Skew Grinds

I was so exited to get back to the Skew when I made the "Planing Cut with a Skew" video that I overlooked the whole issue of how to setup, grind, prepare the skew. All too often, though, when it comes to topics like this, the ultimate advice is that "you just have to figure out what works for you". Yet without enough information, how does one figure it out? Here I take a look at the different parameters of a skew chisel and how each affects its behavior. That way you can figure out how to setup your skew(s) for the type of work you do.

[@OregonOldTimerWOODTURNING]

I've been avoiding the skew in my one year of turning, a little bit afraid of it. After watching this, I'm eager to learn to use it. Thank you.

[@williammccarthy2588]

As a total beginner, I am very impressed with the detail and clear description that is included in the videos. I have even binge-watched your videos when I cannot get out to the garage (-27 degrees Celsius). Thanks a bunch!

[@MrJohnnyboyrebel]

Well, I know what I’m spending my morning on, regrinding my skews. Many thanks for this informative video.

[@kenharper616]

Excellent, informative, and useful video. Thanks

[@DKWalser]

Excellent video. I especially appreciated your discussion of skew angles. I learned a lot. One thing you didn't discuss is the length of the handle on your skews. I just recently adopted using a 7" handle on two of my skews. I find the shorter handles to be much more flexible and easier to use.

[@BHavensWoodworker]

David Walser I am planning to dedicate an entire video on tool handle length for various tools, so I omitted the topic here. I too prefer shorter handles on skews (and on spindle tools in general) since, as you point out, it is easier to use. I find that the extra tool handle length on spindle tools is not necessary, and I can maneuver a shorter handle in front of my body, etc.

[@michaelogden5958]

This guy made some of the best woodturning instructional videos ever.

[@phillean]

I am learning a lot from your videos, thank you for the effort.

[@daviddavison2922]

Great design. I've got a piece of sugar maple of similar size ready for the second turning so your video is really timely and helpful on design and technique. Please tell me what the finished dimensions are, including the thickness of the rim, sides, and bottom, and proportion of foot to top (looks like around the typical one third). It would really help. Thanks.

[@rams1942]

Great job Brian! Thanks Richard Scott

[@blainelittle5928]

This is one of the best videos I have seen on skew use! Thank you, Thank you!

[@raysmith1028]

Just found this Tutorial Brian Heaps of info to absorb. Thanks

[@rootvalue]

This video was insanely helpful to me, even after watching the plethora of videos around on skew chisels. Thank you, man.

[@MsCyclemike]

Thanks Brian, best presentation of the Skew I have seen yet.

[@pjseiber2774]

This is definitely one of the best videos on the skew I've found. Great instructions and plain enough that even i could follow.❤

[@Joeasdfaasdf]

This is tremendously helpful. I can imagine how much work must have gone into this video for research, shooting, and editing. Just the grinding and regrinding of the tools must have taken a long time. I really appreciate all the effort and the clear way it was presented. Nice work.

[@chandlerturner89]

As a novice, I have been watching a bunch of skew videos. This one has been extremely helpful, more than most. Thanks,.

[@stephenrichie4646]

Very helpful, thanks. I picked up a 90 Degree “nonskew” tool a while back. It has become a favorite for peelin tenons and rolling beads. I too like a radius edge for peeling, and for shaping long fair curves.

[@ПавелПавлов-ы2п]

Очень интересная и полезная информация. Удачи!

[@simonbarnard1861]

Noticed the planing cut you demonstrated on the Purple Heart early on was with the point leading. Is this not quite unconventional for a demo video?

[@keithdoot7366]

Thanks Brian, very well presented. Showing the different angles and bevels followed by a demonstration was very educational. Even though it's a 6 year old video, the education is timeless.

[@michaelogden5958]

For Future Reference: 1:27 Bevel Definition; Included Angle; 40 degrees as a start 3:01 Deviation from 40 degree bevel 4:51 Skew Angle 7:29 Making beads with regard to skew cutting edge orientation 9:49 Splitting the difference; a virtual pointer for effective bevel support 10:28 Relatively Straight Skews: 90°, 70°, 60°, 50° angles for bead-making 19:02 Shape (curvature) of cutting edge 20:41 "If I could only have one skew" 21:20 "If I could only have two skews" 22:28 Honing for great sharpness 25:02 The Alan Lacer skew 29:38 Conclusion

[@MattKnowsThat]

Thank you. That's the best explanation of skew options I've seen. I'm just starting down the rabbit hole with a lathe and getting myself tooled up. I got a box of about 30 tools with the lathe, some nice Sorby pieces and some generic disposable ones. They all need reground and I've made a list from this video for the skews.

