Looking for a long a narrow skew chisel
I’m looking for an exceptionally long skew chisel. I’d like to use it to get down inside deep faceplates turnings. I know most folks use a gouge to do this, but I learned how to turn from an old guy who only had three tools (a skew, and roughing gouge, and a parting tool) and he turned out some amazing stuff. As much as possible, I use a skew. I have 8 or 10 gouges of various sizes, but hardly ever pick them up.
Anyway, every time I see an advertisement for a long skew – “long and strong”, etc. – I check the blade length and it’s still only 5 1/2″ or 6″ long. I did see one advertised that was 300mm (around 12″), but it’s 1 1/4″ wide. Sometimes I need to get into tighter places.
Does anyone make anything longer? Ideally, I’m looking for something with a blade width of no wider than 3/4″ and a length of at least 10 “. I’d like to have a narrow skew (1/2″) that’s somewhere around 12″ – 15” but that may be really asking the impossible.
I’ve considered checking with a machine shop to have one made.
I’m also looking for something like a Bedan tool that has a 12″ – 15″ blade as well.
I have a “hollowing tool” but I don’t really like it – it’s too slow. I have to admit, I like to really “hog” out the wood on the inside of an object before I start working on the final inside shape and finish.
Any options?
The person who says it can’t be done should not interrupt the person doing it. – CHINESE PROVERB
Replies
Aren't skews for spindle work only? I am not a very proficient skew user.
I think that you might be best to make your own. Pick up a piece of tool steel, cut it however long you like, and grind the tip.
and www.flairwoodwork.spaces.live.com)
- Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. - Albert Schweitzer
David Ellsworth has some info on making your own tools (as do others, I'm sure). I just got one of his books, when I get home I'll see if he has a tool like the one you describe.
Get yourself a scraper and grind it out of that.I suspect that you are only scraping with the skew anyway.Possibly shear scraping, but none the less scraping.
Do you use a curved tool rest? These can be positioned close to the work so you won't have to reach so far.
Beat it to fit / Paint it to match
Hi mate
Try looking at http://www.craft-supplies.co.uk and search their website for a 9-in-1 Multitool. It is an amazing tool. Comes as 1/4" or 3/8" sized tool and is trapazoidal in shape. It acts as a L/R scraper. L/R sheer scraper, L/R side cutting scraper, Beading tool and L/R skew. It might not be quite as long as you want but I fixed the ones I bought into a hole I drilled into 5/8" bar and fixed it with a grub screw. I also use it for turning miniature knobs (3/16 dia) and in a duplicator jig.
Took a look at the site - interesting but not long enough. The blade won't make it to the bottom of some of the things I've been turning (or attmepting to turn).
Hammer - Many of the things I'm turning don't have room for a curved rest, and sometimes not even for a straight rest. I have one that I'm working on now, that - if it works out - will be about 12" tall but only about 1 3/4" in diameter inside the bottom.
Jako - Possibly I am scraping, although I fairly often get curved peelings instead of small chips. Who knows - - - as long as the job gets done.
I'll keep looking.
The person who says it
can't be done should not interrupt the person doing it. - CHINESE
PROVERB
Wego, Shear scraping gives shavings depending on the cutting angle relative to the grain direction. Look at some of the shear scrapers for sale and grind the tip smaller if you have to .Many of them have interchangable tips and long shafts. Kelton and P+N make good stiff handles that take 1/2 or 5/8 HSS round bar if you grind your own.Lathe work, unlike most cabinet making, one starts with a purchased tool and nearly always grinds ones own profile on the tool.
Jako
Found the tool
Don't know if anyone will check this thread anymore, but I found a tool that's fairly long and heavy with a large, stong shaft. And, man ... this thing hogs out the wood. You actually have to be careful not to be too agressive with it (as I found out when it dug so deeply it stopped my lathe).
It's the #6 Cutter from Hunter Tool Systems. This thing has a round, replaceable, cutter tip, and as they advertise, "watch the chips fly!".
Thanks for the tip, will check it out!
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