Replies

1. 
   joinerswork | May 03, 2011 09:07am | #1

   Steve,

   Some thoughts:

   The edge of the scraper can become work hardened after several burnishing sessions.  When you file a new edge, be sure you get thru the hardened surface. It will be easier to turn a new burr.

   The corners must be sharp.  Be sure you file the old dull corners completely away before honing and trying to turn a new burr, and don't dub them over when filing/honing.

   If the edge is filed at 90*, you want to tip the burnisher about 5degrees off of horizontal (with the scraper vertical in a vise).  the angle isn't too critical, but if you tip the burnisher too far off horizontal (say 10- 15 degrees or more), you can curl the burr so far over that its edge can't attack the wood surface. I use a good amt of pressure, and several passes, to turn the burr on each corner.

   You can file the edge at 45*, instead of 90.  This yields only one edge for burnishing, instead of two, but the edge is easier to turn, and lasts longer, than a burr turned on a 90* edge.  Burnisher angle is again about 5degrees off of the 45.

   Burnisher needs to be harder than the steel of the scraper, and ought to be highly polished so as not to gall the edge of the scraper.

   Ray

2. 
   roc | May 03, 2011 01:49pm | #2

   One test to try

   After filing and stoning but before you burnish at all will the scraper cut curls of wood (as opposed to dust) ?  If not it is not ready to burnish.  Burnishing just gets you larger / deeper cuts.

   For burnishing, for me anyway, a really hard and smooth burnisher did the trick but it is easy to turn the bur too much.  Tricky stuff to learn about ; burnishers are.

   Using oil on the burnisher ?  I always forget.

3. 
   roc | May 03, 2011 01:56pm | #3

   OH ! I almost forgot . . .

   What scrapers are you using, Brand.  Price range.  I find that is HUGE !

   Cheep scrapers are NOT FLAT at the edge; they are all rounded to one side and distorted from being stamped out and it is really difficult to get that all important edge.

   These guys sell real scrapers and are worth the money

   http://www.lie-nielsen.com/catalog.php?cat=508

1. 
   salinasteve | May 03, 2011 02:59pm | #4

   Problems With Card Scrapers

    I have both Woodsmith and Sandvic scrapers,  I am using a triangular burnisher, which may be part of the problem.  It has started to show a few scratches along the edge which may mean that it is too soft.  I have the scrapers polished flat and shiney clear to the edge and when I file I do so until I can feel a real difference, more ease and smooth run across the file, and see an even sheen along the entire edge.  I then stone the edge with a jig to maintain a 90 degree edge until I have a beautiful and uniform edge.  I think that it is at this point that my trouble begins.  Probably the burnisher, me and technique from here out. 

   SalinaSteve

4. 
   roc | May 03, 2011 03:28pm | #5

   Problem could be a magic wond that doesn't suit you
   There are those here who get good results burnishing with an old screw driver.

   I am just not that magically inclined.

   To find out whether or not it might be your burnisher you could try what I did:

   If you have a solid carbide router or metal milling bit (shaft needs to be made from carbide not just brazed on cutting edges) wrap the sharp end in tape so you don't cut yourself and use the shaft end to burnish the scraper.

   I found myself resorting to that so often I bought a carbide burnisher and gave up on screw drivers and chisel backs and what not.

1. 
   Westchester | May 03, 2011 04:43pm | #6

   Edges

   I'm guilty of using the back of a chisel - I bought one of those fancy burnishers but could not get it to work as good as the back of a chisel.

   Whatever you use to burnish - try 10-15 lighter similar even strokes instead of a couple of heavy strokes -

   SA

2. 
   salinasteve | May 03, 2011 10:11pm | #7

   Problems with scrapers

   The carbide router bit sounds like a good thing to try.  I'll give it a whirl and if it doesn't work I'll try the back of the chisel as also suggested.  Thanks to all who have offered help and suggestions.  I'm sure that I just need to work a little longer and be patient with my somewhat slow learning curve. 

   SalinaSteve