[@braddblk]

I have watched several videos about the use and sharpening of skews and this was by far the most informative I've seen so far. Very concrete examples that were easy to understand.

[@toonybrain]

I agree. I’ve enjoyed Brian’s videos for their content and clarity, but he seems to have disappeared several years ago. His website has expired, as well. 😭

[@toonybrain]

“Small home-improvement project” involving 40-50 ballusters… 😲😲 😆😄

[@CarolinaCoopsVideos]

Where do you buy the hones you use? Awesome video. Thank you for keeping it simple and to the point.

[@celalbayar9251]

Harika,ben çok meraklıyım. fazlasını göndersene

[@willemkossen]

I need to revisit the skew. It scares me. Thanks for the clear explanations

[@terrrywilliams3617]

I’m curious as to the position of the skew in relation to the center of the wood. You appear to cutting just above the center of the wood. Could you please advise me as to where I should position the tool. I’m just a novice turner and have had a lot of trouble with the skew.

[@colind2955]

As I am new to turning this is the best explanation and examples of how to use the skew. Your marking the tool to show how and where the tool works is really excellent as it enables us to actually understand and follow . Many thanks Brian greatly appreciated.

[@mpd14retir]

You should be turning both left handed as well as right handed. This will keep you centered over your work @ you can see the need just as well

[@DeansWoodworking]

Brian Thank You!!!!! Thank You!!!!! Thank You!!!!! I have not turned in several months and got back out in the shop only to have a horrible time with catches. I could not figure out what I was doing wrong. after watching about half the video I had to pause and go to the shop. It became obvious what I was doing. Again thanks for helping me solve my problem. Thank You Dean Grimes

[@NMranchhand]

Well done! Nice use of overlay voice with closeup photography. Nice balance of the why’s and the why-nots.

[@busterdavy9769]

Been doing woodworking fo 45 years and turning for 15 and understand everything. You are very good at showing stuff to the public especially for new turners.Great job! Buster from the Yukon Canada

[@dawnbigwarfe6871]

Thanks for the video. Just started learning how to wood turn. When setting up the tool rest what is typically the best position in relation to tool thicknesses?

[@forty3]

/thank you for the effort it must have taken to make this video. Well explained points about angles and approach, etc. And frankly, exactly what i needed for perspective as lately i have been trying to improve my use of skews. Well done.

[@crackerjack3359]

Super, Thanks. I'm off to the grinder.

[@augieb7470]

Hi Brian, I want to make my own skews. Where can I get good quality steel that is appropriate for this purpose. I’ve looked on amazon but haven’t found the right stuff so far. Thanks, Augie

[@robertwynkoop648]

EXCELLENT VIDEO, YOU WERE GOING TO PUT A LINK TO " BOB HAMM" THANKS

[@locoformotos]

Excellent, probably the best and most informative video I have had the pleasure to watch. Thank you for taking the time. Tim

[@donbomer5630]

This is exactly what I was looking for Brian. Most Excellent! Thank you for the teaching moment...🤠

[@jeffdeluca1153]

Can a straight scraper be re-ground into a skew? Thank you

[@johnastrello]

Really informative and useful. Happy to subscribe to your channel.

[@michaelvernon3491]

Thank you for your detail explanation. You do a great job of showing the whys and how’s instead of showing off a project.

[@christopherharrison6724]

Very well presented,clear and easy to understand video thanks

[@seanpatterson1609]

Great amount of information presented very well. Thank you.

[@ned711]

Brian: Very good video. Informative. Tell me, please, what are you using to make your skews? What is the steel and where are you buying it? Thanks! Ned

[@BHavensWoodworker]

I was getting the 1/4" round x 8" long tool bits from use-eco.com, but it seems that they have been taken over by mscdirect.com. They have also raised the price a little, www.mscdirect.com/product/details/00229294 . If you belong to a club and have other turners interested in making round skews, consider doing a bulk purchase to save on shipping (and a little quantity discount).

