Stumpy, Thoroughly covered this topic... nicely done. It never hurts to be reminded with a review of basics and your review is so well explained. Kudos!
I really do enjoy your sermons. You have a great delivery and give the viewer only what is needed. The information presented is always well researched, accurate and informative. Truly refreshing, if you've watch very many TH-cam segments. Thanks Stumpy, for all your hard work.
This is excellent. I suggest watching this and Paul Sellers’ excellent video in the subject because there’s much to learn from both. Personally, I think Paul’s simple method for holding the scraper is safer (I’ve always been concerned about bearing down with the burnisher with that much edge exposed), but I like Stumpie’s explanation of the details. Regardless of which method you use, it takes far less time to do it than it does to explain it!
Thanks for all the great stuff you and the crew put out here Stumpy. Taking the time to teach is a noble effort and is to be commended. I am sure there are many like me who have the drive to learn these skills and just need a nudge in the right direction sometimes. Your upbeat attitude and comic timing make this channel and your website a true pleasure to watch and share with others. God Bless
Outstanding video. I have yet to purchase any card scrapers due to being intimidated about the sharpening and burnishing process. I will certainly come back to this one in the near future once I purchase a few. Question for you: how could I incorporate my WorkSharp system with this? I know you have one as well and I'd love to not have to buy water stones. Thanks!
I have a worksharp with grinder attachment. You could use it for the first stage of this process, but I usually just do this with a file. I think it is worth having at least one diamond plate sharpening stone.
Thanks for Taking the Time to Make This Video Great information here. That little bolt on auxiliary vise--do you have a video or plans in your web site to make this little guy? It looks handy.
Thanks for this, now i know what I'm doing. Previously I was mistaken in believing the initial burr was what did the cutting. Tell me, does 'stumpy nubs' refer to missing digits? I ask because in the UK it is also derogatory, used to infer a certain lack in the manhood department. Just asking!
I've seen several demos on You Tube and in person, yours is the only one that gives the whys and wherefores. Now show us the curved scrapers. I've haven't seen anyone do them. Most just say to do them like the straight ones. I'm good at filing a outside curve but the inside?? And burnishing??
I’m a third generation high end furniture maker , I have been making dust for 54 years plus and still breathing and making furniture. I’m very impressed with your tutorials, you have a knack for explaining every detail that is precise and easy to grasp. I’ve taught. Many classes over the years and your TH-cam videos are great. I recommend them to a lot of Woodworker’s , novice and long time pros, Keep on keepin on .michael pratt woodworking
Thank you for mentioning the fact there is a single cut file, oh how many times I’ve been told a file only cuts one way NOT IF IT’S A DOUBLE CUT FILE ! Lol rant over, great video. Do a goose neck next !
Your burnisher looks like mine from CROWN. Mine does not have a smooth rod; you can see and feel what appear to be fine screw threads for the full length. They can be felt with a finger nail and feel them grab the scraper. QUESTION- is yours like that? I have two brand new and identical from Taylor Tool. Thanks, Jim.
I've been trying with the same tools (but water stone instead of diamond) and I just can't get more than the tiniest shavings... Which turn into dust after just a few passes :( I'm sad
Hello, At the very beginning of the video "5 steps for easy woodworking card/cabinet scraper sharpening", we see on your Bench a Hold Down Clamp with an Orange/Red Handle. Can you please tell me the Manufacturer's Name and Model number ?. I'm looking to get the very same ! Best Regards, Robert,
I've watched you for a long time, and it dawns on me how good you've gotten at these tutorials. Your knowledge has always been obvious, but your teaching technique has gotten really refined. I now find your videos "must watch!" Thanks for your work.
Thank you! I've been a weekend woodworker for 40 years and I've tried dozens of times to use the card scraper. I read magazine articles, watched TH-cam videos, bought jigs,and never got anything but dust. Tonight, I followed your instructions step-by-step. For the first time, I was making shavings, not dust. I was able to clean up some figured maple I would otherwise have had to spend hours sanding. I cleaned up planer and joiner marks easily. Now all I need is one of those card holder gadgets; my thumbs need a rest!
