I find that the only thing I can use the 1/2 skew for is that the 1/2 inch one I have is at the perfect angle for putting a dove-tail recess on the back of something to fit my chuck jaws. Just lay it flat and plunge at an angle and clean out the center. Works great but anything else is just catchs and they look dangerous. Geo.

Definitely a learning curve, but I don't know how I would get as flat a cut along a flat section of spindle with any other tool than my 1" skew.

Ron...wonderful work, very refined and elegant.

Oh Ed,
Just joined and scrolling the pages and read this. Shocked, the Skew is the best tool by a million miles for a spindle turner and no tool can match it for speed, finish and it can do things a spindle gouge can’t. Don’t write it off just because you’re not comfortable with it.

Welcome Steve, please don't think I'm jumping on you with your first post.
You should post something in the introductions 

I do want to clarify for those who misunderstand my position.

Steve Jones wrote on Feb 9^th, 2018 at 9:32am:


That's exactly why I write it off, because I'm not comfortable with it.

noun: comfort

    1. a state of physical ease and freedom from pain or constraint.
   
    2.  the easing or alleviation of a person's feelings of grief or distress.

Neither of these two phrases describes me when using a skew.

When performing any type of work that relies on hand tools the artist or crafts-person needs to be comfortable with there tools, We've all heard phrases like " the tool is an extension of his hand" or similar when referring to an accomplished artist or crafts-person . If you're not "comfortable" with your tools, you are less safe and too much of your attention is focused on trying to tame or control the tool rather than actually performing the craft you're supposed to be focused on.
I often remind people that knowing your tools capabilities and limitations is a key part of the equation for success but not the only part. I know what a skew can do, I've seen it done but I also know my personal capabilities and limitations.

As I mentioned in my OP which apparently needs repeating.
Ed Weber wrote on Nov 10^th, 2017 at 10:18am:

and

Ed Weber wrote on Nov 10^th, 2017 at 3:42pm:


This is just my personal opinion, I have been using hand tools of all types in numerous disciplines daily for over 35 years. I am well adept at knowing what will and what will not work well in my hands. I know when I'm comfortable
My original post was mostly "tongue-in-cheek" I really don't care what anyone uses, so long as they use it safely and it provides the results they're trying to achieve.
This applies to all tools
I think I will start a thread about tool comfort, thanks Steve

Steve Jones wrote on Feb 9^th, 2018 at 11:42am:

Well versatile and efficient is an apt description but still your opinion.
As far a feared, I'm not afraid of the skew, I just don't like it.

In all seriousness, I have tried the skew in the past and I'm sure I will try it again in the future. As for now, I simply don't have a 'need' for the skew, I suppose that could change though I don't see how.
Everyone is different and approaches their craft or hobby in their own way. I don't consider any method to be right or wrong, just not how I do it in my shop.
I'm sure we were both taught in different ways which has led us to where we are now. I am self taught without any formal instruction to turning tools.
This means I developed my own bad habits, not inherited someone else s 
Most turning tools are second nature to me, other than the skew and scrapers, I just don't care for them and they don't have the right "feel" to me. I think of it as no different than proffering one grind over another it's all individual preference.

I only use one as a NRS.   35 degree grind both sides.    Remember what side the burr is on.

This forum's Woodturning Videos section has a link to a very informative and impressive video by Steve Jones featuring, wait for it, THE SKEW.  For years I was afraid of it, but in the last couple years I've become more comfortable with it, and find it is extremely versatile.