Shopsmith Forums

JPG40504 wrote: Small turnings are more difficult than larger ones.

Not according to a long time friend who spent almost 30 years with the CIA. (Of course everyone was told he worked for the Army.) He said turning a small contact was easy, the bigger ones were almost impossible. He turned a priest once in Moldova but never a Bishop.

This is Cap'n Eddies take on how to sharpen the skew chisel.

As to turning a bishop, I imagine it would be easier if he had been abused as and alter boy.

If you can get good results on big box store dimensional lumber or firewood (especially soft woods), then you are doing well. The hardwoods and exotics are actually much easier to turn and turn out much nicer once you know how to handle the tools.

I've found this to be VERY true! I'm used to working with construction grade wood, (I scavenge it from construction sites) and also have worked decent walnut, as well as (this stuff is expensive) Hawaiian Koa. Both of them are EASY-PEASY. The construction grade stuff will teach you how to turn!

steve

rpd wrote: As to turning a bishop, I imagine it would be easier if he had been abused as an alter boy.

OK, that's gonna leave a mark!

steve

I recommend this video. I learned a few ways to use the skew and about the many different preferences of skews sizes and grinds among professionals. This guy at the end opted for the straight most basic grind because as a beginner was the easiest to grind.

Here is the link; it's worth watching.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTAGmTEr_Mo

berry wrote:Thanks for all the kind words but more importantly thanks for the tips!.

While many of you thought it turned out pretty good (pun intentional), I did too, it took hours - I spent almost a day on something that should have been done in 20 minutes. And I had to use sandpaper to help shape.

My skew chisel was part of set I got from our friends at SS in 1982. I still have the original carton. The skew seemed too large for this project. I'm in the office but it must 1.25" across and it has the sharp corners too. I was tempted to go to Woodcraft and purchase a smaller one but then my common sense kicked it and I hung on to my Discover card.

When I get into something really small or detailed, I've found my parting tool makes a really good miniature skew chisel.

As an alternate to buying something, how about grinding down a couple of old screwdrivers to accomplish a task?

I have a set of mini tools that goes rarely used. I do use them from time to time, but for the most part, I don't use them much.

Other material options for "Make your own lathe tooling" that I have seen.

Used circular/table saw blades
Old Hex keys for hook tools and hollowing tools
Old Reciprocating saw blades for narrow parting tools.

Just about any HSS Steel or even O1 steel (if you can deal with sharpening more often) can be used for making turning tools.

Of course research the procedures and follow all directions. Think and be safe if you consider attempting this. Metal working has its own set of rules and language that must be learned and practiced as wood working does.

Please be careful when first using home/shop made tooling. The store bought stuff may cost more but in this day and age you can be reasonably assured that the product has been vetted in terms of product liability and safety. The tool you make on your own has had no such testing or examination, you are on your own. Not saying don't do it, just saying be extra careful.

terrydowning wrote:Please be careful when first using home/shop made tooling.

A good example is. DO KNOT use an old file to make a lathe tool. The metal is to brittle to be used.

beeg wrote:A good example is. DO KNOT use an old file to make a lathe tool. The metal is to brittle to be used.

Unless you have a thorough knowledge of metallurgy and the annealing process to remove the brittleness of the steel.

Knife and tool makers often use old dull files no longer suited to filing.

berry wrote: My skew chisel was part of set I got from our friends at SS in 1982. I still have the original carton. The skew seemed too large for this project.

Careful with sharpening those chisels. I bet they are carbon steel. Which wood be easy to lose the temper in them.
As for the skew size and the project. I've seen a top turned with a 1 1/2" skew, the top was about 1/2" tall.