The art of woodturning can be profoundly rewarding, offering the satisfaction of transforming raw timber into elegant, functional pieces. As showcased in the video above by Rob Cosman, a seasoned expert who honed his skills under the tutelage of Dale Niss—widely recognized as one of the best woodturners of the last 50 years—the journey often begins with mastering fundamental tools. Of the four primary woodturning tools, which include the parting tool, scraper, and bowl gouge, it is frequently asserted that the skew chisel stands as the most challenging to master. However, the unparalleled finish it can achieve, often requiring minimal sanding, makes it an indispensable asset for any aspiring or experienced woodturner.
For many woodturning for beginners, the skew chisel can be a source of both frustration and fascination. It is a tool designed to shear wood fibers, producing clean, ribbon-like shavings and remarkably smooth surfaces, as opposed to the rougher, dust-producing action of a scraper. Imagine if every cut on your spindle or furniture leg resulted in a surface so pristine that it needed only a quick pass with 220-grit sandpaper before finishing. This level of precision and efficiency is precisely what mastering the skew chisel can unlock for your woodworking projects.
Essential Sharpening Techniques for Your Skew Chisel
The foundation of effective woodturning with a skew chisel is, without question, a properly sharpened edge. A dull chisel will merely tear fibers and invite catches, hindering progress and potentially compromising safety. Rob Cosman demonstrates several methods for achieving a razor-sharp bevel, each with its own advantages, particularly for those delving into woodturning tools.
The Disk Sander Method: Precision and Flat Bevels
One of the most efficient ways to grind a skew chisel is through the use of a large disk sander, such as the 16-inch model, equipped with a 120-grit disk. This setup is recognized for its ability to maintain a consistently flat bevel, which is often preferred over the hollow-ground edge that can result from a bench grinder. With the chisel’s end guided by a groove, the bevel is gently rested against the rotating disk, ensuring even material removal. It is recommended that the tool is moved slightly during the process to prevent wearing down a single spot on the abrasive disk. After grinding both sides, any resulting burr is typically removed by lightly rubbing the bevel against a piece of wood, leaving a clean, sharp edge ready for immediate use on the lathe.
Bench Grinder with CBN Wheels: A Modern Approach
While a large disk sander might be a luxury not available to every woodturner, a bench grinder fitted with a CBN (Cubic Boron Nitride) wheel offers an excellent alternative for sharpening a woodturning skew chisel. These wheels, often 80-grit, are highly regarded among woodworkers for their durability and consistent cutting action. However, careful technique is required to avoid a hollow grind, which occurs when the cutting edge is allowed to contact the face of the wheel. Instead, the side of the CBN wheel is utilized, requiring the turner to eyeball the angle and feel for contact. Short, intermittent passes are employed, keeping the chisel cool and preventing overheating, ensuring the longevity of the tool and the quality of the edge. It is advisable to have a half-inch skew chisel or similar for practicing this technique.
Hand Sharpening with Diamond Plates: Control and Accessibility
For those without power sharpening equipment, or who simply prefer the tactile feedback of hand sharpening, diamond plates provide a viable solution. A double-sided diamond stone, such as those with 300-grit and 1000-grit surfaces, allows for both heavier material removal and fine honing. When using this method, shorter, controlled strokes are emphasized to prevent rocking the tool and inadvertently altering the bevel angle. The fingers on the non-dominant hand act as a crucial second contact point, guiding the chisel across the abrasive surface. This process, though more labor-intensive, ensures that a sharp edge can always be achieved, regardless of workshop constraints.
Selecting and Setting Up for Woodturning
Beyond sharpening, selecting the appropriate skew chisel and properly setting up your lathe are pivotal steps for successful spindle woodturning. The right tools and preparation lay the groundwork for effective learning and beautiful results.
Choosing the Right Skew Chisel for Woodturning
Skew chisels are manufactured in various sizes, typically ranging from 1/4-inch to 1-inch in width. While a 1/4-inch chisel is ideal for very small, detailed work, the 3/4-inch and 1-inch sizes are often preferred by many woodturners, including Rob, due to the larger reference surface they offer. This increased contact area provides greater stability and control during the cut, which can be particularly beneficial when learning. Brands like Henry Taylor, Sorby, and Anker Craft Supplies are often recommended for their quality and durability, which contribute significantly to the learning curve for beginners.
