Woodturning - Beginners Guide Revisited #4 - The Skew Chisel - Part 1

Simon Hope: www.hopewoodturning.co.uk/
Yorkshire Grit: yorkshire-grit.com/
Hampshire Sheen: www.hampshiresheen.com/
Easy Wood Tools: www.easywoodtools.com/
Easy Wood Tools at Amazon UK:
www.amazon.co.uk/Easy-Wood-To...

[@colincullip6463]

Only found this man’s videos, and got to say,for me as a novice turner he’s brilliant,easy listening and easy to understand, 👏👏👏🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@MikeWaldt]

Thanks Colin your kind words are very much appreciated.

[@robertopasquini9776]

Thank you teacher! I will buy the chisels and I will go over and over your video, until your lesson will enter deep in my hard head. Robert. From Atlanta, Georgia.

[@MikeWaldt]

Thank you Robert, and good luck 🙂

[@GordonRock1]

One doesn’t have to be a “new” turner to get something out of your instructions, Mike. I always learn something watching your videos. Thanks for sharing your expertise, my friend. It’s much appreciated by many of us. 👍👍👍🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦 All the best, .....Gord

[@MikeWaldt]

Thank you Gord you are very kind my friend, I really appreciate your kind words, support, and friendship. Take care Mike

[@DancingFox6]

I have a new curved skew chisel that is bigger than it looked in the catalog! 😮 I’m watching every video I can find before I spend much time using it. Thank you so much for this instruction. It’s very clear and very helpful.

[@MikeWaldt]

Glad you found the video useful, and thanks for watching and commenting. Cheers. Mike

[@glennclarke9787]

Lovely, Mike Really enjoyed your video. Your demonstration is excellent, you put it across very well 👍 Thank you Glenn 😊

[@MikeWaldt]

Glad you enjoyed it and found it useful Glenn and thanks for watching.

[@TaintPilot]

Can't thank you enough for your time, expertise, and willingness to share, Mike. You're the quintessential woodturning mentor!! Thank you! Truly. 🙏

[@barrycook4690]

As always Mike a pleasure to watch your videos 😉👍

[@MikeWaldt]

Thank you Barry you are too kind mate.

[@robertshepherd3297]

Thanks mike! As a beginner woodturner ,who has only used carbide wood turning tools ! This has been very helpful! Bob

[@josephwise485]

Thanks for being so helpful Mike.

[@MikeWaldt]

Thank you for watching and supporting my channel Joseph.

[@MikeDupris]

I am eager to try again and appreciate you making this video! Thank you beforehand.

[@MikeWaldt]

Enjoy your NEW turning journey Mike.

[@JordanWoodwerx]

Mike, thanks for the skew tips! I definitely need to practice more with the skew to get comfortable with it. Thanks again Mike!!

[@MikeWaldt]

Thank you for watching Bruce always appreciated mate.

[@mlkwoodworking]

Great video, Mike! Extremely helpful!

[@MikeWaldt]

Thanks Michael glad you found it of some use.

[@cedaroakfarm8596]

Always something to learn Mike!, well done and good camera work to show the story.

[@MikeWaldt]

Thanks for watching and your kind words.

[@uncelsminor]

Your calm voice is perfect for teaching. If I get close to your skill level I will be over the moon. Learning so much from your beginners guide series. Really appreciate all your guidance to us new turners. Keep safe.

[@MikeWaldt]

Hi Simon thank you very much for your kind words.

[@pazuzutru-truluv7094]

great instruction for a beginner like myself. I keep catching with my skew chisel and I can see why now. I am so eager to get out to my workshop and have another practice now. Thank you

[@MikeWaldt]

Thank you much appreciated.

[@WolfRidgeWoodworking]

Thank you Mike for such a great and informative video. As a relatively new turner, I found this video very helpful. - Ed

[@MikeWaldt]

Thanks for your kind words Ed they are very much appreciated.

[@anaphylaxis2548]

Mike, you make this look so easy! I’m not bad with a skew, but you’re a master.

[@MikeWaldt]

Far from a master I assure you Ana ... but thank you 🙂

[@Patriot-nr9en]

Thank you for this. I am just learning and your videos are very helpful.

[@MikeWaldt]

Glad you find them useful Daniel.

[@Create2make]

Great video, thanks for showing the skew. I will have to give it a try soon.

[@MikeWaldt]

Thank you much appreciated.

[@bgpappy30]

Thank you so much Mr Walt... I’m not new but it helps me out. Thank you for another great video and your time mate. Cheers.

[@MikeWaldt]

Glad you found the video of some use Patrick and thanks for watching.