[@jaywoodson2231]

You explain very well. It seems the videos are a little too long, cannot finish watching the whole thing.

[@theangrywoodturner9972]

Very knowledgeable thank you

[@merv1908]

Very good video I have been turning for 40 years, mostly spindle work. I learnt a few things from your video, I can work right or left handed, that is how I overcome some of disadvantages of being only right handed.

[@robohippy]

As a bowl turner, to whom 'skew' is a four letter word that makes my sphincters pucker, I found this interesting, and has me thinking more about it. One thing I am curious about is how the shear angle effects the cut. By shear angle, I mean the cutting edge in relation to the spin of the wood. Most of the time you are at around 45 degrees, which is also very common in bowl turning. When I have difficult wood, such as figured, or stringy, and am trying to tame tear out, I increase the shear angle. Mostly this means rolling the tool more over on its side so the shear angle is 60 to 70 or more degrees. Would or does that make as much difference as the different bevel angles? I compare it to speed bumps in the parking lots. Hit them straight on, and you get a big bump. Hit at a 45 degree angle, you get a smaller bump. Hit it at a higher angle, and it really smooths things out. To me, mostly it makes it easier for the cutting edge to get under the wood and 'lift' the shavings off.... If I get a lot of tear out on maple rolling pins, I resort to shear scraping with my swept back scrapers...

[@BHavensWoodworker]

robohippy If I understand correctly what you are calling "shear angle" , it is the same as what I have been calling "cutting angle" (except that we are measuring the angle from a different reference, so what you call 60 to 70, I would call 30 to 20). This angle is indeed much more important than bevel angle since it needs to change with grain orientation e.g. cutting into side grain vs. cutting across end grain. It can also, as you point out, help deal with difficult grain. The bevel angle seems to be mostly species/figured wood related. This is consistent with what I have read and experienced using hand planes, where the angle that the shaving is pushed up and away from the cutting edge can influence whether the fibers break behind (good) or in front of (bad) the cutting edge. www.wonkeedonkeetools.co.uk/media/wysiwyg/23WHP-Part-1-Woodworking-hand-planes-Richard/23WHP06/23WHP-6-4.jpg www.wonkeedonkeetools.co.uk/media/wysiwyg/23WHP-Part-1-Woodworking-hand-planes-Richard/23WHP06/23WHP-6-5.jpg So the bottom line is that, since there are other ways to deal with difficult grain (cutting/shear angle, light cuts, shear scraping), unless the job is large enough to warrant the cost of regrinding tools or buying and grinding a special tool, I would not bother fussing over the bevel angle.

[@nickyork8901]

Hi Brian, apologies if this question has already been asked/answered, but I wondered if you can advise, in terms of sharpening, whether it is best to have the skew chisel flat ground, hollow ground or with a slight micro bevel. I have a Tormek diamond wheel so I now have the option of either hollow ground or flat ground (using the side of the wheel). I am having a lot of problems with chatter/vibration when using the skew for a planing cut on cherry spindle turning about 1 3/8" diameter and 19" long. Could this be made worse by having a convex bevel or a micro bevel?

[@knightlylad]

Don't know why you gave up but these are gold dust stuff, superb work, if you're reading this, thank you, hope you're doing well, regards.

[@MrAtfenn]

@brian i refer to your turning videos over and over again as i practice. every time i revisit a video i pick up something new that, perhaps, i didnt know enough to pick up on the first time around. i really really wish you were still making turning videos. as this is 5 years old i really dont anticipate a response. but, just in case, do you have a new channel or some other location that you are uploading videos now?

[@rev.twilson7300]

Holy shit, now i'm really confused. I should have took notes. 🤔 I will watch this again, a lot of good information here. Thank you for taking the time to make this video.

[@tailher1]

Don't quit understand your video. You stated that you have a lot more visibility with the toe of the tool down when cutting a vee. Then you turn around and cut it with the heel down. In fact in your demo you use the toe to cut the vee and then you draw on the heel part with your arrow to show how you just cut. Although you just cut with the toe. Is there something I'm missing?

