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Hand-Tools and Sharpening: Hand Scrapers From "Wood Works" episode WWK-705

	David Marks demonstrates techniques for using and sharpening hand scrapers.
	Media View a video excerpt showing techniques for using and sharpening hand scrapers.

In this special episode of DIY Wood Works, host David Marks takes viewers on a tour of hand tools -- the mainstay of the woodworker's craft. In this third segment, he demonstrates techniques for using and sharpening hand scrapers.


NOTE: A video excerpt showing the techniques demonstrated in this segment can be viewed from this page. Click the video icon to watch the video.

A summary of the techniques and step-by-step instructions are outlined below.

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	Figure A
	Figure B

Hand-Scraper Technique

The hand scraper is the most versatile and easy-to-control smoothing tool in the woodworker's shop.

Important: The hand scraper typically works best going in the same direction as the wood's grain.

• To be properly used, the scraper should be held diagonally to the grain and angled at about 70 degrees from the work surface (figure A).

• Press your thumbs into the back of the scraper, making it bow in the same direction of travel (figure B).

• You can also use the scraper in the opposite direction by reversing the tilt.

• The goal when using the hand scraper is to create tissue-thin shavings.
  

  Figure C

Sharpening a scraper requires three steps: filing, honing and burnishing. As seen in the diagram -- which is an exaggerated illustration of what a properly sharpened hand-scraper should look like -- the sides are flat, and the edge has a burr that's turned over into a hook (figure C).

Filing removes all traces of the previous burr, and flattens the edge. Honing prepares the edge by polishing the metal, removing any deep scratches left by filing, and flattens the edges of the scraper so that they are square. Burnishing raises the burr, then turns it over into a hook. The hook is the cutting surface.

Figure D

Click the VIDEO link above to watch a video showing the techniques for sharpening hand scrapers.

• To begin the sharpening process, clamp the scraper securely in a vise.

• Use a flat-mill bastard file to mill the edge of the scraper square by drawing long, even strokes (figure D).
  

• Next, hone both faces of the scraper, using a coarse 800-grit water stone. Press the scraper flat on the stone, and move it back and forth.

• Now hone the edge using a block of wood that has been jointed and planed square. The block will help guide the scraper to keep it perfectly perpendicular to the stone(figure E).

  Tip: When honing t edge, be sure to run the scraper on an angle across the stone to minimize wear on the stone. Also be certain to keep the entire length of the scraper-edge on the stone. This process will remove file marks, and ensure that the edge is square to the faces.

• Progress the 1200-grit stone, and continue honing the faces.

• Finally, use the 6000-grit stone to polish both the faces and edge (figure F).

  Figure E

  Figure F

  
  

• The next step is to burnish the faces of the scraper using an oval burnishing tool. This draws the metal toward the edge in preparation for burnishing the hook as seen in the diagram (figure G).

  Tip: It's a good idea to oil the burnishing tool to reduce friction.

• Next, burnish the edges. The goal is to burnish edge into a hook, and this is the most critical part of the burnishing process. While holding the burnisher approximately 10 degrees off level (figure H), make about a dozen passes along each edge of the scraper using medium pressure.

  Figure G

  Figure H

  
  

  Figure I

• The end result, as seen in the diagram, is a microscopic hook that forms the cutting edge (figure I).
  

  	Figure J
  	Figure K
  	Figure L

The gooseneck scraper is an ideal shaping tool for working on curved surfaces like moldings, and is used in much the same way as the hand scraper (figure J). Sharpening is a little more complex because of the shape, but uses the same basic technique.

• Clamp the gooseneck scraper in the vise.

• Carefully file all the edges with consistent strokes.

• Starting with the 800-grit water stone, hone the faces. Then, using the guide-block to keep the edges perpendicular to the stone, hone the curved edges (figure K).

• Repeat the last steps using the 1200 and 6000-grit water stones.

• Lubricate the scraper with oil.

• Burnish the faces.

• Carefully burnish the edges , turning a hook all around the scraper (figure L).

Burnishing is an acquired skill. The more you practice it, the sharper your tools will become.

Safety Alert: Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses, and follow proper safety precautions, when working with wood, power-tools, saws, drills, routers, etc.

RESOURCES :

The Small Wood Shop (The Best of Fine Woodworking)
Author: Helen Albert (Editor)
Publisher: Taunton Press
ISBN: 1561580619

Woodworking Techniques: Best Methods for Building Furniture from Fine Woodworking
Author: Editors of Fine Woodworking magazine
Publisher: Taunton Press
ISBN: 1561583456

David Marks Website
David Marks, DIY's Wood Works host, is a master woodworker. For more information on cut sizes and project details, please contact him via his Website at www.djmarks.com

Woodworker's Guide to Wood: Softwoods, Hardwoods, Plywoods, Composite, Veneers
Model: 080836878
Author: Rick Peters
(2000)
Sterling Publishing Co. Inc.
Website: www.sterlingpub.com

Fine Woodworking
A magazine devoted to high-quality craftsmanship in woodworking.
The Taunton Press Inc.
Website: www.taunton.com