Sharpening a Skew Chisel Freehand: woodturning

Sam continues the series on sharpening tools. He sharpens a skew chisel freehand: one tool with a straight cutting edge and one has a convex edge.

[@bobnapravajr8201]

Thank you Sam, very complete tutorial. I followed this along next to the grinder and I have never had such great results. I have watched your channel for a couple years now and always come back to you for detailed instructions. Thank you for all you do for fellow woodturners.

[@alansimpson596]

As some one who is just beyond novice stage I know that super sharp tools is a major part of the road to success. I really appreciated this video and hope there are many up and coming young turners who will take note.

[@MrSteveieM]

Thanks Sam. Love what you do for us newbies

[@WYOMINGWOODTURNER]

Steve Thanks, some day it will be your turn.....no pun intended Sam

[@ernestthebo5441]

Thanks Sam! I especially was impressed with the tip about honing the heel and toe! I'd never have thought to do that.

[@garyjohnson9297]

Thank you Sam , for another informative video , takes some if the mystery out of skews One less thing to fear about the skew

[@johnhammond5314]

Yup! Sam, It is our winter down here. We in the Southern State of Victoria have to go into the Mountains to see snow. We have a few here who swim in the ocean right through Winter Unlike yourselves who suffer snow every year. Anyway Sam, keep your Vids. coming. We all love the wisdom which you give so freely. John from Australia.

[@WYOMINGWOODTURNER]

John Hammond Thanks, I have a difficult time visualizing snow and cold in such a hot place. I would love to visit this beautiful country/continent. Sam

[@johnhammond5314]

Thank you Sam for yet another lesson. Good to see both paws in working order too. Cheers from John from Australia

[@WYOMINGWOODTURNER]

John Hammond Thanks John.... We are getting into the hot as hell season here. Must be your winter down under. Sam

[@gordroberts53]

Thanks Sam, that was very helpful. Cheers, Gord

[@tropifiori]

Thanks Sam. I have been having problems with sharpening my rounded skew and this helps.

[@WYOMINGWOODTURNER]

Thanks Sam

[@AsWoodTurns]

Great run thru on sharpening the skew. Alan

[@elmerkreisel1452]

Thanks so much. Excellent video. Some good close ups. Elmer

[@SuperBowser87]

Another nice gem of a video Sam. As always I learned something and as always thanks for your time and effort we all appreciate it!

[@mixermantim]

Tom did you get your picks? Thanks Tim

[@SuperBowser87]

Tim Calloway no Tim I have not. Been about 3 weeks since I've been to the shop. I didnt know there were any up there for me. They have or had my number?? I will get there ASAP as time alows. Thanks for the heads up. I'm not sure if you mean you left me one there our have went there to but some. Either way I WANT ONE! EMAIL me brother bowser87@gmail I would like to meet up with you sometime.

[@Pedro1291000]

Thanks Sam , most helpful

[@seepaulrun113]

Thanks. Just starting out, learning my way about the shop smith. Learned some tough lessons right off the git go. Most recently learned that dull tools are not fun. I'll be tuning in for more tips.

[@ChurchClown7]

Thanks Sam for making this video. I am a honer also (ala James Berry). I really need to learn to sharpen all my tools and your series has helped build my confidence since I trust you.

[@WYOMINGWOODTURNER]

Thanks very much. Sam

[@pottsydeep]

Sam, Love your videos, Watch them all.

[@WYOMINGWOODTURNER]

Thanks Sam

[@hypnoraythompson5824]

you made it look easy , thank you.

[@ubwoodman915]

Great sharpening tips Sam, I recently started to use my lathe and I have turned a few bowls. It did not take me long to see the importance of keeping the tool sharp, I want to do it freehand because I think its faster and I have always sharpened my knives freehand. Thanks again.

[@WYOMINGWOODTURNER]

Just takes a little practice thanks for watching Sam

[@baconsoda]

You mentioned Alan Lacer a long time ago and I checked out his grinds. I put a convex grind on 2 of my skews and, immediately, became more confident using them. Great tip for anyone who hasn't come to terms with a skew yet. I still have lots to learn but I'm not scared of a skew now. Best Wishes, Brendan.

[@WYOMINGWOODTURNER]

Thanks, and since I learned to sharpen a skew with a convex or curved edge, I have really not used a straight grind on my skews. So I have one now and plan to play with it. Sam

[@birchleafturning7486]

WYOMINGWOODTURNER HI Sam, would love to see some wisdom on choosing the right kind of grinding wheel. When I sharpen my skew, the edge gets red hot. Is that due to the quality of the steel or the grinding wheel? And do you recommend a variable speed grinding wheel? Lastly, is there one steel better than another for a skew chisel? Some tips on these questions would be helpful as part of your skew sharpening videos. thanks - John

[@MikeWaldt]

Good sound advice on skew sharpening Sam, I must admit, like you I prefer the convex grind, I find it a little more forgiving and versatile. A very good point (excuse the pun) about honing the heel and the toe, and in general honing the edge giving you a micro bevel. Very useful video, thank you. Take care Mike

[@woodnclay9543]

Great tutorial, keep up the great vids! Best wishes, Mike

[@WYOMINGWOODTURNER]

Thanks Mike

[@enyafanjt]

Thank you for the video. If you will remember me asking about changing my bevel and you said maybe to change it around 22 degrees? Well it has worked for me. I may change the bevel back to the 17 or so degree mark but that "fatter" bevel has helped a lot. I still stink with the skew but I tear it up like I used to. Happy Labor Day!

