I don't know why they make a beading tool to begin with how ever you don't really need one just a waste of money I think.  Why use that when a Skew works just perfectly fine.  While working on the next mill project, I did some more beading work.  Still needs practice but this was nothing but skew.  I still need a lot more practice doing it but hey it is what it is.

 

 

 

 

Hate to disappoint but those are not formed beads. Beginning of maybe but when you make a bead the top of the bead should be at the level it started out as . That is the top center of the bead does not get cut , it remains. Now true it takes lots of practice to do that and a spindle gouge is usually easier to learn on. Also beads are rounded over and it looks like you have flat or pyramidal sides.

 

Now as to why have a beading tool, well until one is as good as Glenn Lucas at forming beads the beading tool can shorten the job by a lot. When he make beads he never lifts the gouge off the bowl and can do the whole bowl that way. Also when doing basket illusion you want the beads to match in size. That is something I still have difficulty getting just right.

 

Now you have heard the story on beads so you can get back to practice.

Welp I knew that was comin LOL.  No harm no foul.  Either way I knew they werent perfect but as you said and as  I said I do need the practice.  Which is yes very very true.  It is a skill that I would like to get down to the point where I can get nice beads on a piece so they look good instead of trash like they do now.    I guess that will come along with time and the more often I do them guess I should get some scrap poplar spindle blanks round them out and make beads.  Probably the best way to learn right?

A skew is a slicing tool.  Your beads look as though you are using the skew as a scraper.  Here is a video n how it should be done.  Notice how smooth the wood is just using the skew and no sandpaper.  Hope this helps.

 

 

I guess you could also say who needs a NRS, carbide or anything but a bowl gouge when turning a bowl. 

 I do have a beading tool, got it and didn't know what it was. I went to a garage sale and found 8 tools for $10. Some looked like turning tools and others I had no ideal. One of the guys here on PW told me that I had several carving tools and a couple of beading tools that were also good for carving. I have used them in the past and they do OK. I haven't used them much at all since carbide tools came out.

"ONE OF THESE DAYS"...........I had forgotten about them, Now I intend to try again.

One more thing . Not all beading tools are created equal. All of mine are homemade, but my understanding is the D Way is best.

On 4/13/2021 at 11:50 PM, HandyDan said:

A skew is a slicing tool.  Your beads look as though you are using the skew as a scraper.  Here is a video n how it should be done.  Notice how smooth the wood is just using the skew and no sandpaper.  Hope this helps.

 

 

 I really liked Bob's videos, turning world lost a great turner and a very entertaining youtube author when he passed.

2 hours ago, Steve Krumanaker said:

 I really liked Bob's videos, turning world lost a great turner and a very entertaining youtube author when he passed.

 

 

I feel the same way.  He was good and enjoyed sharing his knowledge.

Edited April 15, 20215 yr by HandyDan

This looks like a good reason for beading tools.

 

Edited April 16, 20215 yr by RustyFN