As part of my skew sharpening project, I have been researching the skew. Google "screw the skew" to find an interesting beginner level you tube on learning to use only the skew. The practice is centered around making a set of screwdriver handles. Lee Valley sells well made inexpensive shafts for screwdrivers.
I think the video cleverly develops a good premise. By making a set of screwdrivers, the student gets a lot of practice in the basics. The end products are better proficiency with the skew and a nice user made set of screwdrivers. The video interjects many quotes on the value of practice.
A good study video.
Ken
Good video, already watched 13mins of it. Sounds like a regular guy trying to learn how to get better with tools, which applies to most of us.
Interesting observation, Andrew. I totally agree. I like the way he combines a lot of basic routine skew practice with ending up with a nice set of screwdrivers. Also noted, he uses a quality set of ground metal shafts from Lee Valley. A class act!
Ken
For skew training, I recommend looking at the experts. The two who come to mind immediately are Allan Batty & Richard Raffan. Here are some links to those lads and also to some articles in an awesome magazine for woodturners :
- YouTube video
- The Skew Chisel with Allan Batty : http://youtu.be/KfeLAHQSbqk
- "Fine Woodturning" magazine (may require a subscription : don't know as I already have one)
- Richard Raffan demonstrates the "why" behind nasty lathe catches : http://www.finewoodworking.com/woodturning/video/understanding-woodturning-catches.aspx
- Richard Raffan shows hot to turn beads with a Skew Chisel : http://www.finewoodworking.com/how-to/video/turning-beads-with-a-skew-chisel.aspx
- "Woodturning" magazine
- #222 : "The Skew Chisel", by Bob Chapman (pg. 22)
- #279 : "Skew Chisel Problems", by Richard Findley (pg. 33)