[@WoodenItBeNice]

Hi Mike, Another great video with the dos and don'ts explained really easily. The skew was the first tool I was taught to use. Cheers, Huw

[@MikeWaldt]

Thank you Huw .. I have a long way to go ... but getting there 🙂

[@donaldtrabeaux1305]

Absolutely brilliant tips thanks Mr. Mike

[@MikeWaldt]

Thank you Donald.

[@richardmarchant8728]

That's great. Thank you mike, I'll be practising the Skew tomorrow.

[@MikeWaldt]

Glad it was helpful Richard.

[@584gillette]

Great tips, I use the skew during sphere creation and you have given me some new insight

[@MikeWaldt]

Thank you glad you found the video useful.

[@rockinrswoodshop]

I really like your instructional videos Mike, you explain everything really well. Thanks!

[@MikeWaldt]

Thank you that is very much appreciated.

[@waynebrough8330]

Some of the clearest instruction I have found!

[@MikeWaldt]

Thank you Wayne I really appreciate you saying that.

[@torstenk.007]

Very helpful and informative for me, thank you Mike!

[@MikeWaldt]

Glad you found the video of some use Torsten, and thanks for watching.

[@edwenn5382]

I'm just learning, and don't even have a lathe yet, but wanted to say that I love your videos. So helpful! Very much appreciated!

[@MikeWaldt]

Thank you Ewenn I really appreciate you saying that.

[@glenmckelvey5952]

Good stuff Mike thanks for taking the time to make these vids . Take care .

[@MikeWaldt]

Thank you Glen appreciate it mate.

[@MikeG3PGA]

Thanks Mike..... always great to have a refresher. 73 de MTG

[@MikeWaldt]

Thanks for watching Mike always appreciated.

[@KipdoesStuff]

Very easy to follow, thanks for showing us beginners.

[@MikeWaldt]

Thank you much appreciated.

[@valborchardt3596]

Thanks Mike. As always, great video. Take care

[@MikeWaldt]

Thank you Val much appreciated.

[@ffaubert1]

Thanks Mike. I found your channel through Brian J.Ousby on Facebook's Woodturning for Beginners. Your channel is a gold mine of information. Thank you again for taking the time to share your thoughts and techniques.

[@Stable_Studio]

frank_f thanks for the mention 👍

[@donaldtemple8090]

Excellent and very easy to understand. This helps alot. Thanks

[@MikeWaldt]

Thanks Donald I am very pleased to hear that you found the video useful. Take care. Mike.

[@stevenwaters134]

Another excellent explanation that got me turning beads with the skew. Although not your intention, you inspired me with your chuck jaw rack in the background! It looks like a great design.

[@MikeWaldt]

Thanks Steve glad you found the video useful.

[@frostychris89]

Noob here, what a great video! Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@MikeWaldt]

Thank you very much appreciated.

[@paulbanks8583]

Really nicely explained Mike and we'll presented video as always.

[@MikeWaldt]

Thank you Paul much appreciated mate

[@peterparr3003]

Thanks Mike, very informative.

[@MikeWaldt]

Glad you enjoyed the video Peter and thanks for watching.

[@Bill.L.Carroll]

You have a good knack at teaching, seems to come across clear and concise, easy to understand and see exactly what it is you mean. Awesome explanation of how to use the Skew, good job, mate. 👍🏽

[@MikeWaldt]

Thank you Bill very much appreciated mate.

[@badmonkey3866]

I'm just starting out, I purchased a Shop Fox W1758. I worked on a benchtop Rikon model four or five years ago. I never became efficient with the skew. Your instructions are invaluable, Im subbed. I will be watching your videos while I turn. Thank you!

[@MikeWaldt]

Glad you found the video of use, thanks for the sub and indeed your kind words. Cheers Mike

[@MANJITSINGH-ko2oi]

Thanks mike beautifully explained.

[@MikeWaldt]

Thank you for watching Manjit.

[@NathansFerroceriumrods1]

Thank you for the demonstration.

[@MikeWaldt]

My pleasure Nathan and thank you for watching.

[@danmartinelli7993]

Thanks for revisiting these Mike, fantastic work as always. Hope to see you at MakersCentral.

[@MikeWaldt]

Thank you Dan, unfortunately I won't be at MC this year, I am working 😠

[@dannyboy9784]

Great video Mike...thx

[@joeromanak8797]

I’m enjoying this series. I’m largely self taught thus far and it’s beginning to dawn that my teacher hasn’t known as much as he thought he did. So a review of the basics is a good thing. I need to spend much more time on practice pieces before attempting my grand masterpiece. Thanks for the help. 😎👍

[@MikeWaldt]

Lol .. and thanks for your kind words and support Joe.

