Sharpening Handbook

Skew Chisel

Closed Seat on SVS-50

Guidelines shown below are for use with the Tormek SVS-50 Multi Jig using the Closed Seat. The method for measuring the projection is shown below.

There is a separate page in this handbook for Lacer-style Skew Chisels.

General Guidelines
Edge Angle		Skew Angle		Profile	Tormek SVS-50				Comments
α	α Range	γ	γ Range	Profile	α	JS	P	Hole	Comments
α	α Range	γ	γ Range	30°	25° - 55°	20°	20° - 35°	Straight Edge	30°	20°	65 mm	B	For tight spots, detail work and finest finish.
45°	20°	55 mm	B	30°	25° - 55°	20°	20° - 35°	Straight Edge	For broad application. Considered easier to control than a 30° edge angle.
30°	25° - 55°	n/a		Radius Edge	30°	30°	75 mm	B	For tight spots, detail work and finest finish.
30°	25° - 55°	n/a		Radius Edge	45°	20°	65 mm	B	For broad application. Considered easier to control than a 30° edge angle.

Notes & Comments

This tool is one where reshaping the cutting surface can be onerous, and the Tormek BGM-100 Bench Grinding Mounting Set can be quite useful. When grinding on a high speed grinder, all the settings remain the same. (For more information on Shaping vs. Sharpening, see also, Grindstones and Other Sharpening Media.)

Allan Batty stated that you can have an α up to 55° for hardwoods, and down to 25° for softwoods, but he usually worked with an α up to 40°. (A video guide, featuring Allan Batty, on using the skew is at the bottom of this page.)

Another rule often cited is that the length of the bevel should be 1.5 - 2 x the thickness of the skew (equates to 30° - 39°).

Alan Lacer wrote an article for the AAW titled "Learn to Sharpen Your Turning Tools" where he recommended 20° for the skew angle (γ).

Mike Darlow wrote an article for the AAW titled "Virtues of a Skew-Cut V-Groove" where he recommended 25° for the edge angle (α) and 20° for the skew angle (γ).

If grinding this on a high speed grinder or sander, be sure to manage the temperature so that the temper is not lost due to overheating.

Information regarding Grindstones

High Carbon Steel

Temperature control is critical for high carbon steel. Tempering will be lost in the steel if heated until it is blue (~550°F / 300°C). Cool by dipping as needed in water.

High Speed Steel

Cool by dipping as needed in water.

Steel with Carbide Insert

DO NOT cool by dipping in water. This will cause the carbide to crack due to shocks.

It is also recommended to use a high grit wheel for sharpening carbide as lower grits can cause cracks in the edge leading to it being far more crack-ridden and brittle. (Lower grits can be used for shaping the edge -- see also, Grindstones and Other Sharpening Media - Quick Selection Guide.)

Some information presented is from the Tormek handbook, Water Cooled Sharpening of Edge Tools, ©Tormek AB.

More Information

Books & Papers

"Learn to Sharpen Your Turning Tools", by Alan Lacer.

"Virtues of a Skew-Cut V-Groove", by Mike Darlow.

Videos & Presentations

Tormek Sharpening Classes: Part 5 - Woodturning Tools (YouTube video). Want to learn how you get your woodturning tools razor-sharp? In this week's sharpening class we take a closer look at the tools for the woodturner; Gouges, skews, parting tools, scrapers, cutters and more. Sebastien and Wolfgang will show you the methods for sharpening all these turning tools and how you achieve repeatable edges every time. Stay tuned and hit us with your questions during the stream.

Tormek Live Sharpening Class - Part 9 - Sharpen a flat bevel with Tormek MB-100 on a diamond wheel (YouTube video). In this episode we learn how to use the Tormek MB-100 Multi Base to sharpen a completely flat bevel ▼, on the side of Tormek's diamond wheels DC-250, DF-250 and DE-250. For some tools, such as 🎻 luthier knives,🔪 Kiridashi knives, v-tools, chip carving knives and Japanese plane irons, a completely flat surface on the bevel is preferred over a slightly concave, which you get when you sharpen on the rounded part of the grinding wheel. For some people this is more of a personal preference.
Regardless of what might be the reason to want a flat bevel, Sèbastian and Wolfgang show how to achieve it with your Tormek wet sharpening system, They will also touch upon the differences between the different types of bevels.

Tormek Multi jig SVS-50 (YouTube video)

How to sharpen roughing gouges, skews & parting tools - Tormek SVS-50 Multi Jig - with Nick Agar (YouTube video). In this third episode, Nick Agar shows how to sharpen a roughing gouge with a few simple steps using the open seat of Tormek's Multi Jig SVS-50. Further, he shows how to sharpen a parting tool and a skew using the closed seat of the SVS-50. Nick also demonstrates how to use the Tormek Marker Method when setting the angle and how to sharpen a custom skew shape on the side of Tormek's Diamond Wheel using MB-100 Multi Base.

Tormek Tool Rest SVD-110 (YouTube video)

Tormek Turning Tool Setter TTS-100 (YouTube video)

Tormek AngleMaster WM-200 (YouTube video)

Published Articles

Refining the Edge: Skews and Gouges, by Alan Lacer with Jeryl Wright. American Association of Woodturners' “American Woodturner”, Summer 2009

Tormek is a copyrighted logo of Tormek AB. Its presentation on this site is used to help the user quickly understand when specific Tormek tools, jigs, or setting are being used. For specific information regarding Tormek AB, or its products, please refer to the www.Tormek.com.

About this site Remember : The goal of sharpening is to produce sharp tools, and these tools can injure you if mishandled. Safety measures should be followed to protect yourself and those in your shop. Be sure to read and follow all instructions from the manufacturer, and and utilize proper safety equipment. Never consume alcohol or anything that could impair your judgement before sharpening tools, or using sharp tools. Comments can be sent via eMail to me at SharpeningHandbook@Gmail.com.