[@sk13ppy]

Great informative video! Audio was great too, especially because there was no music whilst you were talking. Would really like to know what height did you have the tool rest at, please?

[@chrisstearns10]

Excellent video my friend thank you for the knowledge 👍👍👍👍👍😁😁😁😁😁

[@gregchoma7693]

lot of pure gold info there! thank you for sharing it

[@What_Other_Hobbies]

Great tips even in 2021.

[@ernestthebo5441]

Great video Brian. I'm a beginning turner and I've been making rolling pins for friends for a few months. I've made some beautiful laminated, exotic woods, rolling pins, but I've spent probably an hour or more sanding after turning the shape with a gouge. Using a 1-inch skew chisel with your recommended angles, I finished off the cylinder with the planing cut and it took only a few minutes sanding.

[@angusga]

Great content. Clear explanations. Thanks for the video...

[@Blaze_1961]

What can I say other than Thank You! I am so new to wood turning I haven't even made anything yet , just practice cuts. Reground my 1 inch skew to 70 with a bevel of 40 and amazing how much of a difference it made to the ease and quality of cut. I may experience a rounded skew later after I learn how to control the straight edge.

[@stadenart]

Excellent information explaining the various choices and their effects. Thank you.

[@attilakovacs5803]

Excellent video, Sir, you are an expert and a great tutor! This kind of clear, detailed instruction is just what a beginner hobbyist woodturner needs. Thank you!👍

[@jedtaylor3551]

This series is priceless to someone just starting..........discovered a delta 46-460 sitting on a back wall........learning by mistake and now video Thanks

[@orelygarcia]

Great information, Brian. Thanks for sharing, Thumbs up.

[@MarkAndrewsOCFOA]

Brian, this is a fantastic video. Do you have any videos on how to change the shape of the chisel? For instance how to obtain the 70 degree curved shape you show on the 1 1/4" skew near the end of the video? I'm also wondering about tool rest height for planing cuts. It looks like you have the rest just below the height of the spindle your turning but its hard to be sure.

[@BHavensWoodworker]

I do not have any videos on grinding and sharpening yet. For skews, the tool rest is usually slightly above the center of the work. I find that tool rest height is largely an issue of comfort for the turner, as the cutting edge and the work do not really care. When using a skew, I like the tool to be in line with my forearm so that it is like an extension of my arm.

[@waynetaylor8607]

Where did you get the skew chisel you use in some of your videos: the one with the long steel blade (looks like a 1" wide blade, about 12" long) and the short handle? I can't find anything like it online.

[@kpcola1]

Great video. Explaining the difference in skew angles and their use. Will definitely recommend to other turners. Thanks.

[@GeneralSeptem]

That little bastard at 23:54 gets me every time. It's SO unstable but SO awesome for small spindles if you get it under control. You should do a video just on that one.

[@daviddickmeyer5231]

Thanks for the very informative video! So Brian, what do you think of an oval skew? The first skew bought was the Sorbey 1 inch oval skew. It seems a little hard to learn but I’m trying! Can you give us any ideas on using an oval skew?

[@intotheblue50]

Truly excellent teaching. Not to much info at all I am a novice. I notice you have no oval skews but you make a good case for flat types. Thank you for taking so much time to demonstrate, love it.

[@hacc220able]

Thanks very much.

[@rudyglismann1275]

You are excellent in description and all the advantages and disadvantages. I would have to say I think you are the best for sure. Thanks and keep them coming.

[@jamesquinless1777]

Great stuff thank you. New to turning but the skew is by far my favorite tool of the bunch.

[@terrymoore7311]

A great guid. I was thinking about buying myself a skew chisel. I will definitely be trying out some of the angles you have shown. I’ve been turning now for about 4 months and I like the fact that Turners like your self still take the time to post guides like this on here. Many thanks.

[@I_M_Nonno]

Am I the only one that couldn't concentrate on the lesson because I was obsessing on that bit of fuzz on the left side of the bead? :-)

[@Mikeoz378]

This video is very helpful. I wonder some time to time why my tools would get caught on the wood, now I understand that I was cutting at the wrong angle. Also the explanation of each tool is super useful to a beginner like me. Thank you and I will keep watching your videos to learn as much as I can.