[@WYOMINGWOODTURNER]

James At times I still stink with the skew. I try to sharpen mine a little bit more acute angle. This is a trade-off cause getting a catch is easier and more dramatic. But I can edit that out of my videos--haha Thanks Sam

[@terry2346]

Very helpful video Sam. Going to re sharpen my skew tomorrow as I measured and the included angle wa 55 to 60 and the skew is definitely not sharp! The individual angles were near 35 degrees! Going to try to convex my one and only 1 inch chisel and see how that goes. Thanks again for the video!

[@WYOMINGWOODTURNER]

+Terry Ellis Yep, I think an included angle of under 40 degrees is necessary. Thanks Sam

[@alexpettigrew8971]

Thanks for sharing. I use a large Lacer skew to turn square blanks down to round all the time. Much faster than a so called roughing gouge.

[@WYOMINGWOODTURNER]

Not all people do that, I do. It works fairly well and helps build up your skills using another tool. Sam

[@Marlucant]

Ciao Sam ti seguo dall’Italia👍sei forte!

[@WYOMINGWOODTURNER]

Grazie amico mio e un natale benedetto Sam in Wyoming, USA

[@Boomers_Bud]

Another great video Sam. I have learned a great deal from your videos so thank you for your efforts on these sharpening videos. Do you ever polish/hone any of your turning tools using a leather or felt wheels ? Derek

[@YTcustomchris]

Is there any advantages or disadvantages to each grind or do they both cut the same? Thanks Sam for the video.

[@WYOMINGWOODTURNER]

Chris, Well, with the straight edge, it is more conducive to making an entry cut, like cutting a V'. With the straight edge it may make more of a level surface in planning the wood flat. With the curved edge, it is easier and possible to form a cove, as I did at the end of the video. Thanks Sam

[@leediablo7]

Hi Sam, I feel like a kid going to apprentice training when I watch your videos. Well done! Keep up the good work! Question? What are the grits of your stones on the grinder? Lee

[@WYOMINGWOODTURNER]

I love the dog photo. You may have seen my little dog walking around my shop. She really runs the house. Referring to an apprenticeship program makes me think you may not be from the states. I always thought those programs were rooted deeper in Europe. They have just not been very strong lately in America. So what you say is high praise for me. Being involved in any part of an apprenticeship program..... Went on the soap box a bit. The grists? One is an 80 the other is 100. Since then I have gotten the CBN wheels. I really love them. They are way too expensive but they are so flat and I won't miss the dust. Thanks Sam

[@seepaulrun113]

I noticed you grinder has a dial on the front. I suppose this is for varied speeds, no? As I look for a grinder, what to you recommend for speeds? Is a variable necessary?

[@scottfoster9966]

Another solid video. Thank you for taking the time!. I've watched a couple of videos where it looks like the banjo is actually above the piece being turned versus below center. (with a skew) Is this an option? I just tried it and smoked a scoop.

[@WYOMINGWOODTURNER]

With the skew chisel it is a matter of comfort and safety. It is common to position the tool height at a level where the tool is nearly on top of the wood. If this is not the position, then the handle is really too low to operate the tool easily with comfort. Hope that helps. Sam

[@BlindWoodTurner]

Thank you Sam. I am going to check out the jig sharpening method.....That will be much safer for me. Thanks. Chris.

[@WYOMINGWOODTURNER]

Chris That sounds like good idea. One thing about using the jig, you pretty much hold the tool on the grinding wheel "flat" but I rock the tool a little on the toe and then the heal to make the points sharper. Thanks, If I can do a video worth a particular subject, please let me know. Sam

[@dennisboyce813]

I was wondering as to what type of steel your chisel blades are made of. Also the kind of stone in the grinder as you didn't seem concerned about overheating the tool. Thanks for the video.

