Are there any good videos for skew demos on the web?

[Mark Burge]

The title says it all. I know there are some videos for purchase that are good demos, but, being cheap and all, I thought I would poll you all about what's available for free. I continue to have trouble with the skew. As I said in a previous post, if I try a skew, I just end up cleaning up the mess with a gouge. I'm pretty sure its my technique. Thanks for the info.

[Tony Kahn]

Wood magazine used to have a decent skew videos or set of videos but dont know if they do still. Yep they do, go to www.woodmagazine.com (http://www.woodmagazine.com) then choose woodworking videos on the left, then choose woodvision, the editors videos, select woodturning and there are about 3 videos regarding skews.

[Joe Aliperti]

Here is a quick demo by Jet of making a garden dibble with a skew chisel:

Part 1:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJoO-9Guchs

Part 2:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKHjhwduISA

[Mark Burge]

Thanks guys. Now I'm ready to go try some beads tonight. But, I'm still not too sure what I've been doing wrong. Perhaps it was trying to take too heavy a cut.

[Gary Max]

When I think of Skews----Alan Lacer---------Skew and Son of Skew
Maybe you can borrow them---?????????

[Bernie Weishapl]

Another vote for Lacer's DVD on skews. After watching them and a little practice the skew is my favorite tool.

[Tony Kahn]

Mark the main thing i have learned with rolling beads with a skew is COMMIT. unlike 95% of other cuts with other tools this is not one you can stop half way, you have to commit and go all the way through the cut. The second you try to back off of the cut you snag the shavings that are still attached and it goes from there.

[Mark Burge]

I appreciate the referrals. I may shell out some $ for the Lacer videos. Tony I think you may be right about the commitment issue. That should come with more practice. I also notice that I rarely have things completely clean before I start trying to use the skew. So I am also dealing with small bumps or something from the roughing out process. I'll try smoothing things up first.

I didn't make it to the shop tonight though. I would go now, but it seems to be snack time.:)

[Ken Fitzgerald]

Mark,

Bernie and I started turning within a few months of each other. We both got committed to learning to use the skew. Like Bernie, the skew is my tool of choice for a lot of projects. I can often turn a spindle, bottlestopper etc. and any sanding I might do would degrade the finish.

The 1st key....sharp...sharp....sharp! And when I thought I knew what sharp was I bought the Lacer video "The Skew Chisel...Dark Side...Sweet Side" and then I learned what sharp was. I grind and then hone. Then I can just hone for quite a spell.

2nd...Ride that bevel. That has to become your mantra....ride the bevel...ride the bevel.

3rd. Commit....once you start a cut there is no turning back. As someone stated earlier, any lack of commitment on your part will usually lead to a catch.

I can often turn for several days without a catch with my skew.

I have converted a few turners.

I use a 3/4" straight Robert Larson skew on which I have tried (poorly) to round over the corners on the short point side.

I use a a 5/8" and 1 1/4" Lacer radiused skews.

I spent a couple of weekends wasting wood (2x2s) just working with the skew. Eventually it comes and then you'll wonder why it took so long and how you'd ever get by without it.

Hang in there!

[Kyle Iwamoto]

The Lacer DVD's are worth the money. I still use them, since I actually suck at turning, and still trying to learn how to use the skew....:o

[Steve Trauthwein]

Another vote for the Lacer video's. I have watched them several times and could probably stand to go back to them. The single most important point that I picked up from the videos was Alan talking about riding the bevel. This paraphrasing but he stated that if you are riding the bevel and have a 0 degree clearance, if you degrade even 1/10 of a degree into the cut you will have a catch. If you ride the bevel and create a 1-5 degree clearance (lay the bevel on the surface you are cutting and raise the raise the high point of the chisel by 1-5 degrees) you will eliminate catches.

Regards, Steve

[Michael Mills]

Rockler has Alan's skew DVD on sale right now for $17.50 (The Dark Side and the Sweet Side) it is normally 34.99. It is the one which finally taught me what I was doing wrong...I'm still not real good but now I don't mind practicing.
Also, once you get the good from it, in a few months, list it back in the classified section here, if you can resell it for 2/3 the cost that ain't bad.
I just sold four woodturning videos there.
Mike

If this link doesn't work just go to www.rockler.com (http://www.rockler.com) and search for it.

http://www.rockler.com/findit.cfm?page=10778&cookietest=1

[Greg Just]

Check you local library - some have dvd's and video's

[Mike Meredith]

The older Allan, Allan Batty has the definative instructional video on the skew.

[David Walser]

The older Allan, Allan Batty has the definative instructional video on the skew.

I agree. I love Allan Lacer's videos, including his skew videos, but Allan Batty does a better job of teaching you how to present the skew to make each cut. In a short 55 minutes he shows you how to make each of the basic cuts the skew is used for in spindle turning. He then demonstrates those cuts in making a cabriolet table leg. Lacer's videos are more entertaining; Batty's are better at teaching technique.

Here's a link to Batty's video: http://www.woodturnerscatalog.com/store/Videos___Techniques___The_Skew_Chisel___batty_skew _vid?Args=