scraper?

[ricktrojanowski]

I am with Dane on this one.  Especially when you get used using certain tools.  With very little work time I like to maximize the little time with some good tools.  The key to any scraper is getting a good burr. I find that all the card scrapers I have lose the burr so quickly.  The torges scraper, which is a really nice chair scraper holds a burr forever.  The best part about good tools,  is that if you take care of them they will last a lifetime or more.

[hedgeapple]

what doe roll he burr mean?
Click here to add cool Smileys to this website for FREE!

knap, google "how to sharpen a scraper"  There's some really helpful info.  Since some of the companies do not advertise with PA, I can't post a link.

[Rich Saffold]

I have about 20 scrapers from sandviks to split scissors like Pat mentioned. One thing I learned years ago since I use these often for hours daily is I don't sharpen them the traditional method and run them through a grinder with a medium or fine wheel with the rest set at 90 deg.

I can sharpen all these scrapers in two minutes, and since I work  with a lot of the heaviest Ipe there is, no matter how well its sharpened it will be dull in a few minutes and how fast you can touch them up matters more than anything..

I learned how to roll and edge when I was 12, but for bowmaking getting a clean 90 deg. edge works better for me, and at more angles. I can lay it flat on a straight bow or be perpendicular to a knot with a pointed one.

I did a demo at the last mojam as part of my glue-up seminar. Never seen  so many eyes bug out from what I did..Kinda freaky but I made many converts.

Try it, you will save your energy for tillering, and get more done.

Rich-

[El Destructo]

what doe roll he burr mean?
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                                                I D/L'd these Smileys....and locked My Computer up big time.....

[orcbow]

I agree with Rich about sharpening scrapers--It's true that a properly sharpened scraper is a joy to use, but it is not necessary for most bowmaking tasks, especially for tillering. What I do with is my scraper when tillering is just remove wood, I don't care about how nice the finnish left behind. It will take maybe a little more effort with out rolling the burr, but just a clean 90 degree edge will work for many woods. As a professional woodworker we use scrapers mostly for dried glue removal, since sandpaper works better for consistent results and less chance of damage on finished work.

[TRACY]

Orcbow, maybe you can give a demo at the Heartland in May?

Tracy

[knap_123]

you tube has lots of info on rolling a bur  or under sharpening a scraper [ftp][http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfUi8Nm6_Jg/ftp]

[Rich Saffold]

Often I'm getting a smoother finish on the heavier woods with my thin scrapers than the 600 wet/dry I'm using in conjunction. I also have some larger push scrapers which will remove wood like a spokeshave or faster since  when used pushing downward I can get my body weight behind it

[PeteC]

The best, fine tillering scraper I've found so far is a piece of chain saw bar ,cut to size.I sharpen mine on a belt sander in seconds.It does'nt get hot like cabinet scrapers do,and is very easy to control.I generally get it tillered to brace with a draw knike,then switch to the CSB scraper. God Bless

[Sidewinder]

This is a great topic and very relevant. I bought a cheap set of scrapers (3 for $5) from the Big tool store" the other day and I must say, I did'nt know how much I needed them until I had them and used them. I am totally sold. I have not yet re sharpened them yet because I understood from Dean Torges tutorial you needed a burnishing tool and those were $30.00. Any cheap suggestions for rolling the edge without a burnishing steel? I also would like to get a good rounded scrapper, these are rectangle. I had one but lost it in the shavings pile at OJAM last year ( If anyone found it during clean up let me know. I am keeping my eyes open for a good deal or at yard sales, may be I'll get fortunate.  The ability to get your belly flat is amazing and I will not do without it from now on.  Danny

[ricktrojanowski]

Sidewinder-
You can use a scewdriver shank as a burnishing rod.  Just put a drop of oil on the edge before you start to roll it.

[aruge]

I've made all of my scrapers out of heavy used table saw blades. I can get 6 scrapers out of a 10 inch blade. Sharpening takes about 30 seconds. I just hold them at 90 degrees to the grinder and go. Keep 5 or 6 going and you can work an hour or two before you need to sharpen them. Al

[orcbow]

Orcbow, maybe you can give a demo at the Heartland in May?

Tracy

Tracy: sure I would do that. 

[Sidewinder]

Thanks Rick I had wondered if something like that would work. I will give it a shot.   Danny

[Rich Saffold]

Table saw blades can be too thick to roll the edge and these work well in the grinder since these hard steels make such a workable edge for what we do when touched up on the grinder. When you do this remember the "rough" edge will be away from the wood.

This is a different process from  the traditional manner, and will seem alien until you try it.. I've cut up my share of table saw blades for scrapers and a grinder is a great tool for shaping them...

30$ for a burnishing too heck the grinder you need costs 50$ and it has many other uses as well.

Rich-"progressive methods lead to more efficient bowmaking"