Chuck Engstrom

Hi John -- I have several skews but more typically use a 5/16 square tool, ground straight across with about 48° angle between the faces, for many of the cuts normally associated with a skew. I also have square tools of 1/4 and 3/16, and a couple of 3/16 rounds ground as skews for tiny details.

As to real skews, I have a 5/8 Lacer 2030 and a Doug Thompson 1/2, which is epoxied into a brass tube so I can put it in one of my multi-tool handles. I use these mostly for peeling and finishing cuts on straights or tapers of significant length.

MSC has 3/8 sq. x 8" M42 for $24 and 5/16 sq. x 8" M35 for $20, and Enco has similar as well, a bit cheaper, if you want to try this notion.

35° between faces I would expect to be much more catchy than my 48°. I do a fair amount of spindle turning and the square tool is just kind of what I got used to, though I realize that I seem to be using tools that are smaller than many might choose.

Best --
Chuck