Card Scrapers

[Von Bickley]

About a year ago, I was watching You-Tube videos about card scrapers. Was very interesting so I ordered a card scraper and burnisher, and learned how to sharpen one. Didn't have a need for one at that time so I put it aside. I'm working on a project now using red oak and I had some saw/burn marks on some thin strips of the red oak. I thought about the card scraper and got it out. Can a person fall in love with a card scraper? This thing is fantastic. How many of you are using card scrapers and do you have any tips for us?

[Lee Schierer]

I use a card scraper. I was amazed at how easy it was to set the burr using light pressure.

[Jim Becker]

Card scrapers (in various shapes and sizes) are an essential tool, IMHO. The latest scrapers I acquired and actually love are the thicker ones that Stewart MacDonald markets to guitar builders. They are not large, but really do fine work without the need to bend them due to the way the edges get ground.

[Derek Cohen]

In Australia and the UK these are referred to as cabinet scrapers. I use them, not only for smoothing in place of sandpaper, but also for shaping curved areas. The latter is best done with a thicker scraper. Do yourselves a favour and get one of the Stewmac thick scrapers ...

https://i.postimg.cc/LXXzt2BC/F6-EDE67-E-DF75-4606-85-B9-67-F132-AA146-F.jpg

I made my own from a piece of 1/8” thick plane blade ...

https://i.postimg.cc/kXwr3gXp/1_zpspr2v0uh1.jpg

Regards from Perth

Derek

[Jim Becker]

Great minds... :) :D

[Derek Cohen]

Jim, we were posting at the same time!

Great minds ... and all that :D

Derek

EDIT ... oh come on ... we even say the thing!

[Mark Wooden]

I would rather push a scraper all day than sand for an hour....

[glenn bradley]

About a year ago, I was watching You-Tube videos about card scrapers. Was very interesting so I ordered a card scraper and burnisher, and learned how to sharpen one. Didn't have a need for one at that time so I put it aside. I'm working on a project now using red oak and I had some saw/burn marks on some thin strips of the red oak. I thought about the card scraper and got it out. Can a person fall in love with a card scraper? This thing is fantastic. How many of you are using card scrapers and do you have any tips for us?

This is such a great response. There are a few things on our woodworking journey that caused us to be literally dumbfounded. Card scrapers for certainly one event on my journey. How can such a simple thing be so fabulous?

[Andrew Seemann]

I do like the card/cabinet scraper; it is one of my favorite tools. My advice would be to try using it and holding it in every way possible, push, pull, bent, straight, two handed, one handed, different fingers/thumb combinations, steep angle, shallow angle; anything you can think of, including ways people say not to try. You will learn a lot about the tool and how to use it in different situations. I actually use it one handed a fair amount.

[John Jardin]

Derek,
You are expensive...just ordered the StuMac scraper
Thanks

[Jon Grider]

One of my favorite tools. Hardly a project goes by without it seeing a cabinet scraper.

[Tom Trees]

A non laminated plane iron works for me.
Not the business end though!
Butted against a square block to hone it, and no burr drawn.
Is also a good tool for flattening oil stones at the same time.

Tom

[John Jardin]

Thank You Tom, I'm going to try it!

[Rod Sheridan]

Of course you can fall in love with a scraper, I did that 40 years ago.

I also have a scraping plane.............Rod.

[Brad Shipton]

Card scrapers are very handy. I fought trying to sand narrow slots in a face frame parts until I finally fashioned a narrow card scraper that fit the slot. It made that job so much easier.

[Clifford McGuire]

Interesting topic. I used to use card scrapers, but stopped. Don't remember why. Sounds like it's time to bring them out again.

Anyone regularly use a Stanley #80 or #112? I wonder how those really work.

[Todd Trebuna]

So, my woodworking journey involves alot of power tools. Which was great, when I was spitting out furniture to fill my house. My garage is set up full time as a small just under 500 sq. feet shop. But recently, I've been enamored by hand tools. There is really something special about a blade powered by a human, shearing wood fibers. I like that the card scraper is anything but a card and I also like that in order to employ it with integrity, you need to know how to sharpen it and you need to know how to use it. And you may need a bandaid, when the corner bites you, if you don't take off the edges a little. Talk about the simplest of tools. A rectangular sliver of steel with a folded over hook of metal. Pretty incredible stuff.

[mike stenson]

Interesting topic. I used to use card scrapers, but stopped. Don't remember why. Sounds like it's time to bring them out again.

Anyone regularly use a Stanley #80 or #112? I wonder how those really work.

