Thanks for the video! I've got a gooseneck scraper, a tiny NYC apartment, and a thin wallet. Any advice on hacks/DIY solutions for a good burnisher substitute? Would like to avoid the spend if there's a reasonable alternative.
I love my card scrapers, but I have a tip an old Iranian guy who made violins showed me a long time ago. I am a glazier by trade. One time this guy came into my Dad's shop and asked how much for our scrap glass cut offs. I thought he was nuts and I told him he could have all the scrap pieces he could find in my trash tub. He said he would be back in a few minutes. I thought he might be going to get a box, but he came back with a piece of a violin he was making and showed me why he wanted the broken glass. He used it as a scraper and his work was second to none! He took all the single and double strength glass he could with him. The key is that you can't use the side that the score came from. Sometimes when I need a weird shape I cut myself a piece of glass in that shape thanks to a tip from an old guy who came into my world from out of the blue. That is how we learn and evolve as craftsmen!
I've heard a LOT of old timers in my area talk about their fathers and grand-fathers cutting and shaping tool handles with "pieces of a busted jar"... Personally never seen it done, myself... SO... thanks for the tip... ...time to experiment. ;o)
Bro we use that glass trick on the edge of the leather soles in shoemaking and I tell you no sandpaper does the job as good as that trash piece of glass(treasure to us though)
I was taught this by my dad back in the late 70s when I was a kid. We’d save any mason jars that were cracked. Then as we needed it, we could put the glass in a burlap bag (I’ve used a pillow case) and bust it with a hammer.
Jonathan, you are simply the best. I've been sharpening my card scraper since my first few woodworking classes almost four years ago .... doing it the hard way. I was listening to a podcast recently where someone mentioned the method using a file to start the process. I went on TH-cam today to find that method. Watched a couple of other ones and then saw yours. As usual, you make it fun, have the best camera angles, and are SO GOOD at explaining everything with just the right amount of detail. THANK YOU!
I love the fact that you give proper pressure comparisons in your tutorials it makes so much more sense than when someone say "use a medium to light pressure" which can be confusing as hell.
Whilst I'd kind of agree with you, I'd argue that all he's really done in reality is make me way more self-conscious when pressing elevator and side-walk buttons!
Awesome video on card scraper sharpening. I heard about them recently and googled how to sharpen (they came unsharpened) and bumped into this. The file holder is a great idea. I made one and it makes doing a decent job of sharpening very easy. Once you get the hang of it, it's very quick to dress them during use with very little time spent. Eventually, they need to be filed, but they are nearly as good the first time or two when they are redressed. I am sold on card scrapers. I wish I had learned about these years ago when I began joinery work. I've always waited until the glue is fully cured, then sand. The glue is a different hardness, so the glue joint does not sand at the same rate as the wood, causing an uneven surface. The card scraper is far more efficient at removing just what you need to, without affecting the entire surface. I'm loving this.
Thank you very much for this video! I tried to sharpen a card scraper plenty times, using different methods and I always thought that I didn't have enough strength to do it. First time it's working. Great tutorial!
Awesome! Very straightforward. Very clear that I’ve been doing it wrong, even having watched loads of other videos. The details on the pressure is where I was WAY off. Thank you!
This might be the "Mother" of all card scraper sharpening instructional videos. Thank You. Your bastard in the wood plank is beautiful. I'll make a few today.
...and sand paper can take a really long time. had me chuckling - I am about 11 months into the wood working journey and picked up my first set of card scrapers; definitely life changing.
Thanks a million! I’ve been struggling with card scrapers, could get a cutting burr maybe one try in ten. You’re the first person to give pressure advice that I could follow with the elevator/crosswalk button tip. I immediately got four good edges, did a bunch of scraping, and repulled four more good edges.
Thanks, in the past missed out extending the edge before burnishing. Your method is so much superior with excellent results. Much appreciated your sharing if your methods.
Best vid teaching card scraping bar none on the net.! Thank you Johnathon. Size of curls vary based on wood hardness and cross grain but still there. I love planes and use card scrapers often.
Okay, that explains both why I don't like sharpening my scrapers AND why I mostly make dust :-) Thanks, I'll spend time squaring my scrapers, then draw out the edges, then *light* pressure at 5˚ At a Lie-Nielson Tool Show the demonstrator commented on all of the available videos when I asked how to sharpen the scraper [before I owned one]. But when he began the demonstration, the crowd was immediate, silent, attentive. I bet lots of people have the same issue I have. But it looks like planning, set-up, and mindful control is the answer. THUMBS-UP!
