How to Sharpen a Skew

I demonstrate how to sharpen a skew chisel both a standard skew and a curved radius edge skew popularized by Alan Lacer.
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[@DKWalser]

Excellent instruction! Two comments: 1st, if you don't have an after-market tool rest for your grinder (platform), I recommend the Robo Rest, made by Reed Gray (a/k/a RoboHippy). It makes getting the exact same bevel angle each time quick and simple. This is it's primary advantage over the platform sold by Oneway for its Wolverine sharpening system. Which, as Mike demonstrated in the video, can make setting the bevel angle a bit fiddly. (Go here to learn more: www.robohippy.net/.) The Robo Rest works best with a CBN wheel. The bevel angle settings assume an 8" grinder wheel diameter. Second, Mike is right when he says there is no need for a jig. Often, aligning a skew in a jig can be just as fiddly as setting the bevel angle with the Oneway platform. If you don't place your skew in the jig exactly right, you'll be grinding awhile to change the bevel angle or you'll find that the cutting edge isn't perfectly centered in the blade. Using a platform gives you one less thing to mess with when sharpening.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

I have a Robo Rest but decided not to use it for the video since most folks have a Wolverine and I wanted folks to concentrate on how to sharpen rather than having them wonder about my tool rest. It is good and I like it but felt like using it would detract from my main message. My club is going to get a Kodiak rest from WoodturnersWonders.com. Not as versatile as Reed's rest but simpler. I will see how I like it.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

David, thanks for being a subscriber for these past five years. During that time you have been one of the top commenters providing so much good input for viewers who take the time to read the comments.

[@DKWalser]

@@MikePeaceWoodturning Ah, shucks. [blush]

[@kenharper616]

Whenever I have a question it seems I turn to one of your videos. Thanks

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Glad to hear it!

[@BobAmarant]

Hi Mike, thanks for the shout out and the New Jersey Woodturners are all excited about having you demo for us on Monday night.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Can't wait!

[@knothead5]

Had a miserable time with my skew! Wouldn't cut warm butter. I watched your video yesterday. Set up my Rikon grinder on my table saw, close to the lathe. Had to bolt it down to keep it from moving. Anyway...I marked the edges with a Sharpie and started grinding and checking...grinding and checking...grinding and checking. Put a chunk of wood on the lathe. It's amazing how fast the wood dust and chips come off! I have the Wolverine system. Next is to sharpen my bowl gouges. Mike, thanks two bunches for the video.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Easy but unfamiliar. Keep making shavings.

[@peltona]

Love your videos. I have the same platform and sharpen my skews the same way and learned from an Alan Lacer video that the reason I was having so many problems with the platform was because it needed to be flattened. Once I did that, sharpening from the platform was a lot more enjoyable. I thought it was me and never noticed the platform high in the middle above the weld. Thank you for all the tips.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Great tip! I recall hearing that problem before. Something about the welding process distorting it. I beieve I checked mine and found it ok.

[@LewisKauffman]

Thanks for the great how-to, Mike! I like the new video intro, too!

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Glad you like it! Thought I would try something different..

[@glencrandall7051]

Well done Mike. Very good skew sharpening tips. Especially the tip about marking the edge with a sharpie. I have the angle gauge, good tool. I like the way your Amazon link is arranged. Found some stuff I may get. Thanks for sharing. Stay healthy.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Thanks for your support, Glen.

[@christopherhachet8204]

I so needed this, Thanks.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jnmfamily547]

Hey Mike, great video. After turning for a few years and mostly focusing on bowls, I have started making christmas ornaments and that means spindle turning. I love the skew (when I use it correctly) and have often wondered about sharpening and grinding angles. This video was so very helpful. As expected, you did a great job explaining the process in simple terms. Thanks! - Jonathan

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Thanks for your support!

[@MCsCreations]

Pretty interesting! Thank you, Mike! 😃 Stay safe there! 🖖😊

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Thanks for your comment. I am still sheltering in place for the most part.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Thanks, you too!

[@tonysmith3143]

Thanks for sharing Mike.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

You bet

[@alanmullock381]

Nicely explained Mike!👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for your continued support, Alan.

[@kenkay40]

Good lesson Mike.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Thanks, Ken.

[@carolriley8472]

I always need extra help for sharpening my tools...thanks!

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Any time!

[@WOODTURNINGBYBRANDSTRUP]

Very informative, thanks for sharing .. Stay safe 😀😀

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Thanks, you too!

[@johnford7619]

Mike I'm just starting to research wood turning I've noticed when people talk about using a grinder they talk about a low speed grinder so at harbor freight they have variable speed grinders that go as low as 2,000 RPM is 2000 RPM considered a low speed

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Never heard of a 2000rpm grinder. A slow speed 8" grinder runs ast 1725 or 1750. Do not waste your money on a HF grinder. They come with carborundum wheels that will need replacing. There grinders have a poor reputation for run out. Check out Woodturnerswonders.com You should get a good quality grinder because you will probably keep it as long as you are woodturning.

[@beloitdavisja]

Thanks Mike. Any tips for holding an oval skew on the platform?

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Not really. That is one of the downsides. I do not own one and do not want one.

[@markyehle6355]

Great video--I have been trying to use the one way jig and keep ending up with a concave curved edge blade. I'm heading down to the shop right now and sharpen my skew. Thanks again for showing us how to do essential skills.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Happy to help. Safe turning.

[@Rob-hw5wr]

what grit wheel do you use and what is the grit on the credit card? Thanks.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Good questions. 600 grit card. I have a 80 grit wheel for shaping and the 180 grit for most sharpening including the skew.

[@Rob-hw5wr]

@@MikePeaceWoodturning thanks Mike

[@ericmoorehead1100]

What is the best/easiest way to check that it is sharp?

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Try slicing paper. I just tried that and had to go back and hone a couple I had recently sharpened that could not do a curved slicing cut from the middle of a piece of paper.

[@jimstricker9084]

So much easier using the Kodiak system

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Glad you are happy with it! Good to have options.

[@jackevans5895]

I was always told when working around revolving equipment, not to wear any rings, watches, or any other jewellery

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Alway a good idea I typically do not follow. I have not found wearing a watch or a wedding ring a serious risk. Do what you feel is right for you and don't preach.

[@utubephil100]

All very well explained - but nothing about the actual shaping of the curve !

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

I thought the explanation of how to add the curve was clear. If not I am sorry but I do not understand the question. Is the question about why to have a curved profile? if so watch watch my skew video series with the link in the video description.