skews?

[Jerry Allen]

I don't think so Claude. They must sell a lot of them.
I almost got one at first and probably would have thought it was great.
Before I rounded the corners of the the shaft per Alan Lacer, the sharp edges used to drive me nuts, gouging my rest in the process.

I have some tools I made which are take offs on Sorby hollowing tools with bits. Theirs have flat shafts. Some of mine are round shafts and some flat. I like them both the same and it generally depends on my mood as to which I use. I guess the key is whatever you feel comfortable with is right. Someday I'll give an oval skew a try.

[Jeffrey Fusaro]

ok.

so once you own one of these w.m.d.'s, how do you sharpen it? escpecially the curved blade variety?

i don't currently own any sharpening jig. i am free-handing on my grinder.


why do i feel like i just opened my wallet and said, "help yourself"...

[Matt Hutchinson]

I am in the same boat. It's actually possible to grind a curved skew freehand. I do the same with all my turning tools, including bowl gouges. In fact, because I don't have a jig system I don't have any tool rest at all on my grinder!! And with only a little practice I can get smooth grinds on my tools. It does take a steady hand and a flowing constant motion, but it's possible to train your muscles to do it. Granted, a sharpening jig would produce even better results, but I haven't had any problems with doing it by hand. However, it is important to have a good grinder.

If you don't want to make a stab at grinding freehand, you can make your own tool grinding jigs for cheap....and they are very affective!! I don't remember where I have seen info on making them, but if you do a little research there is plenty online about it.

Hutch