Thank you for this. I’ve struggled with sharpening my card scrapers (even with the Veritas burnisher). Following along with this worked 100% the first time. Fantastic tutorial 😀😀😀
My late dad could do this so easily, simply with the beveled part of a chisel. And then it was a marvel using it. Wonderful tool. But me, I am watching videos on how to sharpen it! Hopefully I will master it before I pass on! 😊
Good video and method with a very good narration on the process my Father cut hair for many years and owned his own shop he was a Master at sharpening Almost any thing including of course his shears that he brought home every evening unfortunately he is gone now and never took the time to explain all the processes he used Although i did watch him sitting at the workbench in our garage using a grinder and wet stones We even had a special container to put our dull utility knife blades he would re sharpen along with all the woodworking tools I was a professional Woodworker for over 20 years and i had to learn the skills of keeping many tools sharp out in the feild which sometimes meant needing to utilize a belt sander and files in a attempt to keep my tool boxes as light as i could sometimes like my Father i did bring certain items home to use Tools i kept there most importantly my loved and expensive Marple chisels that i made a tool roll for transporting them safely
Best sharpening video EVER. Thanks though Katz. I've tried to sharpen mine before with several different methods but this one seems like the most practical I've seen, and with you covering the pressure was definitely on point. Thanks Katz
Oh, thank you so much! My hobby is a furniture restoration and a scraper is a very important tool for me. I only have water stones and a burnisher (no diamond stones and no file with that…secret device 😅), but I’ve tried this method and it works!! Thank you!
Thank you Jonathan. I'd looked at a few other video guides but none seemed to mention the key point that you mentioned, pressure. Finally after using the pressure you suggested it only bloody worked, cheers :)
The best explanation Ihave seen . Particularly about removing the file marks . It's so true and although I do it ,I have never seen ANYBODY else do it . Bravo Jonathan.
it was the (bad) burnishing process i was using that was holding up getting a good edge. i did not even do a particularly good job of cleaning up the scraper and i still got such an improved result. "Improved" is not sufficient. I can now use the tool effectively! i had pulled out my orbital sander, vacuum, and extension cord; thought better of what i wanted and came back to watch this video (i had it in Watch Later) THANK YOU
Just got my card scraper and burnisher today, Jonathan. I’d saved this video a year ago waiting for this moment and BOOM! Silky smooth finish. Thanks so much 👍
Awesome video! I bought a card scraper years ago and it collected dust because I couldn't use it and got frustrated. Watched this one and got awesome results in no time at all. Nice work. Keep it up.
I was encouraged to use them early on and it was the best advice I got. Mastering them will take time but some decent results can be had in a few minutes.
I never heard of these, but imagined you could do this and it would be useful for my current project. This works so much better than I imagined it would. Your video was very clear and thorough without feeling tedious.
I just bought my first set of scrapers last week. I had that same excitement when I got a curly shaving. You're right when you say this is a super underutilized tool. Thanks for the vid!
I'm so glad I came across this video! I have a card scraper but have been afraid to use it because I don't know how to sharpen it. I'll give it a go this weekend, thank you!
Thanks for the tips. My scrapers I purchased from you just arrived and I was able to get them very sharp. I even made the file holder you used in the video. In the past I was applying too much pressure…..
Been watching your videos but never commented! You are a great instructor. You and and RC are two of the best on TH-cam. Thanks for the videos. I very much appreciate what you do!
I have been trying to get a card scraper to work for a while now. Never had clean shavings, just dust. Working better now though! Biggest tips were lite pressure like pushing a button, and burnishing the edge flat on the bench before you burnish the narrow edge. With these tips I was able to get much better finishes even just using the bottom of a big router bit as a burnishing tool. Seeing how much easier the burnishing tool makes things ive already ordered one. Great video!
I just wanted to say thank you. Ive watched a few of these how to's for the scraper. Your instructions produced excellent results. The thin shavings not dust. You're very good at "teaching". Great job
Bought his dovetail jig. Absolutely brilliant. I use it all the time not just for dovetails but for perfect crosscuts it's great too. Cheers from Wales butty!
