No More FEAR Of Skew | Quick Guide How to Use Skew

[@NGildred]

Very detailed instructions you are not just a talented turner you are a talented instructor who is both modest and inspirational.

[@tomislavtomasicwoodturning]

Thank you soo much for kind words 😀

[@randycosgrove3608]

I started turning seriously ( hobby level but lots of time on the lathe ) about 12 years ago. Never touched a skew because I was nervous with it. And didn't know how. Watching Richard Raffin and you ( along with a few others, but mostly you two ) I've now lost my fear of the tool and use it reasonably well. Not at your speed and ease but at least no catches. Thanks for the lessons and the way you present the how to's. Helped me very much.

[@tomislavtomasicwoodturning]

Thank you Randy, I'm honored to be able to help out 😀

[@markault8390]

Absolutely love your detailed videos and adds a 73-year-old retired carpenter that has only been turning for a couple years I've learned so much... My favorite tool is your secret weapon "skew". Once I got the grind right that thing was amazing on the detail work I could do and gave me the courage to try the standard skew lol. Again young man, thank you so much for the videos...!

[@hairy180]

I do so love your instructional videos. I used to be terrified of the skew. I once had such a terrible catch that it left a triangular dent in the end of my thumb from the shoulder of the blade by the handle. I didn't use the tool for six months after , Slowly, i found the courage to try again. Now, while I'm nowhere near your abilities, I've gotten much better. I turned about 25 Christmas trees for sale and gifts this year almost totally with the skew.

[@tomislavtomasicwoodturning]

Awesome to hear that, its just practice and keep it up and it will be natural choice of tool when spindle turning 😀

[@thesantaklara]

još prije pola godine nije se moglo ni zamisliti kako će ova Tvoja priča uzbudljivo rasti na dobrobit svih nas kojima pomažeš u ovoj craft igri zaljubljenika u drvo, njegov miris i unutarnje tajne, skrivene zapise. Čestitam Ti na ovakvom sasvim zasluženom uspjehu i zahvaljujem za inspiraciju , srdačnost, strpljenje i objavu odličnih videa . uz srdačan pozdrav želim Ti radost Božića u toplini obiteljskog zagrljaja... Miro , hvala

[@tomislavtomasicwoodturning]

Hvala puno Miro, Sretan Božić tebi i obitelji od srca

[@thedazzlingape2006]

the skew chisel is scary but its so good, that you can't help but want to use/learn it

[@geoffcampbell7846]

I'm just getting back into turning after 40 yrs or so away from the subject, and I found back then the skew was my favorite tool, as it is so versatile. I've loved this video and saved it to watch again. Once I've set up my work area properly, it'll be the skew I'll be focusing on first to get my hand back into it. Thanks for the explanation, its valuable and informative. 👋🇬🇧🇪🇺🇺🇦🇮🇪🎄

[@tomislavtomasicwoodturning]

Glad to hear you are getting back on the lathe ,Thank you for watching and Merry Christmas 🎅

[@baconsoda]

Super video. I saved this up as a post-Christmas treat and it was well worth waiting for. Best Wishes, Brendan.

[@tomislavtomasicwoodturning]

Thank you so much All the best in 2025 to you and your family 🎉

[@bmental]

Very much appreciate seeing the clock face approach to where you introduce the skew to the workpiece. When I was searching for answers to my problems with skew, I would be seeing it, but nobody would be talking about it. Eventually, trial and error cemented it for me to work way higher than just above center.

[@johnnyb95678]

Great skew class. Thank you for taking the time to go through the details from grinding to turning.

[@tomislavtomasicwoodturning]

Thank you buddy for watching 😀

[@andrewgardiner3107]

Love my Skew, it was the hardest tool to learn but now after lots of practice it is my most used tool

[@oldgeezer1746]

Great video I am becoming more comfortable with the skew. I have a difficult time making coves even as I practice. Your note to cut at 10 O'clock will help. I notice on the more severe coves you are cutting close to 11:30, I will make sure next time I move the skew up closer to the top. Thanks, Merry Christmas.

[@tomislavtomasicwoodturning]

I like cutting around 11 clock,but as spindle gets smaller if you don't move the rest you'll be higher . Coves are easier to do with spindle gouge and more precise, this is more of a practice if anything 😊 Merry Christmas

[@robertbarth4579]

Thank you. I found the first part of the video to be very helpful on how to begin working with the skew. My goal is to be comfortable with using the skew in my Woodturning.

[@aaronandrews378]

Great video. I picked up a lot of good tips and realized how much I've been doing wrong with the skew chisel. Also very satisfying to watch your practice piece.