Yep, a #80.. it works very well and I generally enjoy using it. Then again, I have a stack of scrapers in assorted sizes and thicknesses.

[Stephen Rosenthal]

Interesting topic. I used to use card scrapers, but stopped. Don't remember why. Sounds like it's time to bring them out again.

Anyone regularly use a Stanley #80 or #112? I wonder how those really work.

I have the Veritas equivalent of the #80 and a Lie Nielsen 112 (also 212). The #80 is easy to set up and works great. Initially the two scraping planes can be frustrating and take a bit of fiddling, but once set up properly work fine.

I do have my eye on the StewMac scrapers recommended by Jim and Derek, if for no other reason than the simplicity of obtaining a beautiful surface on difficult wood.

[Bill Yacey]

Scrapers don't need to be just flat, and they can be made from any hard steel; old saw blades, spring steel, black metal banding used for shipping crates, etc.
In violin making scrapers are all so important:
https://maestronet.com/forum/index.php?/topic/233348-radius-of-curvature-of-gouge-size/page/2/&tab=comments#comment-654213
https://maestronet.com/forum/index.php?/topic/324928-fingerboard-relief/&tab=comments#comment-524262
https://maestronet.com/forum/index.php?/topic/346444-scraper-moment-of-zen/&tab=comments#comment-898037 (https://maestronet.com/forum/index.php?/topic/324928-fingerboard-relief/&tab=comments#comment-524262)
https://maestronet.com/forum/index.php?/topic/346235-scraper-sharpening-article/&tab=comments#comment-895251

[Derek Cohen]

Scrapers are the most useful and versatile tools. This simple piece of bandsaw blade, de-toothed and flattened ...

http://www.inthewoodshop.com/Furniture/ANewAngleOnScratchStock_html_m3146a7e1.jpg

.. shaped with a file ...

http://www.inthewoodshop.com/Furniture/ANewAngleOnScratchStock_html_3070f0c5.jpg


... makes this ...

http://www.inthewoodshop.com/Furniture/ANewAngleOnScratchStock_html_52773e96.jpg


Eventually becomes ...

http://www.inthewoodshop.com/Furniture/Buildtheframe_html_48ce821d.jpg

Who needs a router ? :)

Regards from Perth

Derek

[John K Jordan]

About a year ago, I was watching You-Tube videos about card scrapers. Was very interesting so I ordered a card scraper and burnisher, and learned how to sharpen one. Didn't have a need for one at that time so I put it aside. I'm working on a project now using red oak and I had some saw/burn marks on some thin strips of the red oak. I thought about the card scraper and got it out. Can a person fall in love with a card scraper? This thing is fantastic. How many of you are using card scrapers and do you have any tips for us?

I would hate to do any woodturning on platters, bowls, and boxes without my hand scrapers, both StewMac and cabinet scrapers. For woodturning I grind the cabinet scrapers into curved shapes. Saves an INCREDIBLE amount of sanding and lets me start with fine paper instead of coarse.

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I use the traditional rectangular scrapers on flat work too, and to resurface my workbench and laminated maple table on occasion.

JKJ

[mike stenson]

You know, I have an air nibbler... Now I have ideas for custom shaped scrapers, with ease.

[John K Jordan]

You know, I have an air nibbler... Now I have ideas for custom shaped scrapers, with ease.

I tried several methods to get curved hand scrapers. The very first time was almost 20 years ago and I used a metal-cutting disk on a Dremel to cut the end off one of those curvy scrapers. I was having a problem with sanding causing heat checks on the inside of an eastern red cedar bowl so I tried this on a whim. It worked so well I was an immediate convert.

440900

I bought a couple of sets of small scrapers which had some with curves, one from Highland Hardware and one from Woodcraft. The problem is these are thinner than I prefer.

Then I tried shaping curves on traditional card scrapers with the bench grinder and it got the metal too hot, at least I thought.

What I do now is shape with a 1" belt sander with a coarse belt, 80 or 60 grit I think. This doesn't heat the metal significantly. Then I use a fine CBN wheel to dress the curve and resharpen as needed, followed by file, fine diamond hone, and burnishing.

440904

BTW, it seems to me the better quality "name brand" scrapers work better than the cheap ones. Imagine that.

JKJ

[Phil Mueller]

Card scrapers are like other types of tools, where you decide one day to take whatever time it takes to learn to prep it and use it. At least for me. I spent the better part of a few days watching every video I could find and giving it a try. Sometimes frustrating, ultimately very rewarding. Now that I have the confidence to prep one well, it (and other scrapers from an old saw plate) are used often.