Thank you so much for your straight forward informative video. I believe I'll be able to finally get my card scrapers properly "tuned" to work properly.
Great instruction. Thank you. It took me a few tries to get it right. The trick i think is not to press to hart with the burnishing tool. I feel your excitement. LOL Liked. Subscribed.
Thanks so much. I got some card scrapers recently and couldn’t figure out why they wouldn’t work. Turns out I forgot to draw up the edges. I went from squaring it up to bring the hook out.
Great video thanks so much! I got shown these steps by a furniture maker but he put heaps of pressure on the burnisher and I haven’t had great success with it, I can see the light touch you have and can’t wait to go and sharpen my cards now.
Even if you never use it for a finished face, a scraper is the absolute best at a.) removing tool burns, and more important b.) leveling across a joint. If you've ever dished out a depression in your project with an orbital sander trying to level a slight mismatch in a joint, whether it's edging on a plywood top or a corner joint on a frame - learn to use a scraper. It's FAST and FLAT, and the joint won't need anything but finish sanding afterwards. When adding a solid wood edge to a plywood top, I always make sure the solid edging is just a hair higher than the plywood. The scraper makes it super flat in no time, with no chance of going through the veneer that's so thin on plywood these days.
I am so jealous of your scraper. OK, just finished ATTEMPTING to sharpen my scrapers. Started with the worst one. I can now make heppa-dust. I THINK maybe I'm over pressing with my burnishing tool. What do you think? I WILL be making another attempt at sharpening this dust scraper.
Sir, I have been woodworking for a few years, I just started using the card scraper, thank you for the tutorial. It was very helpful. @youtube a bastard file is a common woodworking term either you lobby to change an entire industry or you learn industry terms before Demonetizing videos.
Haha this is excellent You're entertaining and informative af man! And I love how geeked you are when the curls come out. Another great video. Cheers 🍻
The card scraper is a great tool, we call it a cabinet scaper in the UK and fibrous plasters call it a busk, it also comes in many different gauges as well as shapes, I have never sharpened mine, so great video as always.
Burnisher/Card Scraper Set I LOVE and used in this video: amzn.to/2Uv337A
Thanks for the video! I've got a gooseneck scraper, a tiny NYC apartment, and a thin wallet. Any advice on hacks/DIY solutions for a good burnisher substitute? Would like to avoid the spend if there's a reasonable alternative.
Could a honing steel be used as a burnisher?
instablaster
I love my card scrapers, but I have a tip an old Iranian guy who made violins showed me a long time ago. I am a glazier by trade. One time this guy came into my Dad's shop and asked how much for our scrap glass cut offs. I thought he was nuts and I told him he could have all the scrap pieces he could find in my trash tub. He said he would be back in a few minutes. I thought he might be going to get a box, but he came back with a piece of a violin he was making and showed me why he wanted the broken glass. He used it as a scraper and his work was second to none! He took all the single and double strength glass he could with him. The key is that you can't use the side that the score came from. Sometimes when I need a weird shape I cut myself a piece of glass in that shape thanks to a tip from an old guy who came into my world from out of the blue. That is how we learn and evolve as craftsmen!
I've heard a LOT of old timers in my area talk about their fathers and grand-fathers cutting and shaping tool handles with "pieces of a busted jar"...
Personally never seen it done, myself... SO... thanks for the tip...
...time to experiment. ;o)
My Dad told me that he was standing on the shoulders of a Master cabinet maker.
Bro we use that glass trick on the edge of the leather soles in shoemaking and I tell you no sandpaper does the job as good as that trash piece of glass(treasure to us though)
@@barbodilshahi4956 I do the same on leather edges works best thing by far to use
I was taught this by my dad back in the late 70s when I was a kid. We’d save any mason jars that were cracked. Then as we needed it, we could put the glass in a burlap bag (I’ve used a pillow case) and bust it with a hammer.
Jonathan, you are simply the best. I've been sharpening my card scraper since my first few woodworking classes almost four years ago .... doing it the hard way. I was listening to a podcast recently where someone mentioned the method using a file to start the process. I went on TH-cam today to find that method. Watched a couple of other ones and then saw yours. As usual, you make it fun, have the best camera angles, and are SO GOOD at explaining everything with just the right amount of detail. THANK YOU!
