kdavisa-at-cix.co.uk (Ken Davis) wrote in message
...
In article ,
(George) wrote:

*From:* "George"
*Date:* Thu, 07 Sep 2006 09:56:59 GMT

kdavisa-at-cix.co.uk (Ken Davis) wrote in message Try using a
3/8" beading and parting tool to take a planing cut - or
better, sharpen it like a skew.

Better yet, use a wider straight chisel. Skews were designed to
plane wood, not form it into beads or coves. Used to have right

Having been away for about 9 days, I saw this on returning and I'm
afraid I disagree completely.
The problem was "digs" and I'd suggested trying a narrower tool - the
3/8" beading and parting tool or, preferably a 3/8" skew because digs are
*much* less likely to happen with a narrow tool and, if you should still
get one, not so drastic.

To then suggest a *wider* tool seems to me to indicate that the original
problem is simply being ignored!


Rethink your disagreement. A wider tool is immaterial in catches - only so
much involved in making the cut, rest being inertia. If you overbite, you
catch. However, guiding longer on the bevel does help make a straighter
planing cut by giving good reference on where you've been to control where
you're going. This was/is the idea behind the skew design, get more bevel
on the work by cutting the edge at a skewed angle the way folks were holding
the square end chisel. With the skew you just move up toward the 11:00
position when cutting versus 10:00.

The square uses the same toolrest height as your gouge, but if you don't
move up with the skew, you're asking for trouble, because the nose leads,
and if it tips in - disaster. Straight chisel has no nose, and is normally
used skewed so that the upper neglected catchy part lags the direction of
the cut. MUCH safer, and with a longer edge available, adjustable to
lengthen the time between sharpenings. Some people even grind their skews
with a curve to put the catchy part a bit farther out of the way.

A narrow tool of either design, of course, carries its own problem set -
shorter distance to the corners. A bit of inattention and you can hook even
the lower corner in the piece.