Regular vs oval skew

[Dan Masshardt]

I really like using an oval skew and I'm much better with it than a regular style skew.

What I'm wondering is, am I missing out on something? Are there things a regular skew does much better than the oval version?

[Bob Bergstrom]

If it works for you it is good. Biggest difference is the oval isn't quite as stout. It rolls easy because of the rounded bottom. You can do the same with a square edge skew just by rolling it across a belt sander until the bottom edge is round.

[Dan Masshardt]

It also seems like the bevel is a lot longer. The angle at which I hold the tools relative to the spindle is much different.

Maybe being lefty contributes to it?

Regular skew is definitely beefier though. More steel.

[Adrian Anguiano]

The thing i hate about oval skews is trying to do a fast peeling cut. The skew likes to catch left or right. With a flat skew it peels FAST and without effort. Is that very important? you can use a roughing gouge, parting tool, spindle gouge instead, but if ur the guy who likes to not change tools so often then it could be important.

[Dan Masshardt]

The thing i hate about oval skews is trying to do a fast peeling cut. The skew likes to catch left or right. With a flat skew it peels FAST and without effort. Is that very important? you can use a roughing gouge, parting tool, spindle gouge instead, but if ur the guy who likes to not change tools so often then it could be important.that is a good comment and the kind of thing I was looking for.

[Adrian Anguiano]

One more thing is sharpening. On a wolverine you have 2 options. Using the extra 30 buck skew attachment on the V arm. Without it you won't get a nice angle on your skew. You will instead have a flat chisel.

So that leaves you will a platform. But then you have to deal with oval ness making sharpening a perfectly flat skew harder. Even with the skew attachment its hard to get it perfect. And if you want a curved edge its even harder with oval.

Sharpening a flat skew is as easy as sharpening a scraper.

[Dan Masshardt]

I only use a diamond hone on my oval skew (works great) but your point is valid!