I love the fact that you give proper pressure comparisons in your tutorials it makes so much more sense than when someone say "use a medium to light pressure" which can be confusing as hell.
Whilst I'd kind of agree with you, I'd argue that all he's really done in reality is make me way more self-conscious when pressing elevator and side-walk buttons!
@@JessMcM86hahaha. How hard do you press an elevator button, sir? Easy, about as hard as you do burnishing a card scraper.
GOT IT! I've had card scrapers for 6-7 years and finally got it!
Hands down the best scraper sharpening video I've seen.
These tools also work wonders for 3D printed items, smoothing them out and removing print lines before priming/painting.
Yep! this is the 3d printers secret weapon!
Awesome video on card scraper sharpening. I heard about them recently and googled how to sharpen (they came unsharpened) and bumped into this. The file holder is a great idea. I made one and it makes doing a decent job of sharpening very easy. Once you get the hang of it, it's very quick to dress them during use with very little time spent. Eventually, they need to be filed, but they are nearly as good the first time or two when they are redressed. I am sold on card scrapers. I wish I had learned about these years ago when I began joinery work. I've always waited until the glue is fully cured, then sand. The glue is a different hardness, so the glue joint does not sand at the same rate as the wood, causing an uneven surface. The card scraper is far more efficient at removing just what you need to, without affecting the entire surface. I'm loving this.
Thank you very much for this video! I tried to sharpen a card scraper plenty times, using different methods and I always thought that I didn't have enough strength to do it. First time it's working. Great tutorial!
Thank you! I was told I had to put a huge amount of pressure on the burnisher. I couldn't figure out why it was never sharp. I can't thank you enough.
Awesome! Very straightforward.
Very clear that I’ve been doing it wrong, even having watched loads of other videos. The details on the pressure is where I was WAY off. Thank you!
This might be the "Mother" of all card scraper sharpening instructional videos. Thank You. Your bastard in the wood plank is beautiful. I'll make a few today.
This is the only video I have seen with the correct method to sharpen a scraper. This information needs to be out there THANK YOU.
...and sand paper can take a really long time. had me chuckling - I am about 11 months into the wood working journey and picked up my first set of card scrapers; definitely life changing.
Finally, I understand this SIMPLE process!
Thanks a million! I’ve been struggling with card scrapers, could get a cutting burr maybe one try in ten. You’re the first person to give pressure advice that I could follow with the elevator/crosswalk button tip. I immediately got four good edges, did a bunch of scraping, and repulled four more good edges.
Accu burr
Thanks, in the past missed out extending the edge before burnishing. Your method is so much superior with excellent results. Much appreciated your sharing if your methods.
Thanks for your guidance
So nice of you
It’s encouraging to see a woodworker excited about his craft and not be a dweeb about it! 👌🏻👏🏻
On TH-cam we say "a file of questionable legitimacy" rather than bstrd file. I liked your vid and learned from it. Thank you!
Got it on my first attempt! Thanks Jonathan!
glad i came across this i haven't used mine in years and they need work not bad but almost embarrassed.thanks.
Best vid teaching card scraping bar none on the net.! Thank you Johnathon. Size of curls vary based on wood hardness and cross grain but still there. I love planes and use card scrapers often.
Okay, that explains both why I don't like sharpening my scrapers AND why I mostly make dust :-) Thanks, I'll spend time squaring my scrapers, then draw out the edges, then *light* pressure at 5˚
At a Lie-Nielson Tool Show the demonstrator commented on all of the available videos when I asked how to sharpen the scraper [before I owned one]. But when he began the demonstration, the crowd was immediate, silent, attentive. I bet lots of people have the same issue I have. But it looks like planning, set-up, and mindful control is the answer. THUMBS-UP!
