Oval Skew

[dicklaxt1]

http://wowjoke.com/gif/white/1332.gif I have been looking at different tool shapes in some catalog cut sheets and with out knowing anything about which is for what purpose, I am trying to figure what application an Oval Skew has. One further comment IMO, it looks like if the shaft of that skew rocked left of right when on the tool rest it would be prone to catch in the wood...somebody help this dummy.For that matter I guess a gouge will too.

[Limey]

Lot's of debate here.
I was advised that the oval was harder to master.
I found the exact opposite and find that a catch occurs when the skew hesitates on anything less than a perfectly flat tool rest.]
You got the soft as sh...t sears tool rests that I have and the oval with it's greatly reduced point of contact seems to work in a far more controlled manner.
It's interesting that most of the links that Bill has posted refer to rounding off the edges of the Skew and you can also buy a rounded edge skew if you cant touch the edges up yourself on a grinder.

Cheers Limey

[volleyheads]

My experience follows with Limey, rounded skews seem easier.

Best Regards,

Bill

"If it is worth doing, it's worth overdoing"

[SteveF]

I'm with Limey on this one. I own a 1" oval skew and find it a bit easier to handle. On the flip side, its a bi*ch to sharpen because there isn't a flat surface to rest on the grinder platform. I've rounded the sides of my 1/2" skew and find it makes a big difference when moving it across the tool rest. The square corners used to dig into the soft metal of my tool rest.

Steve