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A brief introduction to Cabinet Scrapers
Just Scraping By...
A Brief Introduction to Cabinet Scrapers
In spite of the massive array of tools available to the woodworker today,
sometimes the most indispensable solution is one of the simplest. So it
is with the tried and true cabinet scraper. It’s a relatively simple
piece of flexible steel, however there is some degree of finesse to preparing
it for use as well as using it most effectively.
Here’s a brief summary we’ve put together about preparation
and use of your cabinet scrapers.
Preparing the Scraper Edge
The edge must be straight, clean and at a 90 degree angle to the flat sides
of the scraper. Lock the scraper in a vise and draw a fine, flat file across
the edge. Be careful not to create a hollow. If there is an old hook on
the scraper, file the sides flat as well. Once filed, you need to remove
the file marks with a medium to fine diamond or water sharpening stone,
about 800 or 1200 grit. To avoid cutting grooves in the surface of your
water stone, use the narrow sides to hone your scraper. Again, be careful
to maintain the 90 degree angle. Once you are satisfied that there is no
hook left at all and the edges are clean and sharp, it’s time to create
a new hook.
Making The Hook
Although at this stage the scraper is already sharp, the hook is needed
to achieve a fine shaving action. If the scraper leaves only dust it has
not been sharpened correctly. To make the hook you will need a burnisher.
We suggest the Veritas
Tri-Burnisher or the Veritas
Variable Burnisher. Both of these tools utilise a much harder steel
rod than the scraper (about 62 - 64 on the Rockwell scale). The surface
is highly polished to ensure that the hook it forms is smooth and free of
tears that would create scratches. Hold the scraper in a vise and draw the
burnisher across the edge of the scraper. You will need to make three or
four passes, increasing the tilt of the burnisher each time. A tilt of about
10 degrees is sufficient. Don't use too much downward pressure when making
these passes – doing so will only create a blunt scraper. Medium pressure
is ideal and will create a sharp hook.
Using the Scraper
If your scraper has been sharpened properly it will produce shavings rather
than dust. Bend it slightly and lean it forward so the edge of the hook
makes contact with the surface of the timber. The more pronounced the bend,
the more aggressive the cut. You can also vary the aggressiveness of the
shaving by the thickness of the scarper you select. Scrapers come in different
thicknesses - 0.6mm for regular scraping and 0.4mm for finer work.
The friction caused by using a cabinet scraper can be very hard on the thumbs
after a while. If this gets to be a problem, try using the Veritas
scraper holder. It houses most scrapers and creates a bow using the
centre adjusting knob. Another alternative is using a scraping plane that
usually has a plane type blade to perform the scraping task. Additionally,
you can select what is commonly referred to as a called a cabinet scraper
Actually a variation of the old Stanley #80 plane, these hold the scraper
in place and have side handles much like a spokeshave with a broad flat
base.
Cabinet scrapers are one
of the most effective tools in your workshop when sharpened properly.
Give them a try on your next project – you’ll be surprised
with the results you’ll achieve.
Click here for information &
Pricing on our range of scrapers.
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