My Skew Sharpening Procedure

Tools used in this video:
Robert Sorby Skew amzn.to/3unTI0r
Permanent Marker amzn.to/37B42Ze
Rikon Low Speed Grinder amzn.to/3sejQZL
One Way Wolverine Sharpening System amzn.to/2NkMqdu
One Way Skew Grind Attachment amzn.to/3uixGw9
220 Grit CBN Wheel amzn.to/3sdxTPo
Card Files amzn.to/3qJ9fpk
Windex amzn.to/3s9qArU
Leather Strop amzn.to/37B74wG

[@nctplarry]

Once again, super helpful and instructive video, Sir Bob! You have quite a knack for producing what seems like "just the right subject matter" that's what we woodturners need. High fives! I'll be hunting for that skew turning video you mentioned. --Larry Anderson • Tupelo, MS (birthplace of Elvis)

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Larry. Regards, Bob

[@thompsonfamilyhuntingadven4036]

Have the same Sorby skew in 1”. Git ya self a Sorby ProEdge for your tools Bob, you’ll love ya self for it.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you. Regards, Bob

[@tomt9543]

Very good video for a greenhorn turner like myself! Thanks!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Tom. Regards, Bob

[@superincognito7322]

Hi Bob. Great Video! I love your channel. it is very helpful and very informative. I have been thinking about purchasing a skew for a while, and Sharpening was a concern for me, but not anymore. Thank you for the great Video! I was wondering if you could do more sharpening videos for other tools, and a shop tour. Thank you for the Video! keep up the amazing work.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you. Regards, Bob

[@Hp2G1]

I agree with you. The best method of sharpening in my opinion, is the simplest and quickest one that will give you "repeatable results you are happy with". :-) I wish I had looked at video like your when I started, it would have preventing me from buying all those sharpening gizmos that are now collecting dust. They all worked fine, but take way too much time or setup. I now use almost the same method as you for my turning tools, with the exception that I am lazier, and usually go from my slow speed grinder directly to the stropping (but I put very little pressure on the tool at the end of the grinding session). What grade is your wheel? You are right, for ALL my cutting tools, stropping often to refresh the edge is THE key. Great video, thanks for sharing.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you, I use a 200 grit wheel. Regards, Bob

[@mikepullen8028]

Bob I did find your video very helpful thank you

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Mike, The real secret is the power strop. I almost never use the wheels unless the skew rolls off the table. Regards, Bob

[@Dosbomber]

Very helpful. I just got a bedan tool this week, so I'll be spending some time this weekend playing around with that, but it looks like I'll be sharpening and practicing my skew work as well.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you, the Skew can be intimidating at first but once you become more comfortable with it you’ll love the cut and finish. Regards, Bob

[@davesanders7893]

Thanks Bob

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Dave. Regards, Bob

[@philwalmsley1116]

Bob, excellent demonstration as always. Thanks for sharing your process.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Phil. Regards, Bob

[@CrossCutCreations]

Nice work, Bob. I definitely learned a few things on this video. Not only will I be practicing using the skew, but I'll also be practicing sharpening. Thanks for being a great resource.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Robert. Regards, Bob

[@scottshawwoodworking1752]

Bob, very informative video. Thanks for the information.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Scott. Regards, Bob

[@cadmandap1979]

Very Good video Bob.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Don. Regards, Bob

[@charlesreicks648]

Good video. I need a lot of practice. Thanks

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Charles. Regards, Bob

[@jonm8733]

Great video Bob! I am committed to learning to use the skew and seeing how you sharpen was enlightening. I already have the Wolverine system and a couple of card files, but I need to get a strop.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank your Jon, The strop is the most important part. I only use the CBN wheels to shape the tool when it’s new or I damage the cutting edge. I will occasionally use the card files to hone the edge but I strop constantly before, and many times during some turnings. It does a great job keeping that tool edge straight and sharp. Regards, Bob

[@glenschumannGlensWorkshop]

Thanks. Very helpful. I need to try a CBN wheel and stropping.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Glen, The Strop is more important than the CBN wheels In my opinion. I rarely use them unless I need to shape the blade after I damage it. I mostly strop and occasionally hone on the card files. Regards, Bob

[@nothereorthereoranywhere]