[@bernardfutter5327]

Thanks, Mike, for some valuable revision. I could not agree more with your opening remarks. I must confess I love my traditional 1/2" Marples skew, for the smooth finish it gives, and the 1" carbon steel tool does even better (between a lot of sharpening).Nevertheless I still remain wary about lifting the handle too far,and so don't get all I could from these most useful tools. Need for more practice! Bernard.

[@MikeWaldt]

Glad you enjoyed the video Bernard and as always thanks for your comments and very useful input 🙂

[@stevejones1823]

Thanks for the mention Mike.

[@MikeWaldt]

The pleasure is all mine Steve, your skills are a constant inspiration to thousands worldwide mate.

[@glencrandall7051]

Very nice tutorial Mike.

[@MikeWaldt]

Thank you Glen.

[@graemetaylor6511]

Thanks for the inspiration to not be scared of skew anymore..

[@MikeWaldt]

Cheers Graeme respect and practice will win the day mate 🙂

[@hypnoraythompson5824]

great stuff Mike as usual.

[@MikeWaldt]

Thank you much appreciated.

[@williamswhistlepipes]

Great tuition 👍🏻

[@Bramsshed1913]

Well worth revisiting Mike and very nicely demonstrated ! and as you say its a very versatile tool. Take care mate, Bram

[@MikeWaldt]

Thank you Bram, hope your getting back to 100% mate. Cheers Mike

[@Bramsshed1913]

Thanks mate Fit enough to make a start on a project next week Take care mate, Bram

[@mauiharward7897]

Great help. Thanks.... now it time to practice 🤙🏽

[@MikeWaldt]

Glad you found the video useful Maui and thanks for watching.

[@missteeturns]

Thanks for details in the video. Even though I've had some hands on instruction on the skew, you've shown a few things I missed. I'm beginning to get the hang of the skew but still a hell of a lot to learn.

[@MikeWaldt]

Glad you enjoyed the video T, as I said in the video ... we know what we should be doing ... but don't always do it! 😉

[@alanandkarenrouse747]

Thanks for the "spin-up" there Mike. I am not a beginner turner, but I got some useful information today. I have been turning off and on for over fifty years. The last ten years has been more on that off since I retired. The first time I tried to use the skew I threw it out the shop window. I did pick it up, and we are friends now. My kids thought they would be nice to me one Christmas and gave me a couple of oval skews. I am like you I don't like them, but I have to use them once in a while, but I mostly use the straight skew. I haven't tried the curved skew yet though. Keep them coming.

[@MikeWaldt]

Thank you for watching Alan, I do love the skew but definitely favour the radius ... possibly because I'm a bit of a whimp! 🙃

[@alanmullock381]

Top advice Mike,persevere and it does get easier!( The devils can-opener!)👍👍👍👍👍👍👍😁😁😁

[@MikeWaldt]

Thanks Alan and 🤣🤣🤣

[@alfrose9831]

Another really good video for users old and new. I glad you prefer the radius skew, I thought it was only me! lol.

[@MikeWaldt]

Thank you Alf ... you are NOT alone regarding the radius skew!🙂

[@jimrenderer6627]

Excellent video Mike. I'm a seasoned turner, 71 yrs old (seasoned more ways than one) & this was very helpful for me.

[@MikeWaldt]

Thank you Jim glad you liked the video.

[@andredupuis9003]

Thanks mike for your good safety words

[@MikeWaldt]

Thanks for watching Andre.

[@silktvPDR1]

Thanks for the tips

[@cunningstunts3329]

Great video, Mike. I’ll add it to the original one on our website. I agree that, if you take the time to master it, it’s the a great tool to use. Originally I thought of it as the best cure for chronic constipation. Now I find it my favourite choice where ever possible. I’d recommend anyone to make the effort to use at least a radius skew because the finish you can achieve is so good. Must have a chat soon.

[@MikeWaldt]

Thank you Graham and a big lol. I totally agree with you the finish is second to none when it goes well 😉 Speak soon

[@thomasbrown4416]

Thx Mike, I needed that!!

[@MikeWaldt]

Thanks for watching Thomas and it's good to hear that you enjoyed the video.

[@spindlesworkshop9744]

Very well explained.👍

[@MikeWaldt]

Thank you Sir appreciate you saying that and watching.

[@alcinolima2776]

Excelente formoes Mike.

[@MikeWaldt]

Thank you Alcino.

[@uniqko]

Very interesting....

[@MikeWaldt]

Thank you Karjinan.