Using them actually drove me to buy an angle grinder to cut up the old saw plate. I have no doubt that the thicker Stew Mac will be ordered in the future.

[Ron Barnes]

I have also found scrapers to be invaluable when working on the lathe. Saves lots of time.

[Alex Walter]

I use card scrapers. Beware of the cheap ones, they don't hold an edge worth a crap. I very had really good luck with the Two Cherries (https://www.amazon.com/Cherries-520-5750-Scraper-Prepared-Edges/dp/B000JRDLP0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1421724971&sr=8-1&keywords=two+cherries+scraper) and Lie Nielsen (https://www.lie-nielsen.com/products/handscrapers-hand-scraper-set-) cards (https://printsbery.com/cards/thank-you/baby-shower) scrapers. While it may seem expensive try to think of the cost spread over 10+ years.
The other scraper i'd recommend is a Stanley no 80 (available cheap all over) or the Veritas version of it. Easy to sharpen and sethe up.


My experience is thus:
If you're seeing things over 1/8", you're probably best hitting it with some light passes from a plane
Like any other hand tools, they take some practice to get decent with
They leave a finish ready surface when you use them right
Take long passes -- don't just focus in one little area

[Bill Yacey]

Sandvik makes some good quality scraper stock. It's quite hard, so I score it with a dremel cutoff wheel and snap it in the vice jaws to size it for the job.

If you cut right through it, it removes the temper from too much heat.

[John K Jordan]

Sandvik makes some good quality scraper stock. It's quite hard, so I score it with a dremel cutoff wheel and snap it in the vice jaws to size it for the job.
If you cut right through it, it removes the temper from too much heat.

Do you remember what the scraper stock is called? I saw Sandvik scrapers but none that said "stock". Is what you use a specific type of scraper? What's the thickness?

I bought some O1 oil-hardening steel bar 1/8" thick and hope to find time to cut out some curved scraper shapes with the plasma cutter and harden the steel. They should work much like the StewMac scrapers but a fraction of the cost.

JKJ

[andy bessette]

Card scrapers are especially helpful for surfacing solid edge banding, which is usually glued on just proud of the veneer.

[Bill Yacey]

By stock, I meant a piece of material that other scrapers can be cut out from. The pieces I have bought are about 1/16" thick, and about 3 X 6".

https://www.leevalley.com/en-ca/shop/tools/hand-tools/scrapers/32671-bahco-scraper?item=97K5002

https://www.lie-nielsen.com/products/handscrapers-hand-scraper-set-?path=handscrapers&node=4181

I don't see any advantage to using anything thicker than this, unless you are making a scraper plane.
Everything at Stewmac seems over-priced to me. Many in the violin making community purchase blue spring steel stock from McMaster-Carr and make their scrapers from that.

If you're primarily doing flat surfaces, you might want to consider these:
https://www.leevalley.com/en-ca/shop/tools/hand-tools/planes/scrapers/48431-veritas-scraping-plane?item=05P2901&utm_source=free_google_shopping&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=shopping_feed&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI8o6Bpd7m6wIVsRx9Ch3JrQBEEAQYAiAB EgJ3_PD_BwE

https://www.leevalley.com/en-ca/shop/tools/hand-tools/planes/scrapers/62885-veritas-small-scraping-plane?item=05P2950

https://www.lie-nielsen.com/products/small-scraping-planes?path=scraping-planes&node=4075

I have both the large Veritas Scraper plane and the Lie Nielsen 212; both are fine tools and work excellent.

I bought the large scraper plane for a family heirloom project, a white oak pedestal table that someone scraped all the tabletop surface varnish off at one time. Some of the lamination joins need fixing before I refinish it, and I thought the scraper plane would be ideal for getting the surface ready for refinishing.

[John K Jordan]

By stock, I meant a piece of material that other scrapers can be cut out from. The pieces I have bought are about 1/16" thick, and about 3 X 6".

[URL]https://www.leevalley.com/en-ca/shop/tools/hand-tools/scrapers/3267

I don't see any advantage to using anything thicker than this, unless you are making a scraper plane.
Everything at Stewmac seems over-priced to me. Many in the violin making community purchase blue spring steel stock from McMaster-Carr and make their scrapers from that.
...

Thanks. BTW, both you linked to say they are about 1/32 thick. I have a couple of the Lie-Nielsen and they are good quality.

