Replies

1. 
   RMillard | Feb 19, 2008 06:30pm | #1

   I treat it pretty much like a standard card scraper. I clamp the curved scraper in the vice and use a fine half round needle file to prepare the edge, in a draw file motion. I don't bother to hone the edges on the curved or a standard card scraper, it does nothing to improve the cutting ability or the durability of the edge.  After filing, I use a fine diamond hone to hone the faces. Then I use a broken or worn out carbide router bit, stuck in an dowel, as a burnisher. On a standard card scraper, I use burnisher to draw out some metal,  by holding it at slight angle off the horizontal. This works well on the convex portions of the curved scraper, but not the concave section, but I don't think I have ever used that part anyway. Then using the burnisher with very light pressure to flatten out the metal drawn out in the first step; forming a T, if you could see the burr. The key is to use light pressure, very light pressure, when flattening out this burr, using too much pressure will gall the and tear the burr. Then roll the burr over. Here you can use some pretty good pressure. I hold the scraper flat on the bench while doing this.

   Rob Millard

   http://www.americanfederalperiod.com

1. 
   mollyrockers | Feb 21, 2008 01:27pm | #4

   Thanks Rob, I will follow your instructions carefully.

2. 
   WillGeorge | Feb 20, 2008 10:59am | #2

   I would be grateful for good advice for effective sharpening of a 'Tear Drop 'card scraper

   I'd say it has never been covered in any detail because it hard to do!

1. 
   mollyrockers | Feb 21, 2008 12:38pm | #3

   That's exactly my experience. Thanks