[@heinzliebold7860]

Hi Mike; genau so habe ich es vor 50 Jahren , im Erzgebirge (Weihnachtsland) in Sachsen gelernt! Tolles Video Mike!!

[@MikeWaldt]

Thank you Heinz much appreciated my friend. 50 years ago ... wow 😃 Cheers Mike

[@heinzliebold7860]

in jeder Familie im Erzgebirge wird und wurde geschnitzt oder gedrechselt, so wurde ich mit 10 Jahren, von meinen Vater langsam ans drechseln herangeführt. Holz gabe genug, weil wir einen 350 Hektar großen Wald besitzen! Das Erzgebirge war früher eine sehr arme Region. Aber über die Grenzen von Deutschland weltberühmt wurde, selbst der russische Zar Peter der 1. kam 1669 ins Erzgebirge und kaufte die berühmten Weihnachtsengel und Nußknacker! Im März kommt Putin ist Erzgebirge und möchte Weihnachtsengel einen Weihnachtsstern und einen Schwibbogen einkaufen, die Vorbestellungen gingen schon im Oktober 2019 aus dem Kremel ein! Gruß Heinz

[@WithTheGrain527]

thanks Mike great video. Im hoping to join up with the hampshire club one day if we're ever let out again. I think I must be pretty close to you, Tom and Martin.

[@pizzawarlord9232]

Very informative

[@MikeWaldt]

Thank you Pizza.

[@KC-xr2tm]

To me, you are definitely an expert.

[@MikeWaldt]

That's very kind of you KC.

[@TheTranq]

Thanks, I watched a long video by Allen Batty which was great but he went pretty quick, this helped reinforce some of the techniques at a slower pace

[@MikeWaldt]

Thanks for your kind words Tranq ... I have to add that Allen Batty was one of the greats in the woodturning world. Cheers. Mike

[@hassanal-mosawi6049]

Thanks for sharing that, well said!

[@MikeWaldt]

Thank you Hussan

[@KodyKimani]

I was watching Rob Cosman on the skew chisel and trying to do what he was doing. You're doing exactly it - the smooth finish. I can't get the hang of it

[@MikeWaldt]

Keep practicing and it will come I assure you. Cheers. Mike

[@rickpalechuk4411]

Great stuff Mike, the skew is my least used tool because of some nasty catches. I will give it another go utilizing your methods. Thanks for sharing, Cheers

[@MikeWaldt]

Thanks Rick ... keep at it and it will come as your confidence grows I assure you my friend.

[@rickpalechuk4411]

@@MikeWaldt thanks Mike

[@mikeknowlden9617]

One tool I've learned that you have to really pay attention to. If not, it's like an unruly child that gets away and breaks windows. You'll have to pay for it. Lol.

[@MikeWaldt]

😆😆 so true Mike so very true.

[@scottpetrie8707]

Well done sir!!

[@MikeWaldt]

Thank you Scott.

[@nicholaszarb2504]

Going through all these vids and practicing on beech dowels, before going on more expensive woods

[@MikeWaldt]

Good idea to get the feel of the tools Nicholas.

[@DreadKnotWoodshop]

excellent work my friend! I also like what you did with your chuck jaw rack ;-)

[@MikeWaldt]

Thank you on both counts Sir! 🙂

[@briansinclair3967]

Well done 👍

[@MikeWaldt]

Thanks again Brian .🙂

[@borisdesdorf7194]

Thanks very informativ video 😊😊👍

[@MikeWaldt]

Thank you Boris glad you found the video of some use.

[@kendasilva6721]

Very helpful to me thx

[@MikeWaldt]

Glad you found the video useful Ken, and thanks for watching.

[@user-wy5ik6zq4r]

Thanks 👍

[@MikeWaldt]

My pleasure Tim, glad you liked the video.

[@lindsaygardner2948]

very informative thanks, i hope you will show how to grind the curved skew blade at a later date

[@MikeWaldt]

Thanks Lindsay I intend to in a future video, maybe even the next one in a follow up 🙂

[@Villywoodworking]

thanks a lot mike i try to practice my skew 30 to one hour a day i love that tool but when you got a catch it's over hahaha thanks for sharing your knowledge villy

[@MikeWaldt]

Thanks for watching Villy, persevere my friend and it will improve.

[@ARCWoodCraft]

Gonna watch the crap out of this, 4 years turning full time and i'm still scared to death of my skew 😂

[@MikeWaldt]

Lol .... practice is the key Andy 🙂

[@kevinburrows1705]

Hi Mike, it’s s scary tool. And like you I get on with a radius better. We’ll have to keep practising 😋

[@MikeWaldt]

Indeed Kevin 🙂

[@orl477]

Thanks ✊

[@MikeWaldt]

Any time!