Thanks for taking the time to carefully document this method, Stumpy. I worked for months on this method about thirty years ago when a expert woodworking friend visited my shop as I was burnishing a scraper and gave me a lesson. Ever since that visit you can put me firmly in the "Use the burr from the file" column, but not the burr raised from jointing the edge. I knock the burr off after jointer using the file and then turning the file so that the teeth are 90 degrees to the edge give it a couple strokes. Give that burr a shot and realize that it can be restored in less than twenty seconds. I'd love it if you would give this method a try for a few projects and see what you think. As always, very entertaining. Scott
I've tried it, and I'm not a fan. But that's the thing with woodworking. One way works for some people, another way works for others. As long as it's working for you, that's what's important! :)
Thanks Stumpy; it's the first time I have heard about the angle you use on the burnisher is the angle you use to 'Scrape' the wood. So thanks again.... Learning all the time ;0
Thank you! I "may" have just watched ALL the videos on this subject the internet has to offer and this one seemed to resonate with me the most. Stumpy Nubs... Weird name, GREAT woodworking tips!
Thank you so much for showing how to sharpen my scraper though I don’t have a proper burnishing tool which I’m going to be buying now I use the kitchen one that I used for adjusting my meat cleaver it worked enough to where I can use the tool again, but I will be buying a proper one thank you again
Another great video - I particularly appreciate the extra info and supporting experience that will keep me from making some novice mistakes and knowing why. Thank you again!
Thanks Stumpy! Great video - clear and concise on a subject that we all need to learn. Saves time and energy knowing how to use and maintain a scraper. Can't wait to see that "whole 'nother video" on the curved ones.
I dunno mate, the shank of a good quality drill bit does the job of a burnisher just fine for me... Never got to buying a burnisher, and i don't really see the need, The steel of whatever you use as a burnisher only need to be stronger than that of the card, even if the scraper card is using a good quality hard steel, it is most likely weaker than the shank of a drill bit... and that would be enough to use it as a burnisher
Just wondering ... thinking .... Have seen so many videos, similar to yours. Read that so many, including myself, have at least initial difficulties getting a working edge on a scraper. Then reliably being able to reproduce same. Seems to me.... most of my frustration comes from simply not being able to actually SEE what I'm creating in the sharpening process. Everybody sharpens, then tries, and if sawdust, try again. If shavings ... you did good. So, perhaps if we could actually SEE what we're doing, that is see the edges we've made, we might 1) KNOW if we have proper edge and 2) most importantly, if it isn't right, try again, learning from what the incorrect edge shape was knowing what we did to mess it up! Otherwise ... we're just working in the blind, guessing. Hence, the notoriously 'mysterious' difficult process we see. I'm thinking, wondering too, maybe a loan of the kid's microscope set might be useful??? Or, perhaps actually buying an inexpensive microscope??? Just a thought ... hint? ... Ideas, thoughts?
Thank you! I "may" have just watched ALL the videos on this subject the internet has to offer and this one seemed to resonate with me the most. Stumpy Nubs... Weird name, GREAT woodworking tips!
I've tried so many times to sharpen a putty knife. Looks like it's my screw drivers hardness causing the problem. time to bite the bullet and buy a burnisher
stumpy..........you got me interested in sharpening and using my scraper........is there a certain thickness you like best or would recommend......the scraper i have now is .035 ,,,,,very difficult to bend....thanks......
Thickness is a matter or personal preference. Thinner scrapers are easier to bend and won't tire your hands as easily. But the more you bend it, the more aggressive (and narrower) the cut. So very thin, easy to bend scrapers are likely to scoop out the surface of the board more.
Great video but everyone always says how cheap a card scraper is and they are right. What they don't tell you is how expensive it is to keep them sharpened! I couldn't believe the price of some of those stones and jigs!
The stones I use are nice, but you can do this with an inexpensive water stone (as long as you maintain it) and a block of wood to help hold it square. A mill file isn't expensive either, and neither is a burnisher.
Some folks like to do that, and as long as you wipe it off when finished it's perfectly fine. It may even help. I personally don't do it just because it's an extra step :)
would you recommend this to remove wood imperfections? I have scratches on an unfinished live edge slab I'd like to remove. Curious if this would do the trick.
