How to Burnish Scrapers
Scrapers are an essential part of woodworking. They help prepare the surface for finishing and eliminate a lot of sanding time by cutting the wood fibers and leaving a smooth surface. The key to success is learning how to sharpen and burnish the scraper to maintain a proper edge.
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Instructions
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File the edge
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1
Place the scraper in a bench vise and secure it firmly.
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2
Place the file on the edge of the scraper and file the edge in long strokes back and forth. Be sure to keep the file perpendicular to the edge of the scraper.
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3
File the edge of the scraper until it's flat. Repeat this for the opposite edge of the scraper as well.
Hone the edge
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4
Remove the scraper from the vise and hone the edge on a fine sharpening stone. This removes the file marks and smooths the metal out for burnishing.
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5
Lay the scraper flat on the sharpening stone and hone each side of the scraper. This helps remove any burs of metal that might occur on the sides when filing.
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6
Turn the scraper over and repeat this process for the opposite side.
Burnishing the edge
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7
Place the scraper back in the vice and secure it firmly.
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8
Lay the burnishing tool on the edge of the scraper holding it perpendicular to the edge.
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Move the burnisher back and forth in long even strokes, applying a small amount of downward pressure as you move it back and forth. Do this for a count of 40 strokes.
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10
Tilt the burnisher to the side at approximately a three-degree angle and begin burnishing back and forth using the same long even stroke. Again do this for about 40 strokes.
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Tilt the burnisher to the other side, again at approximately a three-degree angle and repeat the burnishing process. Take the scraper out of the vice, flip it over and repeat these steps for the other edge.
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Tips & Warnings
You don't have to buy a special tool for burnishing. The hardened steel of a screwdriver shaft works equally was well.
