New video on grinds for skews *LINK*

Well worth watching!

Re: New video on grinds for skews

Brad Vietje

Very well done, and a lot of good information. I like a radiused skew for more than just peeling cuts; I find better clearance for other cuts, too. Otherwise, I agree with him on almost every count.

Safe spinning,

Brad Vietje

Newbury, VT

Re: New video on grinds for skews

john lucas

Excellent video. I agree with him on most points. Of all the grinds I tried I found the curved skew the hardest to turn beads because I have more trouble watching the cut. He saw it the other way. As he said early on in the video, ask 10 turners about the skew and you'll get 11 answers.

Will have to experiment with his division of angles on the proper angle for the skew to cut beads. Of course my shop is still down so that probably won't happen for a while unless I can find my skew and use it during my demos this weekend. Our club is doing local demos. I have other tools for turning bowls but my skew may be still packed in the container.

I use different angles and even different parts of the cutting edge when turning beads. I've been experimenting with how clean it cuts. He shows the cut staying a short distance from the point of the heel but when I cut beads is starts out a distance from the point but as I get down to the bottom of the bead I rotate the handle so the cut moves from that area up to the very point when I reach the bottom of the V.

Wish I lived near him so we could play. He does an excellent job of explaining everything.

Re: New video on grinds for skews

David Walser

John -- When you get your new shop set up, I'd really appreciate your sharing the results of your experimentation. I respect your abilities as a turner and as a teacher and it would be great if you would "season" Brian's conclusions with your own thoughts. One of the reason there is such a wide variety of opinions on the best way to use a skew is that so much varies based on the wood being turned, the speed of the lathe, the speed of the cut, the amount of pressure applied by the turner, etc. Change any of those variables and the "best" bevel angle, skew angle, and angle of cut might all change.

Brian's video came at an opportune time for me. I had just gotten my first shop time in close to 2 years. (It's been very hectic at my real job.) I took the opportunity to use the new skew chisels I'd received from Doug Thompson. Doug ground the chisels at a greater (lesser?) skew angle than what I usually use, leaving a pointier sharp point than my typical grind. Rather than reshape the tools, I simply sharpened them on my Tormek and put them to the test. I also mistakenly ordered Doug's 7" handles for the skews. (I had meant to order 12" handles.) My fault, so I tried the handles, too.

I really like the shorter handles. I cannot use my forearm to steady the tool like I can with my other tools, but my torso is less apt to interfere with the handle when I'm turning the right hand side of a bead or planing from left to right. I'm not sure how I feel about the skew angle. I think it's better for turning beads, but not as good for planing and peeling cuts.

Re: New video on grinds for skews

john lucas

David I will do that. I'm still iffy on shorter handles. I do so much turning using my body and not just my hands. Like you I tend to support the tools with my forearm or even against my hip and then do the turners dance. I find my self doing the same thing with my really short ornament hollowing and turning tools. I guess I feel it just gives me finer control.

I'm going to go out to the Mobil Attic container tomorrow and see if it's possible to get in the tool chest that has my turning tools so I can pull out a skew or two. I'd like to use those this weekend. I'm going to turn mushrooms simply because they are fast. We are demonstrating at a Gun and Knife show. Darn, should have ordered some of those bolt action pens and turned and sold them during this event. Just wasn't thinking.

Re: New video on grinds for skews

Jim Scarsella

I agree, it is a very good video, as are several of his discussing tool presentation and grind angles. Well worth watching.

Great Videography!

Doc Green

This video is one of the best I've seen as far as the technical aspects like camera angles, close-in views, switching between cameras, and so forth is concerned. It is really good.

Re: Great Videography!

john lucas

I agree Doc. I was working on some new techniques including picture in picture for my next videos but that all got put on hold when I moved. Hope to get back to that. He did a wonderful job editing to get those close ups.

Re: Great Videography! *LINK*

Mike Peace

I agree! I subscribed to Brian's channel a few years ago and was disappointed when there weren't more coming, but he is cranking them now. I have been making a few woodturning videos for my YouTube channel so can fully appreciate not only the content, but as you pointed out the technical aspects of his videograpy. About as good as I have seen.


My YouTube channel

Re: New video on grinds for skews

steve worcester

(I don't say this necessarily as a critique but an observance)

I thought John would have commented on the color temperature changing during the (especially) face shots. And maybe the edits that were jog. If it doesn't flow, shoot it again. It's only bits and they are totally disposable nowadays.

From a pure woodturning perspective, the only thing I noticed was an example between skews where one was rounded and one straight. But I really liked where you talked about ... I experimented for a few days... that brings some great experience to the group.

I will be sure to share this.

Re: Great Videography!

David Walser

Mike -- I just watched the 1st two of your three part series on stool making. Well done. I always look forward to your videos.

I usually don't announce each time you post a new video because you comment here occasionally and I figure you're able to make such announcements. As far as I know, Brian doesn't post on WC.