Not Another Card Scraper Video
Notes
- As fellow LumberJock Brian Grella astutely pointed out, I used no oil on the burnisher before using it on the card scraper. Although I seem to get away with not using oil, Brian is right; you should apply a thin coat of oil on the burnisher. Anything that is non-drying (e.g. not tung or linseed) will work. Just remember to wipe it off the scraper well so that it does not get into the wood.
- It is not always clear in the video, but I always prepare all four edges of the card scraper. That way I can flip and rotate, using all four edges.
- In the video I mentioned that, as part of my research for this video, I posted a forum question at LumberJocks asking woodworkers who do not use card scrapers why the do not. You can find that forum topic here.
- I got the idea to use a grinder to prepare a course burr on a card scraper because this is the way (most) turners prepare their scrapers. A thicker card scraper is definitely better in this case, but the thickest you can usually buy or make out of an old saw is about 1/32" (or .8 mm). Although these will work, if you can find thicker, harder material, this method works even better. Look for worn out plane irons or worn out scraper blades from a Stanley #81, #12, or #112. If you really want to try this and do not mind spending a few bucks, try any of the Hock replacement blades for cabinet scrapers or scraper planes. I use a spare Hock replacement for a Stanley #80. I also noticed that you can get a Stanley replacement for much less, but I do not know if this one works as well.
- My 'fine' method of preparing a card scraper is nothing new really, but I wanted to come up with a derivation that was quick, easy, and inexpensive. A file is about $6, and the PSA abrasives are about $3 per sheet (enough for 11 1" strips), and any steel rod that is smooth and harder than the card scraper will do as a burnisher.
- I use 1/8" baltic birch, russian birch, or masonite (a.k.a. hardboard) as the substrait for my honing stick. I use 1/8" think so that they will fit into jigs that accept files, but if you are only interested in using them freehand and in a vice, then you can use a thicker substrait.
Links to other card scraper videos
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American Craftsman Workshop
In his video on card scrapers, Todd Clippinger shows that you do not necessarily have to hone and burnish a fine burr to make good use out of card scrapers. No matter what method you use, the bottom line is that as long as card scrapers save you money and time, you are ahead of the game.
Fine Woodworking
Once you get the hang of preparing a card scraper and start producing shavings, check out Brian Bogg's video Using a Card Scraper on Fine Woodworking for additional tips and techniques on using a card scraper. If you are really looking for a fine finish from your card scraper, you can also check out Brian's video Tune Up a Card Scraper.
Wood Whisperer
In his video Barely Scraping By, Marc Spagnolo shows his method for preparing a card scraper. His method is similar to my 'fine' preparation in the video. In fact, one thing to keep in mind as you watch his video is that our methods are essentially the same, and that only the specifics differ; so, feel free to substitute whatever you are comfortable with regarding sharpening system, jigs, etc.
Recommendations
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Card Scraper Set
I personally cannot tell the difference in performance between expensive and cheap card scrapers. I do find it useful to have various sizes, however. I bought this set because the sizes were ideal for the scraper planes I was making, but I like the different sizes, so I bought a second set for card scraping. I used the large on of this set throughout this video.
PSA Abrasive
I got the PSA abrasives, with which I make my honing sticks, from from Tools for Woodworking. For card scrapers, you only need the 40 micron, which is approximately 400 grit, and optionally the 15 micron, which is approximately 1000 grit.
Mill Bastard File
The file usually used to joint a card scraper is a single cut "mill bastard" file. You can get them at a local home center.
Scraper Sharpening System
A little on the expensive side, but if you still cannot get good results, it is worth a try. I first got results using this jig, and then later sold it on e-bay once I got the hang of turning a burr by hand.
Veritas Jointer/Edger
This is the Veritas Edger that I used in this video. It can come in handy, especially when I am using an aggressive burr with a forty-five degree bevel. I cannot use my method of holding the file or honing stick in a vice when using a forty-five degree bevel. This edger will work for both forty-five degree bevel and a ninety degree bevel.