On Friday December 3rd, professional turner Alan Lacer gave a demonstration on the proper use of the skew. 

Ron Williams started out the meeting by introducting Alan Lacer.

Alans preferred method of sharpening his skews is at the bench grinder.  Here's a closeup of his sharpening method.

After sharpening, Alan demo'ed turning a mini top.  It was so small, I had a hard time focusing on it!

Along with sharpening at a bench grinder, Alan likes to hone his tools either with a diamond honing stone, or with an MDF wheel on the lathe.  Notice that he is standing on the backside of the lathe so that the tool doesn't get a nasty catch...

Here are a couple of shots of everyone in attendance...
photo 1
photo 2,
photo 3

Here's the "sweet spot" on the skew that you should use as the actual cutting point on the tool.  Here you can see Alan using the sweet spot while planing a cylinder.  Here's a close up....

Saturday was a hands on event, here are photos of some of the action from the morning session:
Alan demonstrating
Keith Klev
Vern Nolting
Clarence Horsager
Brian Cote
Dave Hagen
Dale Anderson,
Ed Gudmonson
Jim McTavish and Alan,
Dave Gausman
Howard Rassmuson and Alan,
Alan Lacer, Brian Cote, and Hank Trangsrud

We'd like to give a special thanks to Bernie Altenburg who loaned us his shop for the Saturday event!