Where to get thick steel/iron for scraper

[robert raess]

I'm looking to make a scaper for hollow form turning. It will have a profile to get into those difficult areas inside the opening.I would like 3/8" min. thick, prefer 1/2" thick.I will grind it myself as well as make the handle.I briefly checked 'Thompson, and Packard'.any ideas where steel that thick is avail.? Also a 'tang' on the end so i don't have to grind that to .thanks rob

[Thom Sturgill]

Sorby makes an extra-heavy scraper and woodcraft sells them. (http://www.woodcraft.com/Product/2005160/4112/Extra-HeavyDuty-Scraper-1-Square-Nose.aspx) These are 1/2" thick M2 steel and are available square, round, and shaped for bowls. I have the bowl scraper and its a good tool with little or no chatter. I know thats not what you are asking. For base metal try McMaster-Carr.http://www.woodcraft.com/Images/products/145700.jpg

[Jeff Nicol]

I have exactly what you are looking for and I got it from Packard tools.

Jeff

[Jim Burr]

E-mail Doug, he usually has stuff in stock that isn't posted on the site..that's how I got mine ;)

[Gordon Vizecky]

If the sources listed above don't pan out you can check Enco "use-enco.com". Look at their tool bit steel, it is pre-hardened and you can grind to suit. It took me about 5 minutes to cut a tang with a narrow grinding wheel on an angle grinder.

I used this one:
Rectangular - Tool Bits Width: 1/2 Height: 1-1/4 Material: HSS Overall Length: 7. $34.

If you order it I would suggest also picking up a 3" piece of 3/16 dia. solid carbide to use as a burnisher. I don't know what they used to make their M2 but this thing is harder than anything else I own. I now use that little piece of carbide to burnish all my scrapers, works like a dream.