[@WYOMINGWOODTURNER]

Dennis Boyce Dennis, thank you for the question. One of my sharpening stones is an 80 grit and the other stone is 120. Since I made this video I have gone to CBN wheels. I know very little about tool steel. So to make a long story short I simply buy high quality tools d-way tools, Trent Bosch, Doug thompson or Carter & sons tools. I do know the basics of tool steel but I also don’t think it’s all that important to understand. Some tool steel holds a better edge than other steel and I have 75 tools in my shop and I just simply don’t keep track of the tool steel. Regarding overheating a tool: to me it is very difficult to over heat some of the tools steel we use in our turning tools. I’m not saying that is impossible, just difficult. But I do have water close by to cool the tool. Sam

[@icespeckledhens]

I am a little unsure about the included bevel, if the included angle desired is say 40 degrees do you set your platform to grind both bevels for 20 degrees. thanks for the video James

[@WYOMINGWOODTURNER]

+icespeckledhens Yes that is the way I do it. I also sharpen my negative rack scrapers with the same angel on the top bevel and the lower one. All I have to do is flip the tool over and I can sharpen both bevels without moving my platform. Sam

[@icespeckledhens]

+WYOMINGWOODTURNER Thanks for the reply, Sam James

[@johnsoika1546]

icespeckledhens iiI'm

[@johnhammond5314]

There is a cosy bed for you if you do decide to come down under Sam. We would be proud to have you. John from Australia.

[@WYOMINGWOODTURNER]

John Hammond That is very inviting. Might be the trip of a lifetime for me and my wife. Thanks Sam

[@rogerwilliams5020]

Thank you Sam! I have a question. I see most guys using 8" grinders for sharpening. Are there any issues you know of using 6" machines with the different radius?

[@WYOMINGWOODTURNER]

Roger Tools sharpens on a round wheel will result in a hollow grind....(you probably know that) The hollow on a 6" wheel will be a tighter radius than a tool sharpened on a 8" wheel. I have never used a 6" wheel so I can't speak from experience. I just don't know that it would matter all that much. Sam

[@rogerwilliams5020]

Thanks!

[@mrgroovestring]

Hey Sam, my Skew Chisel is absolutely the most difficult tool, to get comfortable with that I own so far. I am a beginner, and this tool definitely has a STEEP learning curve that the average person must over come. I guess it must be "feel" for the wood, and the tool itself. What do you recommend so I might become as good as I can with this tool? I'm not scared of the Skew, I just don't know the best way to get good with it. I do know that it's VERY touchy ... How is the best way do I over come this ??? Thanks, Kent

[@WYOMINGWOODTURNER]

+Kenny Starr After using a skew for at least 15 years, I am still learning. So I would say your goal should be to use the tool on a "project" eventually. So you may practice for a long time before you feel good enough to make a final cut with it. When practicing, use soft wood. Hard dense wood can be a nightmare. I like an included angle of 25 to 30 degrees. That means 12 degrees on each side if you split the tool in half visually. To be safer and have more success, start with a 35-40 degree angle. It will not leave as clean a cut but will be easier to control. Good luck. You can't learn this overnight. Sam

[@mrgroovestring]

WYOMINGWOODTURNER Sam, thank you so much. I understand what you are saying. Pine, or something soft, and JUST keep working with the tool. And LOTS, of time of course! Thanks again.

[@icespeckledhens]

+Kenny Starr Hi Kenny I have heard a lot of people say this about skews. I started turning 2 weeks ago and I find the skew the easiest of all the tools to use and I am very comfortable with it. James

[@mrgroovestring]

icespeckledhens Hi, I am also quickly learning the definition of the true meaning of patience with my P & N Skew. Fine tools they are, and they are letting me know where my problems seem to be. My Gouges, and Scrapers are a breeze, but the Skew is a different can of worms within itself, :-) Thanks

[@jeffoldham3466]

sam what is the angle you perfer

[@cyc4ctk92]

Hi Sam this is Mike I want to know if you talk about sharpening another SKU in the best method for this thank you

[@WYOMINGWOODTURNER]

I really think this might be the only video I have on sharpening skew chisel Sam

[@firstbloodstyle]

Do you have your toolrest at 45degrees

[@WYOMINGWOODTURNER]

I have measuring devices that measure the angle on the tool. Then I set the platform accordingly. To your question: 45 degrees to the wheel. I do have an angle gauge that I can set at 45 degrees. But the angle on my skews is not 45 degrees. I aim for a 30 to 35 included angle on my skews. This means that each bevel or side of the tool is half the angle. So 30 degrees included angle=15 + 15 degrees on each bevel. Sam

[@tireddon]

What kind wheel to buy

[@WYOMINGWOODTURNER]

Are you asking which CBN wheel to buy? Lots of them out there and the cost is going down. I would look at one from a good supper but ones that don't cost too much, Sam

[@paralogia]

Thank you Sam. Nice video. You seem to be demonstrating sharpening the skew same way I have been doing it. Which is conforting as I am new at this. I tried the one-way skew jig attachment and other jigs, but in the end felt more comfortable free-handing it. What is your take on the angle of the skew? I notice that your tools are less "skewed" than some others. What do you see as the advantages of a steeper angle across the top of the tool? MLK

[@WYOMINGWOODTURNER]

Paralogia It is les skewed than other chisels. I am not sure what the purpose of having such a steep angle. It would be easier for making a V cut but to me it would be harder for other cuts live a cove, Sam

[@pearltroup4220]

just started turning I am 65 I think your great ( bill)

[@WYOMINGWOODTURNER]

+Pearl Troup Thanks for watching. Be safe. Let me know if you ever have any questions. Sam