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PSI Woodworking Products
Skew Chisels
–Set includes 1”, 5/8”, and 1/4”
The Skew chisel is one of the most versatile chisels in the wood turner’s arsenal. Unlike gouges, the skew is beveled on
both the top and the bottom of the edge. Notice that the edge of the skew is on an angle to the shaft. Therefore there are
two different points on either side of the edge. The longer point is called the “toe” and the shorter point is called the “heel”.
Skews can do tasks from planing surfaces smooth to cutting angled grooves and fine lines –it can even do curves. Larger
sizes can handle thick spindles and small, thin sizes can be used to add extremely fine details in tight areas. The skew is
one of the hardest tools to learn how to use fully, so it is very important to practice with this tool. Below are the two basic
cuts which will establish skills needed for more advanced techniques.
Using the Skew for a Planing Cut:
This is the basic cut for the skew chisel. It is used to smooth and even out the turning surface after the blank has been
reduced close to its final shape. The sharp edge slices along the work piece reducing any raised ridges to match the sur
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rounding surface. When done correctly, can leave a surface that does not necessarily need to be sanded.
To plane, the bevel follows the edge riding along the cut surface (Fig. 2). The skew is presented to the work piece at an
approximately 25° angle (Fig. 3). Notice that the toe will be above the material and pointing away from the turner. When
performing a planing cut, it is extremely important that the toe does not touch the turning surface as it will cause a signifi
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cant catch. All cutting is done from the middle of the edge down to the heel.
The primary goal is to keep the tool alignment steady and the cut light. The angle is maintained on the handle end and
the hand holding the shaft should help maintain a light touch and to prevent the tool from twisting, which might allow the
toe to catch on the surface. Do not try to force the edge into the surface; simply allow it to cut a small amount of material.
Repeat the pass until the surface is smooth.
Using Skew for Grooves:
This cut uses the toe to cut a v-groove into the material. This will
require practice as the toe cuts are more aggressive. It is important to
maintain a steady hand to keep the tool at the right angle during the
approach and during the cut. Performing this will utilize some of the
skills learned from using the gouges and parting tools. Learning this
cut will open up the potential to do more advanced techniques.
The basic v-groove is done by lining up the toe and the edge in ex-
actly the angle desired for one side of the groove. The toe starts above
the material and the handle is raised up and away from the cut so the
toe slides straight into the stock at the correct angle (Fig. 4). The skew
is then flipped over to the other side of the groove and the toe will
make the exact opposite cut until it meets the end of the previous cut
in the center of the groove. Practice until the cuts match up consis-
tently without needing to even up afterwards.
Fig 2: Planing Cut –top view
Fig 4: Cutting a v-groove
Fig 3: Planing Cut –front view. Note toe is above surface
Direction of cut
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