Thank you for this. I’ve struggled with sharpening my card scrapers (even with the Veritas burnisher). Following along with this worked 100% the first time. Fantastic tutorial 😀😀😀
My late dad could do this so easily, simply with the beveled part of a chisel. And then it was a marvel using it. Wonderful tool. But me, I am watching videos on how to sharpen it! Hopefully I will master it before I pass on! 😊
Good video and method with a very good narration on the process my Father cut hair for many years and owned his own shop he was a Master at sharpening Almost any thing including of course his shears that he brought home every evening unfortunately he is gone now and never took the time to explain all the processes he used Although i did watch him sitting at the workbench in our garage using a grinder and wet stones We even had a special container to put our dull utility knife blades he would re sharpen along with all the woodworking tools I was a professional Woodworker for over 20 years and i had to learn the skills of keeping many tools sharp out in the feild which sometimes meant needing to utilize a belt sander and files in a attempt to keep my tool boxes as light as i could sometimes like my Father i did bring certain items home to use Tools i kept there most importantly my loved and expensive Marple chisels that i made a tool roll for transporting them safely
Thanks Jonathan. This is the most clear presentation I've seen of this.
Best sharpening video EVER. Thanks though Katz. I've tried to sharpen mine before with several different methods but this one seems like the most practical I've seen, and with you covering the pressure was definitely on point. Thanks Katz
Oh, thank you so much!
My hobby is a furniture restoration and a scraper is a very important tool for me.
I only have water stones and a burnisher (no diamond stones and no file with that…secret device 😅), but I’ve tried this method and it works!! Thank you!
Thank you Jonathan. I'd looked at a few other video guides but none seemed to mention the key point that you mentioned, pressure. Finally after using the pressure you suggested it only bloody worked, cheers :)
this is a great video. thank you for breaking down how it actually works!
The best explanation Ihave seen . Particularly about removing the file marks . It's so true and although I do it ,I have never seen ANYBODY else do it . Bravo Jonathan.
it was the (bad) burnishing process i was using that was holding up getting a good edge.
i did not even do a particularly good job of cleaning up the scraper and i still got such an improved result. "Improved" is not sufficient. I can now use the tool effectively!
i had pulled out my orbital sander, vacuum, and extension cord; thought better of what i wanted and came back to watch this video (i had it in Watch Later)
THANK YOU
Just got my card scraper and burnisher today, Jonathan. I’d saved this video a year ago waiting for this moment and BOOM! Silky smooth finish. Thanks so much 👍
Thank you so much for this video. Now I’m off to sharpen my card scrapers.
Just got my first set of card scrapers and have got them sharps. Thanks for the lesson. Appreciate it.
Thank you soo much for this!
It took the apprehension out of sharpening my scrapers
Great I had not used in long time a needed a refresher. Blade had loss it edge and I needed this tool to even joined wood seams. Thanks
Awesome video! I bought a card scraper years ago and it collected dust because I couldn't use it and got frustrated.
Watched this one and got awesome results in no time at all. Nice work. Keep it up.
Great info for us new woodworkers.!
Brilliant, just got my scraper up to a nice edge, thank you. I realise I was skipping step 2 before...
This is so helpful! Thanks Jonathan!
I was encouraged to use them early on and it was the best advice I got. Mastering them will take time but some decent results can be had in a few minutes.
A very helpful video. Thank you Jonathan.
I never heard of these, but imagined you could do this and it would be useful for my current project.
This works so much better than I imagined it would.
Your video was very clear and thorough without feeling tedious.
I just bought my first set of scrapers last week. I had that same excitement when I got a curly shaving. You're right when you say this is a super underutilized tool. Thanks for the vid!
Wow, excellent tutorial! Thank you!
So satisfying to use.
Thanks to you, I finally am able to sharpen my card scraper! Thanks!
Best method I've seen yet...and I've seen a lot!
Much better than William Walker
I'm so glad I came across this video! I have a card scraper but have been afraid to use it because I don't know how to sharpen it. I'll give it a go this weekend, thank you!
Thanks for the tips. My scrapers I purchased from you just arrived and I was able to get them very sharp. I even made the file holder you used in the video. In the past I was applying too much pressure…..
Excellent video Jonathan, very helpful...thanks.
You give us so many real life wood working tips and at least for me, these tips have been invaluable.
Been watching your videos but never commented! You are a great instructor. You and and RC are two of the best on TH-cam. Thanks for the videos. I very much appreciate what you do!
I have been trying to get a card scraper to work for a while now. Never had clean shavings, just dust. Working better now though! Biggest tips were lite pressure like pushing a button, and burnishing the edge flat on the bench before you burnish the narrow edge. With these tips I was able to get much better finishes even just using the bottom of a big router bit as a burnishing tool. Seeing how much easier the burnishing tool makes things ive already ordered one. Great video!
Best explanation on sharpening I've seen.
