How to Sharpen A Hand Scraper?

Posted by Woodgeek on Saturday, February 18th 2012

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1.Filing the edges square

To file off the existing hook on a scraper, clamp the tool in a vise with one long edge facing up. Holding a sharp mill bastard file firmly with both hands as shown, make several passes back and forth along the edge of the scraper, exerting moderate downward pressure until the bun disappears and the edges are flat. To remove filings, periodically tap the file on a firm surface or use a file card. Turn the scraper over and repeat the process for the other edge.

2.Honing the edge

Secure a combination sharpening stone fine side up to a work surface with cleats and lubricate it as you would when honing a plane blade Holding the scraper flat against the stone, rub the face on the stone with a circular motion. Apply moderate pressure and continue until any roughness produced by filing disappears. Turn the scraper over and repeat for the other face. To complete the honing, hold the scraper edge down and slide it back and forth diagonally across the stone until the edge is smooth with sharp corners. Repeat for the other edge.

3.Burnishing the edges to start a hook

Place the scraper flat on a work surface with the edge to be sharpened extending off the table. Holding a burnisher at a slight angle to the scraper, make several passes back and forth along the edge, applying strong downward pressure to start turning over the edge into a hook. Burnish the other cutting edge the same way; turn the scraper over and burnish the edges on the other face.

4.Completing the hook

Secure the scraper edge up in a vise. Hold the burnisher almost perpendicular to the edge and run it along the edge in one direction until the edge swells slightly, turning outward on one side. For best results, apply moderate pressure. Then hold the burnisher so that the handle is at a 10′ to 15′ angle above the edge of the scraper and continue burnishing until the edge turns over. Repeat the process to form a hook on the other side of the edge (inset), this time holding the handle with your other hand. The greater the pressure you apply, tho bigger the hook. Turn the scraper over and burnish the opposite edge. Test the cutting edges on a piece of scrap wood, burnishing them again, if necessary, until you have the hook you need for the job at hand.