Intermediate & Advanced Woodturning Courses

Les Thorne: The Technical Skew Chisel

This class is designed to teach students the fundamental techniques and best practices for effectively using the skew chisel in their woodturning. The skew chisel, a versatile and sometimes challenging tool, is essential for achieving smooth, precise cuts and creating fine details on turned wood projects.

Class Objectives:

  • Tool Understanding: Learn the anatomy of the skew chisel, including its bevels, cutting edge, and handle, and how these components work together for various cuts.

  • Safety Practices: Understand safety protocols for handling the skew chisel and working on a lathe.

  • Cutting Techniques: Master essential cuts, including planing cuts, peeling cuts, V-cuts, and beads, to achieve smooth finishes and sharp details.

Key Topics Covered:

  1. Introduction to the Skew Chisel:

    • Overview of the tool’s purpose and unique features.

    • Comparing the skew chisel to other woodturning tools.

  2. Lathe and Tool Setup:

    • Adjusting tool rest height and position.

    • Correct body posture and hand placement.

  3. Basic Cuts and Techniques:

    • Demonstrations of planing, rolling, and peeling cuts.

    • Avoiding common issues like catches and digs.

    • Crafting fine details.

Skill Level:

Intermediate. Prior experience with a lathe is strongly recommended.

Outcomes:

By the end of this class, you will have the skills and confidence to use the skew chisel effectively, minimising frustration and maximising precision in your woodturning projects.

    1. Choose a date

      The calendar below automatically shows the next available course to today and the number of spaces available. Use the arrows to scroll through the months to choose an alternative date in purple.

    2. Select the number of people you wish to book.

      If there are not enough spaces on the date selected, the site will tell you.

    3. Click on the start time below the calendar, then choose 'Select and Continue.

    4. Add your name, mobile number and email address.

    5. Indicate the name(s) of the person(s) coming and their level of experience.
      Here also indicate if you want to receive an SMS text to remind you!

    6. Pay a deposit or the full balance.

      A non-refundable deposit of 30% of the booking total is due at the time of booking unless you are booking within 14 days of the course in which case, the full balance is due. After deposit payment has been made, an invoice for the balance will be sent which will be due no less than 14 days prior to the course. See our Terms and Conditions for full details.

    7. What next?

      After payment, we will send you all the information you need to join the course on the date you booked.

    8. *Minimum Numbers.

      In the rare occurrence that there are fewer than three students enrolled on the course 7 days prior to the booked date, we may not run the course. If this is the case, will contact you and offer you an alternative date or a full refund.

This class is not suitable for beginners or those with a limited knowledge of woodturning.

More Information

  • Your Day Includes:

    - A place on a group of up to 5 students
    - Timber
    - Use of machinery
    - Use of Tools (You can bring your own)
    - Use of any consumables or other
    - Lunch at the onsite coffee shop
    - Refreshments
    - PPE and Insurance

  • Timings

    - 9.00am: Meet for a meet and greet coffee at the Tree House Coffee Shop at the Garden Centre.
    - 9.30am: Start to make shavings!
    - 12.30pm: Back to the coffee shop for lunch
    - 1.00pm: More shavings to complete the project pieces
    - 4.00pm: End of the day. Be prepared for the day to overrun to give everyone time to finish their pieces.

  • Tools Used

    - Spindle Roughing Gouge
    - Various Skew Chisels

    We strongly recommend you bring your own freshly sharpened tools if you have them.

Next

Woodturning a Pedestal Bowl