Good vid, straight to the point
I have used scrapers in my weekend wood working for years. I appreciate learning how to sharpen correctly. Thank you
I just wanted to say thank you. Ive watched a few of these how to's for the scraper. Your instructions produced excellent results. The thin shavings not dust. You're very good at "teaching". Great job
Very informative while fun. I love how Jonathan shares his joy and discovery.
Bought his dovetail jig. Absolutely brilliant. I use it all the time not just for dovetails but for perfect crosscuts it's great too. Cheers from Wales butty!
So that's why I'm only getting dust! Well now I know what to do. Nice video without too much waffling 👍 Subbed.
Merci, très bonne explication. Daniel
Thank you so much. This is the only method I've tried where I got a good result. Excellent tutorial. Invaluable.
Thank you so much for your straight forward informative video. I believe I'll be able to finally get my card scrapers properly "tuned" to work properly.
I was just thinking it was time to sharpen my card scraper (for the first time)! This is great!
You'll love it!
Best video and detailed directions on sharpening I have seen. Thanks
Thanks bud, I really appreciate it!
Very informative, never heard of this before but must give it a try. Thank you!
I am so going to have to try this for my 3D prints
Okay just tried it... MAN does it work! Wipes the layer lines right off! lol
Great instruction. Thank you. It took me a few tries to get it right. The trick i think is not to press to hart with the burnishing tool. I feel your excitement. LOL Liked. Subscribed.
Thanks so much. I got some card scrapers recently and couldn’t figure out why they wouldn’t work. Turns out I forgot to draw up the edges. I went from squaring it up to bring the hook out.
Fantastic video! Thank you so much.
Very good video man thanks ,back to the shop
Great video. A fine lesson
my love from Greece...likeeeeeee !!!!!!!!!
Card scrapers ftw
Great video thanks so much! I got shown these steps by a furniture maker but he put heaps of pressure on the burnisher and I haven’t had great success with it, I can see the light touch you have and can’t wait to go and sharpen my cards now.
Even if you never use it for a finished face, a scraper is the absolute best at a.) removing tool burns, and more important b.) leveling across a joint. If you've ever dished out a depression in your project with an orbital sander trying to level a slight mismatch in a joint, whether it's edging on a plywood top or a corner joint on a frame - learn to use a scraper. It's FAST and FLAT, and the joint won't need anything but finish sanding afterwards. When adding a solid wood edge to a plywood top, I always make sure the solid edging is just a hair higher than the plywood. The scraper makes it super flat in no time, with no chance of going through the veneer that's so thin on plywood these days.
Great tutorial. The file in the block is an A+ tip. Thanks much, Jonathan!
Excellent video. Best I've seen for card scrapers. You make it easy. Love the file setup.
I am so jealous of your scraper. OK, just finished ATTEMPTING to sharpen my scrapers. Started with the worst one. I can now make heppa-dust. I THINK maybe I'm over pressing with my burnishing tool. What do you think? I WILL be making another attempt at sharpening this dust scraper.
Thank you for the great tut Jon, I am going to my shop to try the technique out!
The best video, thanks!!!!
Great tutorial. Thanks
Been using one since I was a kid thanks to Grandpa. Nice video Jon, covered all the points.
Sir, I have been woodworking for a few years, I just started using the card scraper, thank you for the tutorial. It was very helpful.
@youtube a bastard file is a common woodworking term either you lobby to change an entire industry or you learn industry terms before Demonetizing videos.
Awesome tips!
Thanks great video
Haha this is excellent
You're entertaining and informative af man! And I love how geeked you are when the curls come out.
Another great video. Cheers 🍻
Cheers!
Perfect timing. Just got a set to try but didn't really feel like I knew what I was doing and no instructions came with it.
The card scraper is a great tool, we call it a cabinet scaper in the UK and fibrous plasters call it a busk, it also comes in many different gauges as well as shapes, I have never sharpened mine, so great video as always.
Great instructional video sir. Thanks!
Thanks for the tips
thank you man!
Thank you Sir.🎉
This is so helpful, thanks! I just received my first scrapers in the mail, can't wait to try them out.
Neat..never seen a card scraper..lot less dust in the air ..easy cleanup..use shaving for campfires etc.
Damn! My mind is blown and my scraper is dull, thank you! 🙏🏼