This is great, do you also have a video on sharpening a hand planer? I couldn't find one. Also, please add Amazon affiliated links for your recommended card scrapper and burnisher
Stumpy,
Thoroughly covered this topic... nicely done. It never hurts to be reminded with a review of basics and your review is so well explained. Kudos!
I really do enjoy your sermons. You have a great delivery and give the viewer only what is needed. The information presented is always well researched, accurate and informative. Truly refreshing, if you've watch very many TH-cam segments. Thanks Stumpy, for all your hard work.
This is excellent. I suggest watching this and Paul Sellers’ excellent video in the subject because there’s much to learn from both. Personally, I think Paul’s simple method for holding the scraper is safer (I’ve always been concerned about bearing down with the burnisher with that much edge exposed), but I like Stumpie’s explanation of the details.
Regardless of which method you use, it takes far less time to do it than it does to explain it!
Thanks for all the great stuff you and the crew put out here Stumpy. Taking the time to teach is a noble effort and is to be commended. I am sure there are many like me who have the drive to learn these skills and just need a nudge in the right direction sometimes. Your upbeat attitude and comic timing make this channel and your website a true pleasure to watch and share with others. God Bless
An excellent tutorial!
Outstanding video. I have yet to purchase any card scrapers due to being intimidated about the sharpening and burnishing process. I will certainly come back to this one in the near future once I purchase a few. Question for you: how could I incorporate my WorkSharp system with this? I know you have one as well and I'd love to not have to buy water stones. Thanks!
old handsaw blades make a scraper... but putty knives are very easy to get a good hook on and work very well.
I have a worksharp with grinder attachment. You could use it for the first stage of this process, but I usually just do this with a file. I think it is worth having at least one diamond plate sharpening stone.
Thanks for Taking the Time to Make This Video
Great information here. That little bolt on auxiliary vise--do you have a video or plans in your web site to make this little guy? It looks handy.
Thanks for this, now i know what I'm doing. Previously I was mistaken in believing the initial burr was what did the cutting.
Tell me, does 'stumpy nubs' refer to missing digits? I ask because in the UK it is also derogatory, used to infer a certain lack in the manhood department. Just asking!
Thanks for the video. I have Parkinson's too and it's great to see someone else living a fulfilling life!
Well done... concise, informative and articulate - thanks!
Hey Stumpy, this was great for the card scrapers. How to you handle all those odd shaped ones you show in other excellent video on card usage?
I've seen several demos on You Tube and in person, yours is the only one that gives the whys and wherefores.
Now show us the curved scrapers. I've haven't seen anyone do them. Most just say to do them like the straight
ones. I'm good at filing a outside curve but the inside?? And burnishing??
well done, a clear and concise tutorial. i have seen some shockers lol.
Excellent video, James.
Thanks James!
I’m a third generation high end furniture maker , I have been making dust for 54 years plus and still breathing and making furniture. I’m very impressed with your tutorials, you have a knack for explaining every detail that is precise and easy to grasp. I’ve taught. Many classes over the years and your TH-cam videos are great. I recommend them to a lot of Woodworker’s , novice and long time pros,
Keep on keepin on .michael pratt woodworking
A burr created with a file is also a cold case.
Thank you for mentioning the fact there is a single cut file, oh how many times I’ve been told a file only cuts one way NOT IF IT’S A DOUBLE CUT FILE ! Lol rant over, great video. Do a goose neck next !
This mis great but how do you obtain a hook on both sides of both ends? Mine currently has one hook per each end.
Your burnisher looks like mine from CROWN. Mine does not have a smooth rod; you can
see and feel what appear to be fine screw threads for the full length.
They can be felt with a finger nail and feel them grab the scraper. QUESTION-
is yours like that? I have two brand new and identical from Taylor Tool. Thanks, Jim.
