The skew chisel is a versatile and essential tool for any woodturner. Its unique shape and angled cutting edge make it perfect for creating smooth and precise cuts on the lathe. With the proper technique and a bit of practice, you can master the art of turning wood with a skew chisel.
Before you begin, it’s important to understand the anatomy of the skew chisel. The tool consists of a tapered blade with two beveled edges that form a V shape. One bevel is ground at an angle of around 70 degrees, while the other bevel is ground at a slightly lower angle of around 20 degrees. The skew chisel also has a flat back, which provides stability and control during the turning process.
To start turning wood with a skew chisel, you’ll need to choose the right size and shape for your project. Skew chisels come in various sizes, from small delicate ones to larger heavy-duty chisels. The size of the chisel you choose will depend on the size of the wood you’re turning and the type of cut you want to make. Additionally, the corners of the blade can be straight or rounded, depending on your preference and the specific cut you’re making.
Once you have the right skew chisel, it’s time to set up your lathe and secure the wood in place. Mount the wood securely between lathe centers or on a faceplate, ensuring that it is centered and balanced. Adjust the tool rest so that it is positioned slightly below the center of the wood, allowing for a comfortable cutting position.
When you’re ready to start turning, hold the skew chisel with a firm grip and position it at a slight angle to the wood. The angle will depend on the cut you want to make, but a general rule of thumb is to position the chisel at around 45 degrees to the wood’s surface. Using a light touch and a smooth continuous motion, slide the chisel along the tool rest and gently engage the cutting edge with the wood. Gradually increase the pressure as you move the chisel along the wood, taking care to maintain control and stability.
Remember to keep the skew chisel sharp and well-maintained for optimal performance. Regularly sharpen the blade to ensure a clean and precise cut. When sharpening, pay close attention to the beveled edges and remove any burrs or nicks that may have formed. Additionally, keep the tool clean and free from debris to prevent any interference with the cutting action.
Turning wood with a skew chisel requires patience and practice, but the results are well worth the effort. With time, you’ll develop a feel for the tool and gain confidence in your turning abilities. So grab your skew chisel, get on the lathe, and start turning wood into beautiful works of art!
What is a skew chisel?
A skew chisel is a type of woodworking chisel that has a long, flat blade with a pointed cutting edge at a slight angle. The blade is attached to a handle, allowing the woodworker to hold and control the chisel while using it to shape and smooth wood surfaces.
The unique angle and shape of the skew chisel make it well-suited for certain woodworking tasks. The angled cutting edge allows the woodworker to create precise cuts and smooth finishes on both straight and curved surfaces. The length of the blade provides stability and control, while the pointed tip allows for intricate detailing and shaping.
Uses of a skew chisel
Skew chisels are commonly used in woodturning and carving techniques. They can be used to shape the wood, create decorative patterns, and achieve smooth surfaces. Due to their versatility, skew chisels are also used in cabinet making, furniture construction, and general woodworking.
Woodturners often use a skew chisel for spindle turning and faceplate turning. Spindle turning involves shaping long, narrow pieces of wood, such as table legs or chair spindles. Faceplate turning involves shaping larger, flat pieces of wood, such as bowls or platters.
Techniques for using a skew chisel
Using a skew chisel requires practice and skill. The woodworker must pay attention to the angle of the chisel and the direction of the grain to achieve the desired result. It is important to maintain a steady hand and apply consistent pressure while cutting.
Some common techniques for using a skew chisel include skew cutting, rolling, planing, shear scraping, and peeling. These techniques require different angles and methods of holding the chisel, and they can produce a variety of shapes and finishes.
Skew cutting involves holding the chisel at an angle to the wood surface and making cutting motions to remove material. This technique is commonly used for shaping and smoothing cylindrical pieces of wood.
Rolling the chisel involves rotating the angle of the chisel while cutting to create different profiles and shapes. This technique allows the woodworker to create intricate details and decorative patterns.
Planing with a skew chisel involves holding the chisel flat against the wood surface and sliding it along to create a smooth, flat finish. This technique is often used for leveling and smoothing large areas of wood.
Shear scraping is a technique that involves holding the chisel at a slight angle and scraping the surface of the wood to create a smooth finish. It is commonly used for removing tool marks and refining the surface texture.
Peeling with a skew chisel involves slicing off thin layers of wood by placing the chisel at a steep angle and cutting parallel to the wood grain. This technique is often used for creating thin, delicate pieces or achieving a rough-hewn appearance.
Overall, the skew chisel is a versatile and essential tool for woodworkers, allowing them to create precise cuts, smooth finishes, and intricate detailing.
Benefits of using a skew chisel
Using a skew chisel for woodturning offers a variety of benefits compared to other chisels. Here are some advantages of using a skew chisel:
- Versatility: Skew chisels are incredibly versatile tools that can be used for various woodturning applications. They can easily shape and carve both convex and concave surfaces, making them suitable for a wide range of projects.
- Smooth finish: One of the main benefits of using a skew chisel is the ability to achieve a smooth finish on turned wood. The sharp edge and angle of the chisel allow for precise cuts, resulting in a polished surface that requires minimal sanding or finishing.
- Clean cuts: Skew chisels excel at making clean and accurate cuts on wood. The skew angle of the tool helps to reduce tear-out and prevents the wood from splintering. This means less time spent on sanding and fixing mistakes.
- Control and maneuverability: Skew chisels offer excellent control and maneuverability due to their design. The long and slender shape of the chisel allows woodturners to easily navigate tight corners and contours, resulting in precise and intricate detailing.
- Efficient stock removal: With its sharp cutting edge, a skew chisel can remove wood quickly and efficiently. This makes it an ideal tool for roughing out a project or shaping the initial form before moving on to finer tools.
