To all who have been eagerly awaiting your very own D-Way Skew (the ones I use for all of my spindle turning projects)...the recent batch is finished, sharpened, and ready for shipment!

- Large Skew: 1 3/8" wide x 3/8" thick,  total length is 8 1/2" (6 1/2" useable tool  2" tang). The large skew is made to fit a 5/8" socket in a modular tool handle. I recommend the D-Way 16" handle.

- Small Skew: 3/4" wide x 5/16" thick, total length is 8" (6" useable tool 2" tang). The small skew is made to fit a 1/2" socket in a modular tool handle. I recommend either the D-Way 8" or D-Way 12" handles.

- Pricing:

Large Skew= $96.47 (incl. sales tax)

16" D-Way Handle= $53.12 (incl. sales tax)

Small Skew= $53.11 (incl. sales tax)

8" D-Way Handle= $31.44 (incl. sales tax)

SHIPPING

If you've seen me demonstrate spindle turning or have spent time in the shop making shavings with me, you know the skew is one of my favorite tools. It serves as my all-in-one spindle tool; roughing gouge, shaping tool, and finishing tool. I believe it is the most versatile spindle turning tool created!

Email me if you are interested in purchasing one or both of these incredible tools! eric@ericlofstrom.com

Pictures of these tools will be posted soon. Smiles- Eric

-On April 10th, I demonstrated (all-day) for the Mid-Columbia Woodturners in Kennewick, WA. This was my first time demonstrating for this club, and what an enjoyable weekend! I really had a great time with ALL of the members. A special thanks to several of the members; Jim Swift who organized and made the event possible, Don Gangl for opening up his shop for the demo, John Barany and wife Carol for hosting me and my Dad (who was visiting from Colorado), and Ron Gerton for the great visit after the meeting. I feel fortunate to demo for this group, thanks for the great experience!

-On April 15th, I demonstrated for the South Puget Sound Woodturners in Fife, WA. Many of the members have seen me "grow-up" from a beginning turner, so it was really nice to demonstrate for so many of my woodturning friends! I demonstrated skew basics (as this is my main spindle turning tool) and the "Triple-Axis Turning" technique I use to form my raindrops and flames. I also squeezed in a basic demo on coloring/dying to "pop" the grain and give the piece some WOW!

-I will be demonstrating for the Woodturners of Olympia on May 27th. I will be demonstrating skew techniques, "Triple-Axis Turning", and coloring. This club has always been a great group to interact with. They have invited me to demonstrate several times in the past; once in 2006 (I think) and again for both the 2008 and 2009 Creativity in Woodturning Symposiums put on during July. It has been awhile since I demonstrated for one of their regular club meetings- I am really looking forward to interacting with their club again!

Enough for now…Sincerest thanks for taking time to visit my site and read about what's happening in my life of turning. :)

Here is Saturday's demonstration line-up:

1. The in's and out's of the Skew (one of my all-time favorite tools), followed by a few skill-building projects using only the skew.

2. Triple-Axis turning techniques used to create the flames and raindrops, followed by a technique I have developed to finish these pieces off with some color!

3. Thin-Walled Bowl; using wet wood and translucense to gauge wall thickness.

4. Square-Winged Bowl; using a dry, square chunk of wood, turning a small bowl surrounded by a gently curved thin wing.

I'm really looking forward to meeting the Mid-Columbia members and spending a day in the shop with them!

I am now starting to prepare for several upcoming demonstrations at clubs around the Northwest. My next demonstration is in Salem, OR for the Willamette chapter of the AAW. I am eager to visit this group of woodturners and share the joys of making shavings. I will be demonstrating woodturning basics (spindles and bowls) using the skew and Irish Grind bowl gouge... my favorite tools! I can't wait to meet the members of the Willamette club- I'm truly looking forward to it. :)

My web page is finally up and running! Most of you are probably thinking it's about time, right? O.K. so other things have taken priority the last few months; rennovating a house, moving, a continuing my woodturning demonstrations. Every once in awhile I have even snuck a few hours to spend in my own shop, exploring my own creative voice!

To all of you who have been waiting- Thanks for being patient.

To all who are new, drop me a line to introduce yourself and let me know how you stumbled across my page.

Smiles and shavings.