I've been trying with the same tools (but water stone instead of diamond) and I just can't get more than the tiniest shavings... Which turn into dust after just a few passes :( I'm sad
What is the purpose of dragging the ruler over the diamond sharpening stone?
thanks
Hello, At the very beginning of the video "5 steps for easy woodworking card/cabinet scraper sharpening", we see on your Bench a Hold Down Clamp with an Orange/Red Handle. Can you please tell me the Manufacturer's Name and Model number ?. I'm looking to get the very same ! Best Regards, Robert,
Why use the file? Couldn’t you use a low grit diamond plate, then go through the rest of the grits?
A file is faster, cheaper, and the edge of the card is hard on the stone.
This is still my go to whenever I need a reminder on how to form a burr on my card scraper. Thanks much Stumpy Nubs!
Thanks for explaining why you don’t just go with the burr created by the file. Other videos mention that you shouldn’t but they don’t say why.
One of the best videos on the subject!
Thanks, David!
Stumpy showing how to make a homemade card scrapers
Thank you! Can I ask which burnisher you use or would recommend (there are so many out there, with so many variable reviews)?
lddy.no/zbhg
I retired my chainsaw disk after watching your video - I thought breaking the chain was the dangerous thing - thank-you!!
What a delight to watch experience share expertise with valuable insight.Thank you sooooo much.
Old saw blades are good sources for scraper material. You might have to temper the steel if it’s too hard, but that’s easy.
I've watched you for a long time, and it dawns on me how good you've gotten at these tutorials. Your knowledge has always been obvious, but your teaching technique has gotten really refined. I now find your videos "must watch!" Thanks for your work.
Thank you! I've been a weekend woodworker for 40 years and I've tried dozens of times to use the card scraper. I read magazine articles, watched TH-cam videos, bought jigs,and never got anything but dust. Tonight, I followed your instructions step-by-step. For the first time, I was making shavings, not dust. I was able to clean up some figured maple I would otherwise have had to spend hours sanding. I cleaned up planer and joiner marks easily. Now all I need is one of those card holder gadgets; my thumbs need a rest!
Thanks for taking the time to carefully document this method, Stumpy. I worked for months on this method about thirty years ago when a expert woodworking friend visited my shop as I was burnishing a scraper and gave me a lesson. Ever since that visit you can put me firmly in the "Use the burr from the file" column, but not the burr raised from jointing the edge. I knock the burr off after jointer using the file and then turning the file so that the teeth are 90 degrees to the edge give it a couple strokes. Give that burr a shot and realize that it can be restored in less than twenty seconds. I'd love it if you would give this method a try for a few projects and see what you think. As always, very entertaining. Scott
I've tried it, and I'm not a fan. But that's the thing with woodworking. One way works for some people, another way works for others. As long as it's working for you, that's what's important! :)
#Truth!
Thanks Stumpy; it's the first time I have heard about the angle you use on the burnisher is the angle you use to 'Scrape' the wood. So thanks again.... Learning all the time ;0
Another good instructional video. Question. Any tips on sharpening curved scrapers?
Great to see someone who knows how to do this well!
Thank you! I "may" have just watched ALL the videos on this subject the internet has to offer and this one seemed to resonate with me the most. Stumpy Nubs... Weird name, GREAT woodworking tips!
Thank you so much for showing how to sharpen my scraper though I don’t have a proper burnishing tool which I’m going to be buying now I use the kitchen one that I used for adjusting my meat cleaver it worked enough to where I can use the tool again, but I will be buying a proper one thank you again
Another great video - I particularly appreciate the extra info and supporting experience that will keep me from making some novice mistakes and knowing why. Thank you again!
Hahaha, you sure are spoiled with hand planes. You must have 100 different planes!
Thanks Stumpy, great advise as usual.
Thanks Stumpy! Great video - clear and concise on a subject that we all need to learn. Saves time and energy knowing how to use and maintain a scraper. Can't wait to see that "whole 'nother video" on the curved ones.
Thank you Sir! Great video, i have been struggling with my set for years... Now I have them cutting wood like butter!
Incredibly informative, you covered more than I could've thought of.
Your shop is amazing, it's a credit to you.
I didn't know I had to do any of that! Thanks for the tips!
Do you ever show projects you have made?
Any tips for sharpening a concave card?