[@edwardchapman1914]

As a teenager I liked a 75 deg rake.. that stopped working for me at about 40yrs old as my belly grew a bit so 80 to 85 deg.. now at 70 yrs old it is back to 75 to 78 deg rake. Merry Christmas, great video

[@tomislavtomasicwoodturning]

Agree😂 Merry Christmas sir

[@boooshes]

May you and your family be greatly blessed as we remember our dear Savior's birth. Grace and peace to you all. Thanks again for your brilliant videos. Joel

[@tomislavtomasicwoodturning]

Thank you Joel,Merry Christmas as well to you and your family

[@markduggan3451]

Thank you for helping an old man enjoy a new hobby. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

[@tomislavtomasicwoodturning]

Thank You and Merry Christmas to you and your family

[@christopherharrison6724]

Very new to turning got my first mini wood lathe last Christmas,killed the motor on that last summer by turning bowls.Got my hands on an old record power cl4 much more power ,but still have very little experience of spindle work ,look forward to giving it a try.Always use yours and Richard’s videos as a guide.Much appreciate your guidance.

[@bradbyers6865]

Just what I needed today!

[@claudepotter7763]

Thanks Thomas was paying alot of attention to the way you were turning the skew to make the oogees and the ring never tried the ring yet ive bin doing pretty good with skew not many catches.love the way you teach keep up the good work

[@drabusharr]

I keep trying and watching another woodturner and educator, Alan Lacer, but your teaching is truly excellent with much patience and humility. Lacer is a bit intimidating! Bought his big Hamlet skew with his name on it. Perhaps bad purchase and I will sell it .... I'll go back to the sorby skew that came with my into kit. I have sured learned a lot from you this year thank you for your videos and your superb teaching.

[@tomislavtomasicwoodturning]

Thank you so much

[@OregonOldTimerWOODTURNING]

Excellent presentation. From this, I see little things I've been doing wrong. Now I know what to pay closer attention to.

[@tomislavtomasicwoodturning]

Glad to help out 😀

[@DoctorSIS]

Dear Tomislav, Thank You for this lesson!! I think this exercise will be everyday for me!!

[@jamesharless5357]

You make the skew look so easy. Great video!👍🏻

[@MarklTucson]

Always a pleasure to watch these skew videos and I always get a lot out of these videos. I'm getting more confident with the skew and really like using it to rough down pieces. Getting more comfortable with working on details with the skew as well all thanks to the videos you and Richard have put out. Merry Christmas to you and your family -- have really enjoyed watching your videos and seeing the things you've done this year.

[@tomislavtomasicwoodturning]

Thank you buddy and Merry Christmas as well to you and your family ☺️☺️

[@gerardpeyrouty2216]

Quelle belle leçon ! Merci infiniment pour la clarté de vos explications qui nous permettent de comprendre et d'enrichir les connaissances que j'ai acquises avec les non moins magnifiques vidéos de Richard Raffan artiste exceptionnel en tournage. Vous êtes mes deux références ! J'ai beaucoup appris de vous deux ! J'ai 75 ans et toujours heureux d'apprendre ! Merci encore et joyeuses fêtes.🧑‍🎄🧑‍🎄

[@MoleValleyMaker]

I completely agree about the radius skew being the best to learn with but i rarely use it these days. Nearly all my spindle work now uses the skew but as i do a lot of small work my main skew is the 12mm with the rounded sides. Great video and merry Christmas to you and your family

[@tomislavtomasicwoodturning]

Thank you soo much and Merry Christmas to you and your family

[@billstoffle7383]

Great video hope you and your family have a merry Christmas & new year

[@tomlesser3050]

Great video! Your close-up views are excellent. I sometimes get chattering cuts, even on large-diameter pieces. Is it due to the wood flexing? What can I do to minimize it? Thank you!

[@tomislavtomasicwoodturning]

Hello sir Yes that can happen from flexing, but also if you use a lot of pressure with the bevel on the wall of the bowl, steep angle on gouges can cause flexing as well, I have a newer video on this topic more in depth 😀

[@tomlesser3050]

@@tomislavtomasicwoodturning Thank you. I was referring to chattering cuts on large spindles .. like the grip area of an ash baseball bat. Sometimes I get a cut that can be described as "scalloped" ... a little spiral wave develops. I'll try to back off on the downward pressure on the skew and 'll look for the other video.

[@alainnoel2198]

Great démo Tomislav: have a merry Christmas with your family and friends.

