Using the Glaser Bowl Skew

by George Troy Hurlburt

[Editor's note: Several members of the Turning Forum expressed frustration with the Glaser bowl skew and, when George Troy Hurlburt indicated he likes this tool, asked him for guidance in its use. George responded as follows... ]

"The Glaser bowl skew is for use on the outside of the bowl, and has a half round profile with the tip ground like a fingernail. The edge is renewed with an oil stone."

Before I use the Glaser skew, I have already cleaned up the surface by using a gouge on its side with the flutes up, and I use the right edge down hill, but reversing to the left edge as I move towards the tail stock. I might also use a side-grind gouge. (I experiment with anything that has an edge. Adds to the thrill, and you find out what a tool will and will not do.)

With the Glaser Skew, start from the high point of the curve with the gouge pointed downhill towards the chuck, and cut with the left edge. (I place a safety point or groove where the base will be parted off, so that I don't accidentally run too far.) To get the other part of the curve towards tailstock, use the right edge with the tip pointed away from you.

The tool must always be well-supported and it cannot be hung out over the toolrest the way a regular gouge can. Do not use just the tip! It will grab and make grooves.

You can cut up the hill away from the headstock in a shearing action using the right edge with the handle down. The skew is used at level to shear cut - the handle is not up. So the tool is used like a gouge and a skew both. Just depends on how you present it.

At the high point of a curve the skew is presented to the work level and on its side - I like a dragging motion. Note again that the workpiece must be smooth before you use this tool. The Glaser is not for roughing out.

If you have a wobble or are working on a light duty lathe, you might find trouble. In my opinion this tool works best on heavy iron like my Vicmarc, General 260, and DVR.

Is this a tool you need?

Certainly, I can achieve the same thing with a 1/2" scraper or one of my Osolnik tools because of the long nose grind. However, I find it easier with the Glaser because of its weight and mass. GTH"