Would a ceramic rod work as a burnisher?
Great info thanks for the video
Thank you
I dunno mate, the shank of a good quality drill bit does the job of a burnisher just fine for me...
Never got to buying a burnisher, and i don't really see the need,
The steel of whatever you use as a burnisher only need to be stronger than that of the card,
even if the scraper card is using a good quality hard steel, it is most likely weaker than the shank of a drill bit...
and that would be enough to use it as a burnisher
Just wondering ... thinking .... Have seen so many videos, similar to yours. Read that so many, including myself, have at least initial difficulties getting a working edge on a scraper. Then reliably being able to reproduce same. Seems to me.... most of my frustration comes from simply not being able to actually SEE what I'm creating in the sharpening process. Everybody sharpens, then tries, and if sawdust, try again. If shavings ... you did good. So, perhaps if we could actually SEE what we're doing, that is see the edges we've made, we might 1) KNOW if we have proper edge and 2) most importantly, if it isn't right, try again, learning from what the incorrect edge shape was knowing what we did to mess it up! Otherwise ... we're just working in the blind, guessing. Hence, the notoriously 'mysterious' difficult process we see. I'm thinking, wondering too, maybe a loan of the kid's microscope set might be useful??? Or, perhaps actually buying an inexpensive microscope??? Just a thought ... hint? ... Ideas, thoughts?
Does anyone know of a good thin ruler for this trick?
Thank you! I "may" have just watched ALL the videos on this subject the internet has to offer and this one seemed to resonate with me the most. Stumpy Nubs... Weird name, GREAT woodworking tips!
I've tried so many times to sharpen a putty knife. Looks like it's my screw drivers hardness causing the problem. time to bite the bullet and buy a burnisher
word of the day , putadicinher . how ever you spell perpendicular
I just watched this and I like your bench block with the vise. Is that available in a video?
Danke
Another great video! Thanks
Great tips, or edge or well good video
stumpy..........you got me interested in sharpening and using my scraper........is there a certain thickness you like best or would recommend......the scraper i have now is .035 ,,,,,very difficult to bend....thanks......
Thickness is a matter or personal preference. Thinner scrapers are easier to bend and won't tire your hands as easily. But the more you bend it, the more aggressive (and narrower) the cut. So very thin, easy to bend scrapers are likely to scoop out the surface of the board more.
great tip for the straight scraper but what about the curve ones how do you do those?
That's a whole 'nother video...
Brilliant tutorial. :-)
Thank you stumpy.
Great video but everyone always says how cheap a card scraper is and they are right. What they don't tell you is how expensive it is to keep them sharpened! I couldn't believe the price of some of those stones and jigs!
The stones I use are nice, but you can do this with an inexpensive water stone (as long as you maintain it) and a block of wood to help hold it square. A mill file isn't expensive either, and neither is a burnisher.
excellent refresher.
Very well done and through. Is there any advantage to using a drop of 3n’1 oil when burnishing? Thanks
Some folks like to do that, and as long as you wipe it off when finished it's perfectly fine. It may even help. I personally don't do it just because it's an extra step :)
Top advice, Stumpy. Well done. I use a file with a smooth side and have removed the teeth at 45 deg on a grinder as a burnisher
My cheap self thanks you , i personally used big hss bit and it worked ok but they are not easy to use for burnishing
Nice job
would you recommend this to remove wood imperfections? I have scratches on an unfinished live edge slab I'd like to remove. Curious if this would do the trick.
Depends on how deep the imperfections go. It may take a lof of scraping if they are deep. In that case, a plane would be better.
Stumpy Nubs thanks. Not deep at all. Basically a mm or two.
Great instruction... I have noticed the similarity of a Knife Steel and a burnisher... could a steel be used?
Most "knife steels" have ridges on them, which makes them unusable as a scraper burnisher.
+Stumpy Nubs (James Hamilton) Thanks! Exactly what I wondered. So much for trying to be cheap! Super helpful video.
This is great, do you also have a video on sharpening a hand planer? I couldn't find one.
Also, please add Amazon affiliated links for your recommended card scrapper and burnisher
This didn't work for me at all.