[@tomislavtomasicwoodturning]

Thank you Alain, Merry Christmas to you and your family 😊

[@stevenhansen8641]

🕶good job Tomislav. Another great video. Thanks

[@stevenhill6214]

Excellent! Captive rings with a skew chisel, definitely going to try that.

[@robertreihsen9096]

So fun to watch!!

[@christopherblevins1968]

You were mistaken about one thing at the beginning. You said it wasn't going to be a tutorial.....it was the best dang skew tutorial I've ever seen! Thank you for that and for suggesting Woodturner21. I subscribed to him just now. Merry Christmas to you and yours!!

[@pulchaimago4u]

How about a new skew profiling and sharpening video for your new skew profile, great videos.

[@Timber2Toothpicks]

I REALLY enjoy the way you have learned and now taking the lead. Sorry pal, I fear the Skew. I have nightmares of a Skew stuck in my forehead. No I am not kidding. I totally agree with you on the radius Skew! You are good and getting better!

[@rogertulk8607]

Very helpful thank you!

[@Scout566]

How many times did you have to sharpen the skew while turning the spindle?

[@tomislavtomasicwoodturning]

None

[@jamesbrasseaux133]

I just bought a new skew, just need practice now.

[@DavidBird-uu8km]

Very nice, Merry Christmas.

[@edwardukleja4583]

Hi Tomislav, I have tried a few times to “get to grips” with the skew without much success. However, thanks to this video I will have another go, one further question, do you sharpen the skew differently compared to the gauges, is the skew sharper?

[@tomislavtomasicwoodturning]

Don't give up on skew😀 I sharpen it the same way as all other tools. I never hone it

[@Ebba-June]

That was so interesting, especially the practice piece. I saw your first little ring leave the piece It just wanted to fly for a bit. LOL Thank you for letting me watch your skill in action Have a wonderfully fulfilling and beautiful Christmas! ♥

[@tomislavtomasicwoodturning]

Thank you and Merry Christmas as well to you and your family

[@turningwiththewoods]

Nice lesson

[@michaelmcdermott2178]

Thank you for this!

[@richardwhisler5593]

I learned skew from Dennis White videos and class with Alan Batty. Their bevel length was 11/2 of skew thickness.

[@tomislavtomasicwoodturning]

2 proper masters of the skew as well, both are great to watch on videos

[@joeynade3644]

thanks you , for another helpful video

[@gor24go]

Beautiful!!!!

[@_zhawkeye_9808]

...thanks so much for this tutorial...I've been using my skews quite a bit lately, but this will definitely help... By the way, you were mentioning the length of the bevel, but this will also depend on the thickness of the skew...I don't think mine are as thick as the one you use... Thanks again...👍 Matt

[@tomislavtomasicwoodturning]

Hi Matt, its pretty standard thickness skew ,I have 25mm wide by 6mm thick (1/4inch) works great and I never used thicker tool as it might be to heavy to manipulate around spindle

[@matthewwright57]

They make great negative rake scrapers! Jokes aside, great video!

[@tomislavtomasicwoodturning]

Thanks, Well I use them as scrapers once they are too short😀,so you are correct 😉

[@jayscott306]

I could watch that all day. It's been 4 hours working with just my skew today. One task was that I needed a new Crokinole cue to give to a 93 year old family friend. What I found interesting is that I have also started putting my grind back to have less radius and be straighter. I think I've increased both the length (steeper angle) of cutting edge and lengthened the supporting bevel, but reduced the radius as well. I think I just appreciate having easier access to that bottom point as well as a few other instances where the straighter edge feels more predictable, especially when I'm making my blind cuts. Excellent demo, Tomislav.

[@tomislavtomasicwoodturning]

Thank you Jason, Merry Christmas 🎅

[@davidow83]

Excellent video as always!! I have an oval skew and I am having difficulties using it. Especially sharpening it. Any chance you could give some advice on it and how to sharpen it...

[@tomislavtomasicwoodturning]

I don't use oval skew, for me its much easier to use rectangular cross-section. You could sharpen it by holding in hand like I have in this video, to remove platform altogether.

[@Spey74]

I am also trying to learn the skew chisel using an oval Sorby 3/4 wide. I see you use a rectangular section skew. What width of rectangular would you recommend for practice? Thanks for producing your videos, they're a source of inspiration to us beginners.​@@tomislavtomasicwoodturning

[@tomislavtomasicwoodturning]

@Spey74 I use 12mm,19mm and 25mm wide skew, for practice and general most user friendly would be 19mm

[@Spey74]

@@tomislavtomasicwoodturning Thank you for your reply

[@DiveDiva2007]

This is a bit like watching Ronnie O’Sullivan, yea, that looks easy enough - why can’t I do that. Brilliant instructional video, very helpful, thanks.

