Robbos Tip of the Week

[RETIRED]

You may have noticed that when you purchase a new skew or scraper that the edges along its length are that sharp you can just about shave with them. If you "soften" them with an oil stone or sand paper it will make life a lot easier not to mention it saves blood as well.

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Ian () Robertson
"We do good turns every day"

[lushy]

You are right it seems to be a common problem with all tools these days what is you location of abode mine is RYE Vic

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[Shane Watson]

,

Hi mate!! Isn't sharper better?? I don't carve but obviously use chisels and planers a hell of a lot, and have found that if they can't shave my hair, then they arn't much use for a good clean cut on timber.. I would have thought carving chisels etc would be similar?? Maybe not, as thinking about it, it may come down to control of the blades?? What ya think???

Cheers
Shane!!

[ubeaut]

G'day Shane

What is talking about is the length of the blade from the cutting tip to the handle. Most turning tools (gouges, skew chisels, scrapers, etc) have a sharpened cutting edge at the pointy end and a handle at the blunt end and in between the tip and the tail there is around 700-800mm of handle and tool steel.

The blade is usually around 300mm long and along its length the edges are often very sharp. This part of the tool is held in the hand and may cut the delicate little fingers of some turners. If the sharp edges are removed then the tool will glide smoothly over the tool rest and in the hand.

Unsolicited clarification from:
Neil

P.S. I have seen your hands . They're like leather. I'll bet you take the edge off to save the tool rest and not the hands.

[RETIRED]

Gooday all. Thank you Grand Poobah for clarifying that little point so eloquently. To Lushy, I live in Tooradin, Vic. Just across the Peninsula from you.

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Ian () Robertson
"We do good turns every day"

[Shane Watson]

Oh!! I understand now!!! Der!!
Don't forget, I am only a polisher

Thanks guys!!

Cheers
Shane!!

[RETIRED]

You are forgiven

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Ian () Robertson
"We do good turns every day"