This exercise is turned in the same way as the stepped cylinder, and then the curves are cut to the shape shown in Fig. 22. To work these curves, the skew chisel is laid on the piece the same as in smoothing a cylinder (Fig. 16). The right hand is then raised in a curve so that the chisel cuts a little nearer the obtuse angle as it approaches the inner end of

Fig. 22. Left-hand Semi-bead.

the curve (Fig. 23). As the movement is finished, the chisel cuts at the extreme obtuse corner, and instead of a shaving being cut, a small ring is formed, which breaks in two as it is crowded against the square end of the adjoining semi-bead.

Do not attempt to cut thick shavings, but proportion the material so that each shaving will be of sufficient size to cut easily. Try to take the last shaving from the whole surface being shaped.

There is always danger of resting the skew chisel on the work so heavily that it will follow the grain of the wood, and the pieee be turned out of round.

In case the skew chisel is jarred by the revolving of the piece, bear more firmly upon the rest. Sometimes this jarring is stopped by holding the chisel more nearly straight with the work. Compare Fig. 15 with Figs. 16 and 17.

When the piece is cross-grained, the skew chisel must be held nearly straight, as shown in Fig. 15.

Fig. 23. Turning a Curve.

If your tools are properly sharpened and correctly used, the work will be quite smooth, even though the piece is cross-grained.

It is not so much practice to gain skill, as it is a careful study to gain a correct knowledge of the proper methods of using the tools that will give success in this work.

If the chisel catches, do not think that it is because of the grain of the wood or because the chisel is not held with sufficient force, for it is quite probable that the cause of the trouble is the angle at which the chisel has been held, or you have been cutting too near the point.

It is not a difficult matter to turn these curves by holding the chisel with only the right hand, as shown in Fig. 24; therefore, study and use the correct movements. This figure shows the chisel in the extreme position. Usually the handle would not be raised so high, or the hand moved so far to the right.

Notice that the top of the rest remains on a level with the lathe centers.