Thank you for this demonstration. I finally got all the parts for my Dad's Tormek that I got when he and Mom moved out of their house a few years ago. You are correct, no one system or method. Appreciate it all. I will say that as a former chef, having sharp tools of your trade is vital. So, sharpen as needed. Dull tools can cause an accident.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you and well said Adam. 😃 Regards, Bob

[@colezev3706]

InstaBlaster

[@donaldtrabeaux5235]

Thanks Bob for tips and info take care my friend stay safe and god bless

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Donald. Regards, Bob

[@andrewbrown8148]

Great instructional video (as always), Bob~! I appreciate your continuing to provide informative content for us "impure", open-minded woodworkers. ;-) Like with everything else, there's always more than one way to skin a cat. I have a skew chisel in my set that I've not sharpened yet, but I feel fairly confident now having seen this video. I too have been using a roughing gouge for most of my turning. That being said, I'm anxious to see the upcoming video you mentioned about using the skew. Thanks much~!!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Andrew. Regards, Bob

[@ericmilligan3]

Very interesting Bob, thanks for that. You appear to be cutting more towards the bottom of the skew. ❤️👍😷❤️

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Hello Eric, All cutting should take place from the center of the skew to the heel. Anything above center opens you up to catches. Regards, Bob

[@eddiestipe2009]

I did not know what stropping was. I have ordered some leather to be used plus the round one for the drill press. Thank you for taking the time to explain.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Eddie, I strop all my turning tools, my pocket knife, and the kitchen steak knives. 😃

[@nigelfrance3481]

Thanks for the video Bob. I'm still very nervous about using the skew chisel. It all comes down to sharpening. Now I know how th You sharpen your yours.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Nigel. Regards, Bob

[@hansolavpedersen5521]

Then i learned some more about the skew, thenk you. :) Excuse my english, my Norwegian is much better. Greetings from Norway.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Hans. Regards, Bob

[@OleGramps53]

Your honing compound stick is the same diamond stick you use in buffing, and Bob you really do need to clean your strop wheel every so often to get a better edge finish. Just passing on information learned over fifty years.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Thank you Michael, I agree and I do clean it from time to time as it gets so much use. Thank you for mentioning this as I neglected to in the video. Many turners read these comments and will benefit from this information. Regards, Bob

[@craigs7473]

Thanks Bob , great video. As you said there are a lot of videos on sharpening skews but your video is the only I could find on sharpening an OVAL skew. That jig definetly reduces the challenges of sharpening an oval skew. Also the strop wheel link has two options. A Deluxe with the flat strop and a V strop and a standard with just the flat strop. Thinking that the deluxe kit is a good buy but not sure if the V strop is something worth having or something never really used. Any thoughts? Thanks again and looking forward to your video and use of the skew, especially since its oval.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

I’ve never used a V strop. Not sure what I would use it for. I use the flat strop and it’s served me well with all my tools. Regards, Bob

[@regjordan9131]

Great video Bob, can I purchase one of those drill presss stropes in the uk.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

I don’t know but I hope so. I would try going to the link and copying the exact listing name. Then search on any of the big sites that sell a little of everything. In the US, I search Amazon & EBay for much of what I need when I don’t have a regular supplier. Regards, Bob

[@marklengal9990]

Bob. I’ve been playing catch-up on some of you videos. I’m getting better with the skew except for cutting over the top. I you it more of a scraper right now. By hand sharpening after the grinder, does it last longer or only for the first couple uses?

[@RJBWoodTurner]

It lasts longer. I only use the wheel for the initial grind then not again until I damage the edge. I hone on the files periodically, maybe every 15 to 20 pens. I strop constantly, several times while turning a single pen. Regards, Bob

[@cadmandap1979]

I ordered a strip wheel today.

[@RJBWoodTurner]

You’re gonna love it. I use mine on my pocket knife and the kitchen steak knives too. Regards, Bob

[@ericwhitsel61]

As usual,excellent tutorial video! I would just like to know, and only because I’m anal, what speed are you running the drill press at for the leather strop? I’ve never used one!

[@RJBWoodTurner]

I believe it’s belted to 400 RPMs. Regards, Bob

[@jongrace9133]

Where did you buy the your leather wheel in drill press

[@RJBWoodTurner]

Leather Strop amzn.to/37B74wG Regards, Bob