[@jimgardner5410]

Tomi, another excellent video that I will be saving and watching again, but,,,, "I'm no where near a master" I would disagree with. Fantastic content although I did think you were going to loose a finger at 23:08. Once again, many thanks for posting.

[@tomislavtomasicwoodturning]

Thank you very much Jim

[@William_Kenny]

Great bit of Skew work Tomislav, I've been having a little go lately so hopefully get a bit better in the year coming or the next one🤣,The skew I bought came with 500 catches but I'm working through them slowly,😄Kind regards from Will, And Merry Christmas to you and yours.

[@tomislavtomasicwoodturning]

Hi Will Merry Christmas buddy to you and your family. We have all bought 500 catches skew, wish they were of the market but it will go away with time and practice....😀

[@TinyWoodworks]

Another great video! I had to make a couple pens this weekend so it was a good opportunity to play with the skew. I’ve been using the radius profile on my skews. What do you feel are the benefits of the straight profile versus the radius profile? Thanks again.

[@tomislavtomasicwoodturning]

Radius skew profile is more user friendly ,its great for getting the know noddy griddy of the skew

[@ericmoorehead1100]

Curious why a 1” skew for small/delicate turning? Why not a smaller skew?

[@michaelogden5958]

Neither here nor there, but Alan Lacer has a video out there where he uses a big honking skew chisel to make delicate objects. I don't think anyone does that in real life, but the point is that the shew can be quite versatile. Cheers!

[@michaels775]

Woodturner21 is crazy with the skew

[@tomislavtomasicwoodturning]

Proper skew master

[@fretless05]

Tomislav, does the thickness of the skew matter much in terms of usefulness or in safety? I've been learning to use a skew with a Crown Tools skew that's 1" wide and only 1/4" thick. The one you're using looks quite a bit thicker. So far, I've been using the curved profile you showed. After watching this video, I just wonder if the lack of thickness in the metal used warrants any different techniques or modification to any of the standard techniques. I've mostly turned bowls, but have been turning pens and rings to use some of the cutoffs in rounding blanks on the bandsaw and have found the skew to be a great tool for these tasks.

[@tomislavtomasicwoodturning]

I have same skew only its from sorby, 25x6mm. I have never seen thicker skew honestly and don't see the need for extra 2mm thickness as we don't use it like scrapers. So your Crown and in my signature tools skew will also be 6mm thick so you are good in that department 😊

[@fretless05]

@@tomislavtomasicwoodturning Thank you! I'm reassured that it's safe to use (though I have used it as a scraper, I won't in the future)!

[@tomislavtomasicwoodturning]

@fretless05 you can use it as scraper as my refiner is that dimensions but not for deep hollowing or big overhang over tool rest😊

[@stephenheckerson9835]

I don’t know looks pretty talented to me, I suck with a skew but I keep trying. Good instruction though, going to the shop to try it now. Never understood the purpose of the ring?

[@tomislavtomasicwoodturning]

For show, it doesn't have much other purpose 😀

[@bcwalker1]

You never told us why you changed profiles. What are the advantages of the new profile?

[@tomislavtomasicwoodturning]

It does leave surface slightly cleaner,easier to have flat peel cuts when I fit ferrules and overall when combined with longer bevel you have to adjust a bit to different angles which fit me better

[@BobBlarneystone]

Good stuff! And another professional master of the skew is Steve Jones aka Woodturner21. He is a wizard at spindle turning.

[@tomislavtomasicwoodturning]

I did mention him early in video, I am no way near a master of skew,I have lot to learn still ☺️

[@megrim8292]

The worst catch I have had was with skew, scares the hell out of me. I'll pick up almost any other tool instead.

[@joshuahedges2450]

Know other tools scare the life out of me more than the skew chisel

[@gaboftak]

Exactly today I reshaped my cheap skew and started to practice .No success again.I don't really now why.I wanted to make big mushroom (like 10cm diameter) and when turning the head ( like doing big half ball) got all the times catches 😢

[@tomislavtomasicwoodturning]

Keep practicing, start with simpler stuff like making V cuts, then shallow beads and so one...Richard Raffan has great videos on that

[@ChrisPBacon512]

Great vid.. made a subscriber out of me.

[@tomislavtomasicwoodturning]

I really appreciate that 😀

[@vivianmorrow8828]

Quite helpful. Thank you!