Chris Barton
08-14-2006, 6:59 PM
Hi Everyone,
Well, my road trip cancelled so I will post part 3 this evening. Yesterday I posted a review of a few kits that I bought and one was a scratch awl from PSI. Pictured in this post is one of awls and the skew and steps that I used to make the handle for this scratch awl.
Probably the most important about using a skew is the same for any other tool; rub the bevel. The second it, take light cuts. This is contrary to what some do with a big roughing gouge. A skew can't be "muscled" through wood, it's kind of like a plane blade set too deep, it just won't work. However, it will take very nice shavings and work quite fast considering that in much spindle work this single tool is all you need. And nothing turns a better bead.
The next concept that is important is keeping the cutting edge near vertical to the rotation of the piece, and always working down hill.
I hope the pictures convey the idea and I will happily answer any questions I can. Also, let me repeat, I am not suggesting I am an expert with this tool by any means and there are probably plenty of tips to be shared here so feel free to comment and offer suggestions.
Well, my road trip cancelled so I will post part 3 this evening. Yesterday I posted a review of a few kits that I bought and one was a scratch awl from PSI. Pictured in this post is one of awls and the skew and steps that I used to make the handle for this scratch awl.
Probably the most important about using a skew is the same for any other tool; rub the bevel. The second it, take light cuts. This is contrary to what some do with a big roughing gouge. A skew can't be "muscled" through wood, it's kind of like a plane blade set too deep, it just won't work. However, it will take very nice shavings and work quite fast considering that in much spindle work this single tool is all you need. And nothing turns a better bead.
The next concept that is important is keeping the cutting edge near vertical to the rotation of the piece, and always working down hill.
I hope the pictures convey the idea and I will happily answer any questions I can. Also, let me repeat, I am not suggesting I am an expert with this tool by any means and there are probably plenty of tips to be shared here so feel free to comment and offer suggestions.