I too think the StewMac scrapers are over-priced, although the way they machine the dished portion at the middle of the scraper on both sides is great and makes it quite comfortable to grip and control with one hand and makes it easier to use for longer times, especially for older hands. (the dark area is the dished portion, probably made with some type of ball mill on a CNC) The hole is nice too.

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(I am slowly grinding on the one on the right, probably give it shallow curves on the ends.)

After using these for a while I do like the 1/8" thickness as a hand scraper. It is sharpened differently than thin card scraper and there is no burr, either from the grinder or a burnisher. I use an extra fine diamond hone to remove any grinder burr. It works surprisingly well for a rigid hand scraper, better than a card scraper with burr in some instances, not as well in others - I often try several scrapers on certain grain and curvatures to find what works the best. I think part of what makes the thick scraper work so well is the very slight concave edge from the bench grinder. (I use a 600 grit CBN wheel for sharpening.)

I called and asked what kind of steel they use and all the guy would say was "tool steel."

JKJ

[Bill Yacey]

There are a few different ways of sharpening a scraper; some just put a flat 90 degree edge on the scraper, some put a hook on the 90 degree edge; others sharpen to a 30 or 45 degree bevel, and then some others take it a step further and turn a hook on the edge. All can work well, as long as they are making shavings and not crumbly sawdust.

The most important thing when grinding a scraper is to not overheat the steel, otherwise you remove the hardness. a wet, slow speed grinding wheel is probably the best choice, followed by finishing off on a water stone, by hand. You want a razor sharp edge in any case, before you turn the hook.

[lowell holmes]

I will straighten the edge on a diamond hone and turn the curl with a triangular hone.
See Lee Valley web site.

[Jim Becker]

The StewMac scrapers are just an alternative design that has advantages in some situations since they do not have to have pressure applied for that slight bend needed to fully utilize a more traditional thin scraper. And as John noted, the machined finger holds are a very nice feature. They are absolutely premium priced and one could make similar (minus the finger recesses) if they have the ability to cut thicker steel cleanly and then dressing the edges at a grinder with the edge perpendicular to the wheel.

[Derek Cohen]

Just to amplify the point that these thick ("Stewmac") scrapers are easy to make oneself, the one I posted here at the beginning of this thread was, in fact, made from the rear of a 3/16" thick plane blade. I've made a few this way. As long as the steel is hard - not all plane blade are hardened throughout - then you could be good to go.

https://i.postimg.cc/cJgPn77p/scraper1_zpsipxdaxzp.jpg

The secret is in the sharpening ...

Create a fine hollow grind with wire edges using (in my case) a CBN wheel ...

https://i.postimg.cc/MKZ8sHq7/Sharpening-blade-scrapera-zpslgrvfjha.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/GmSZtgDP/Scraper2_zpsyar2o7ii.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/029gBwxS/2-zpsp9yhsrcq.jpg

Think of the thick scraper blade as the jack plane. Then the more traditional cabinet scraper is the smoother ...

https://i.postimg.cc/QdVy2gzF/Scraping-html-7731962a-zpsjhnogkss.jpg

Gossamer shavings cleaning up the join in a book-matched panel ...

https://i.postimg.cc/QNBn8kbH/764-AB889-F47-C-41-AA-8365-F0-A0-CCEF957-A.png


I've made many cabinet scrapers from old panel saw blades. One can also get floor scrapers in hardware stores. Sandvik, Lie Nielsen and Lee Valley all sell excellent versions.


Tutorial on sharpening cabinet scrapers: http://www.inthewoodshop.com/WoodworkTechniques/FoolproofSharpeningOfCard%28Cabinet%29Scraper.html

Regards from Perth

Derek

[andy bessette]

...Tutorial on sharpening cabinet scrapers: http://www.inthewoodshop.com/WoodworkTechniques/FoolproofSharpeningOfCard%28Cabinet%29Scraper.html
...

Thanks for posting that.

[Randall J Cox]

I've had one for many years, with a burnishing tool also. Never used it. Been playing at woodworking for over 35 years, guess its time to dig them out and learn to use. Its been on my "woodworking to do" list for a while - "learn to use card scraper". This column has inspired me!! Thanks. Randy

[John Jardin]

Derek,
Do you strike a burr on your thick scraper or the StuMac scraper?
My first attempt at using the StuMac scraper with no burr, yielded some nice shavings.

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[Jim Becker]

Derek,
Do you strike a burr on your thick scraper or the StuMac scraper?
My first attempt at using the StuMac scraper with no burr, yielded some nice shavings.

441393

The process is different for these thick scrapers. The burr comes from hollow grinding the edge, rather than drawing a burr after filing with a thin scraper.