[@johnloomis3878]

Slip chain to pull a stump

[@buzzgreen20]

Great video, and as has already been stated, a timeless one. Finally found the answers I have been looking for.

[@danielcoleman3111]

I notice your tool handles are not much larger than a large file handle. I have made a few detailing tools out of old screwdrivers and just use the screwdriver handle as is. Please comment to the sizes of your handles and why they are shorter.

[@MrSharper802]

Good video. Do you have a preference for a regular skew, an oval, or a round?

[@richardchiswell6517]

Beautifully explained with great care taken to describe how and why to use different grinds and approaches to using a skew

[@iamgroot0.233]

Finally a detailed explanation, that I understand 😉 thank you very much for the education.

[@mooseberrycreations1408]

Excellent video! Exceptional material. What tool rest are you using in this video?

[@davidg.5076]

I very much appreciate the time, the knowledge and effort you put into this video. I have several skews and many I have ground similar to what you showed us. While mine work quite well, with your added info I can better tune them now and understand why I would be doing that.. Thanks for your efforts in these videos ! Incidentally, I just switched from grinding my turning tools to either belt sanding or disk sanding them. I did this to get rid of that hollow grind you were addressing when you mentioned hand honing , which I also do. I got tired of dealing with the aggressive nature of that hollow that forms on turning tools from an 8" grinder. Either taking time to back grind or altering angle ground etc, that's all done with now lol. I'm very pleased with the change I made and I had the belt and disk sanders here all along.. The skew is is one of the easiest to start finishing that way instead of with a grinding wheel too. I can do those free hand, I use the same General tools protractor you were using.

[@muziqjazz]

Hi Brian; thanks for the infos. I like the skew a lot and the angles explanations helps a lot. Thanks for sharing. Marc

[@trevorreeves5041]

Finally some no nonsense FACTS....rather than, Do as I say....thanks for the great info.

[@tabhorian]

Gods, I learned so much about what I am doing wrong for the last 3 years because of your videos. Thank you so much

[@gsilcoful]

All your videos are informative and a pleasure to watch. Thank you very much.

[@christopherharrison6724]

Very well presented,clear and easy to understand video thanks

[@jeffoldham3466]

brian what skew do you prefer,,i was looking at the alan lacer and it seems less forgiven

[@nikolasmiranda8033]

Great video! What grit does your honing tool has?

[@BHavensWoodworker]

+Niko Miranda It is the DMT green "extra fine" which is roughly equivalent to 1200 grit or 9 micron

[@stevemitchell1265]

You are really good at explaining things while showing them. One other facet of skews that you didn't touch on is the shape of the tool's cross section. I have seen rectangle, rectangle with rounded corners, oval, and full round cross-sections on skews. Do you have any ideas about when each shape performs best?

[@BHavensWoodworker]

+Steve Mitchell I have plans for a video on skew cross sections. Spoiler alert: it is mostly about how the cross section affects the fulcrum...

[@staffordhillman1629]

Enjoy your videos Brian. Can you or any other experienced turner recommend the size skews a new turner should invest in. I have a 1" but feel restricted in smaller areas. It appears that you have 1/2" on up. Thank you

[@BHavensWoodworker]

+Stafford Hillman I think a 1/2" skew would be an ideal addition and a good complement to a 1" skew. A 1/2" is great on smaller work and for those tighter spots. Later, if you ever wanted to go even smaller, you can make a 1/4" round in the shop from use-enco part # 383-7015 for about $5 (I am hoping to cover the round skew this year.)

[@sidneialves2974]

Parabéns Brian Havens; excelente trabalho orientações valiosas, mas eu ainda encontro dificuldades no torneamento. ainda ocorre mordidas no torneamento chegando até a quebrar as tigelas... abraço...

[@jman414999]

thank you best video about skew edges. Now I will try them out myself. again thank you

[@tmikeporter]

Very helpful, thanks! Yours and Brendan Stemp's videos are the best I've seen on this tool.

[@kevinburrows1705]

You make it look easy. The skew has always scared me but after this vid I will persevere. Well done 👍

[@charlesyonk4315]

Great content, well presented. Thank you.