[@mountainviewturning5319]

Nice

[@MikeWaldt]

Thank you.

[@ianchappell4199]

Thanks for that Mike. I have a 'Colwyn Way 3/4 ins' skew. I struggle with the straight grind. I am thinking now of grinding a radial to it. Any thoughts please Mike??

[@MikeWaldt]

I personally much prefer the radius Ian, I find it more forgiving and just as versatile. The 1/4" in the video was reground to standard for the video, but will return to be a radius once more 🙂

[@MartynStubbsTBS]

I am new to woodturning everything I have learnt is off youtube. Using the standard skew chisel I have made so many mistakes now I am to frightend to use it!. But after watching Mr Waldt I will now purchase a radious chisel and try again , can you recommend a good radious skew chisel please? many thanks .

[@MikeWaldt]

Hi Martyn, it is an easy operationto put a radius on the skew yourself. Literally place on the grinding platform at the bevel angle of the skew, and gently swing the tool to obtain the radius you require. My advice is to start with a slight radius and see how it goes for you, and increase a little at a time until it's right for you. Hope this helps. Cheers. Mike

[@MartynStubbsTBS]

@@MikeWaldt thankyou. Your video's give me confidence thanks again

[@philbutcher6959]

Another great video, Mike, well done. Just for clarity, all the pieces you had there were spindle work (grain running from head to tail). I am assuming it won't work on side grain?

[@MikeWaldt]

Thanks Phil ... and yes it will 🙂

[@adrianolsen-woodhamwoodtur4980]

Hello Mike, great video set for us beginners. One question, how doe you sharpen the radius edge skew chisel?

[@MikeWaldt]

Thanks Adrian ... just small swing ont the rest to achieve the radius you require.

[@adrianolsen-woodhamwoodtur4980]

Thanks Mike 👍

[@pmacc3557]

Great info. How many cuts/minutes would you expect a sharpened vhisel to go before requiring resharpening? Assuming normal conditions of wood etc

[@MikeWaldt]

It's really very difficult to say as so many factors come into play e.g. quality of tool, wood species, type of cuts you are taking. Generally .... if you think you need to touch up the edge (having to use more pressure) then you do 🙂 Hope this helps Cheers Mike

[@bigmikex2333]

Very helpful video!I do have a question. I get a lot of chatter with the skew and cannot figure out why.

[@MikeWaldt]

Thanks Mike, I would suggest the chatter could be one or more than on of the following: Losing bevel contact. Tool rest pivot point not directly under where the cut is happening on the edge. Dull tool. Moving along the work to quickly for the rpm being used. Hope this helps Cheers Mike

[@howardnoble7289]

That’s it, I’m going to practise practise practice

[@MikeWaldt]

Lol ... that is the key believe me.

[@Drew-oe6om]

Can I suggest using a cone drive with the skew, makes catches less scary

[@MikeWaldt]

Excuse my ignorance Drew .. cone drive?

[@jamieemes4292]

Is a radius skew less like to catch than a flat one? Or is it not really the corners that bite in?

[@MikeWaldt]

In my opinion Jamie the radius ed skew is mire forgiving, and yes the corners are the main culprits for catches. Cheers. Mike

[@stevevonb]

How does the thickness of the steel play into the performance of the cut? I see the thickness the steel to be 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2". Does a thicker steel at the same angle of grind work better?

[@MikeWaldt]

Hi Stephen I have only used skews with 1/4" thick stock so I really can't make a valid comment I'm afraid.

[@leroy5007]

Mike what brand is your large radius skew chisel and was it sharpened from the factory or did you have to do it yourself? Thank you so much for any information possible.

[@MikeWaldt]

Hi Leroy, its a Henry Taylor 1" standard Skew that I reprofiled to a radius myself

[@leroy5007]

@@MikeWaldt thank you

[@MikeWaldt]

@@leroy5007 My pleasure Leroy.

[@RoofieRouletteATF]

What pencil are you using??

[@MikeWaldt]

😂😂😂😂

[@richardblake3553]

Great video Mike, where is the best place to get a wide skew? 1-3/8" ? With a radius grind?

[@cunningstunts3329]

Richard Blake I’d try Ashley Iles. That’s where I got mine from. My favourite is Simon Hope’s 3/4” radius.

[@richardblake3553]

Thank you Graham for the tip.

[@MikeWaldt]

Hi Richard and than you. As Graham says Simon Hope does a 3/4", my 1" is a Henry Taylor from Axminster Tools & Machinery.

[@richardblake3553]

Thank you Mike for the tip, I will check it out.