharp spindlemaster. Near the base I put sharp vee grooves that I make with a 1/4" round skew. It is easy (now) to make these with the 1/4" skew and there is really no substitute.

I feel that learning to use these skews has really improved my turning ability.

There are those who put their noses up at the use of the 1/4" skew and at the use of a spindlemaster. I say "Phooey!" to them. Since I like the sequence of tool use that I described above, I'll stick with it.

For the sake of complete disclosure, I have several intermediate sized skews that are nice, most have the rounded grind. I feel that the Sorby oval skews are too "whippy" and thin.

Ed,
Why do they put their noses up at your skew and spindlemaster? If you are getting the results you want, you have the right tools. It seems like most of the hobbies I get involved in have these self-proclaimed authorities. Some are just purists of one sort or another, those are easier to abide, some just want to say or believe that they are better than the rest, those are a little harder to abide. If the turners offering advise were of the caliber of Richard Raffin, Stuart Batty, or Alan Lacer I would pay attention.
What are you using that Big Mama skew for, and how do you like it? Get any Lions yet? They are avoiding me!

 

[C Edward Moore]

No problem

Tom,

As a former academic I faced similar prejudices from established faculty who were too busy (maybe lazy) to learn new approaches to teaching standard material. Some of the "big hats" in the turning world spend much of their time on the road serving as "missionaries" to those of us who are in clubs which invite them to come and share their "gospel". I spoke of turning the icicle for an ornament. An old pro would probably turn all of the icicle with a skew, or they would modify it so that it could all be done with a spindle gouge. When a big hat turns a production item they must be super efficient and a change of tools inhibits that efficiency. For them to take the time to learn the use of a new tool would not be cheap. Non-productive time costs them money. They don't have the luxury of a retirement income.

I hope you get my drift. I am not offended by the disdain of a name turner at using a tool outside their repertoire, I undestand their lack of interest from an economic perspective, and my ego is healthy enough to just let it slide.
I learned the value of the 1/4" skew from Bob Rosand. I learned about the value of a spindlemaster from a local semi-pro who doesn't like skews.

In another life I was an avid herding dog competitor. I received some excellent advice early on from a big hat who sold me an excellent dog. He told me to observe and learn from as many established trainers as possible, and take what I want from each of their approaches. I did and it worked for me. I avoided becoming a disciple of one trainer and adapted to the idiosyncrasies of my dog(s). I have used that same philosophy in woodturning as I shifted over from cabinetry and fine furniture.

 

[Fred in NC]

Many teachers

Totally agree with you, Ed! In my younger years as a printshop worker, I changed jobs when I could no longer learn from the guys in the shop. As a result later on I would be hired as a combination man at premium wages. I was never unemployed for more than a couple days.

It pays to have an open mind, and be willing to learn new ways!