- Learning curve: While mastering the skew chisel may take some practice, once you get the hang of it, the possibilities are endless. It is a tool that can grow with you as you develop your woodturning skills and tackle increasingly complex projects.
Overall, the skew chisel is a valuable tool in a woodturner’s arsenal. Its versatility, ability to achieve a smooth finish, clean cuts, control, and efficient stock removal make it a go-to choice for many woodturning enthusiasts.
Steps to turn wood with a skew chisel
Turning wood with a skew chisel can be a challenging but rewarding experience. Here are the steps to master this technique:
- Choose the right skew chisel for the project. Skew chisels come in different sizes and shapes, so select one that works best for you and the type of wood you are turning.
- Secure the wood blank on the lathe. Use a chuck or a faceplate to firmly hold the wood in place. Ensure that the wood is centered and balanced to prevent any accidents.
- Adjust the tool rest to the correct height. The tool rest should be positioned just below the centerline of the wood, allowing you to have control and stability while using the skew chisel.
- Position the skew chisel on the tool rest. Hold the handle firmly and make sure your hands are positioned comfortably. The bevel of the skew chisel should be facing downward, making contact with the wood.
- Start the lathe at a slow speed. Gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable with the technique. Remember to always wear appropriate safety gear, such as goggles and a face shield.
- Gently apply pressure to the skew chisel and start cutting into the wood. Use a sweeping motion to create a smooth cut. The angle of the skew chisel will determine the shape and depth of the cut.
- Rotate the wood as needed to create the desired shape or design. Take your time and focus on maintaining a steady hand and consistent pressure on the skew chisel. Practice and patience are key.
- Sand and finish the wood. Once you have completed the desired shape, smooth out any rough edges with sandpaper. Apply a finish of your choice to enhance the appearance and protect the wood.
- Always clean and maintain your tools. After using the skew chisel, remove any wood debris and sharpen the edge if necessary. Proper tool maintenance will ensure longevity and optimal performance.
Turning wood with a skew chisel may take time to master, but with practice, you can achieve beautiful and intricate designs. Remember to stay focused, be patient, and most importantly, enjoy the process!
Step 1: Prepare your wood and tools
Before you start turning wood with a skew chisel, it’s important to properly prepare your wood and gather the necessary tools. Follow these steps to ensure a successful turning process:
1. Choose the right wood
Select a piece of wood that is suitable for your project. Hardwoods, such as oak, maple, and walnut, are great for turning with a skew chisel as they provide stability and durability.
Make sure the wood is well seasoned and free from knots or cracks, as this can affect the quality of your turning.
2. Prepare the wood
Wear appropriate safety gear, including safety glasses and a dust mask, before working with wood.
If your wood is rough or irregularly shaped, use a bandsaw or a handsaw to cut it into a rough cylinder shape. This will make it easier to work with while turning.
Next, secure the wood firmly in your lathe using a chuck or faceplate. Ensure that it is centered and balanced to avoid vibrations during the turning process.
3. Gather your tools
For turning wood with a skew chisel, you will need the following tools:
- A skew chisel: This is the primary tool used for shaping and smoothing the wood.
- A roughing gouge: This tool helps you quickly shape the wood into a rough cylinder shape.
- A parting tool: This tool is used to create defined cuts and separate different sections of your turning.
- A spindle gouge: This tool is useful for shaping curves and creating details in your turning.
Make sure your tools are sharp and properly maintained before starting. Dull or damaged tools can lead to inefficient turning and potential accidents.
Step 2: Secure the wood on the lathe
Before starting to turn the wood with a skew chisel, it is important to properly secure the wood on the lathe. This will ensure safety and stability during the turning process.
1. Choose the appropriate drive center and live center
Start by selecting the suitable drive center and live center for the wood you are going to turn. The drive center will be attached to the headstock of the lathe, while the live center will be secured to the tailstock.
Ensure that both centers are aligned and properly installed, as any misalignment can result in wobbling or movement of the wood during turning.
2. Position the wood on the lathe
Place the wood between the drive center and live center, making sure that it is centered and securely held in place. Adjust the position of the centers if necessary.
Check that the wood is not too loose or too tight between the centers. It should have a firm grip without being excessively squeezed.
3. Tighten the tailstock
Once the wood is positioned correctly, tighten the tailstock to secure it. This will prevent the wood from shifting or moving while turning.
Be sure to tighten the tailstock gradually and evenly to avoid putting excessive pressure on any one side of the wood.
Check the stability of the wood by gently pushing and pulling on it. If it moves or feels loose, readjust the centers and tighten the tailstock further.
Important Tip: Always wear appropriate safety gear, such as safety glasses and a face shield, when working with the lathe to protect yourself from flying wood chips or debris.
With the wood securely fastened on the lathe, you are now ready to start turning it with a skew chisel. Proceed to the next step for further instructions.
Step 3: Hold the skew chisel correctly
When using a skew chisel, it is important to hold it correctly for better control and precision. The correct grip will help you achieve smooth cuts without any catches or digs in your woodturning project.
Start by holding the skew chisel with your dominant hand, making sure to grip it firmly but not too tight. Your thumb should be placed on top of the handle to provide stability and control.
Position your index finger along the side of the chisel, just below the cutting edge. This finger will act as a guide and give you a reference point for the angle of the chisel against the wood.
With your other hand, use your fingers to support the handle of the skew chisel. This will help you maintain balance and prevent any unnecessary movements.
Remember to keep your elbows slightly bent and close to your body. This will give you better control and reduce the risk of any strain or fatigue.
By holding the skew chisel correctly, you will be able to create clean and precise cuts, allowing you to achieve the desired shape and finish on your woodturning project.