Preparing Your Wood Stock
The journey on the lathe begins with preparing the wood. For beginners, practicing on softwoods such as Northern white pine, basswood, or poplar is highly recommended. These woods are forgiving if a catch occurs and are easier to shape. First, the centers of the wood blank must be accurately located, typically by drawing diagonal lines across each end of the square stock. A spur center is then gently driven into one end, ensuring a secure grip, while a live center with ball bearings is tightened into the opposite end, allowing the stock to spin freely and safely.
Lathe and Tool Rest Considerations for Effective Woodturning
The stability of the lathe is paramount, especially for spindle work; a heavier lathe, even an older model like the General lathe mentioned in the video, will minimize vibration and provide a more stable platform. While basic lathes often require manual pulley changes for speed adjustments, variable speed models offer significant convenience and control. The tool rest, ideally a 12-inch length for larger pieces, must be positioned just below the center of the wood and as close as possible without impeding rotation. This proximity maximizes leverage and control. Furthermore, rounding over the corners of your chisel can prevent the sharp edges from digging into the wood, thereby promoting a smoother, more comfortable turning experience.
Mastering the Skew Chisel Technique
With the lathe running and the tool properly sharpened, the focus shifts to the technique of the shearing cut, which is the hallmark of the skew chisel. This is where the true potential of woodturning tips becomes evident.
Executing the Shearing Cut: The Core of Skew Chisel Use
The essence of using a skew chisel lies in resting its bevel against the wood, specifically on the lower half or, even better, the lower third of the bevel. This contact point acts as a fulcrum, preventing the cutting edge from digging in uncontrollably. The chisel is then subtly rotated until the cutting edge begins to engage the wood, peeling away clean, continuous shavings rather than dust. Imagine if you could consistently achieve a smooth, almost polished surface directly from the tool, drastically reducing the need for extensive sanding. This precision is achieved by maintaining constant bevel contact and making minute adjustments to the chisel’s angle.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls in Skew Chisel Woodturning
A frequent challenge for beginners is the tendency for the skew chisel to “bite” or “dig in.” This usually occurs when the cutting edge is allowed to rise too high on the bevel or when the tool is forced without proper bevel contact. Practicing on softwoods provides a safer environment to experience and correct these instances without severe consequences. Furthermore, turners are often tempted to watch the exact point where the tool meets the wood. However, for consistent results and a controlled profile, one’s gaze should be directed slightly back along the top of the chisel, observing the overall shape being formed. This peripheral vision allows for better control over the material removal.
Comfort, Control, and the Feel of the Skew Chisel
Holding the skew chisel comfortably yet lightly is crucial. As shared by master turner Richard Raffan, gripping the tool too tightly diminishes the ability to “feel” what the tool is doing. The leading hand secures the tool to the tool rest, which acts as a fulcrum, while the trailing hand guides the cut. This relaxed yet controlled grip allows the turner to interpret the subtle vibrations and resistance from the wood, enabling intuitive adjustments. It is through this feedback that a woodturner develops the finesse required to consistently produce flawless surfaces with the skew chisel.
Demystifying the Skew Chisel: Your Questions Answered
What is a skew chisel used for in woodturning?
The skew chisel is a woodturning tool designed to shear wood fibers, producing clean, ribbon-like shavings and remarkably smooth surfaces, often requiring minimal sanding.
Why is the skew chisel often considered challenging for beginners?
It is frequently asserted that the skew chisel is the most challenging of the primary woodturning tools to master, often causing frustration before its benefits are realized.
Why is it important to keep a skew chisel sharp?
A properly sharpened edge is the foundation of effective woodturning; a dull chisel will tear fibers, cause catches, and hinder both progress and safety.
What kind of wood should beginners use when practicing with a skew chisel?
For beginners, it’s highly recommended to practice on softwoods such as Northern white pine, basswood, or poplar because they are more forgiving and easier to shape.
How should a beginner hold the skew chisel for best control?
Hold the skew chisel comfortably but lightly; your leading hand secures it to the tool rest, while your trailing hand guides the cut, allowing you to ‘feel’ what the tool is doing.