Sharpening a Card Scraper
If you use hand tools as much as I do, a card scraper is a must have in the tool box. Sand paper is expensive and doesn’t even do as good a job, in my opinion. Sand paper does have it’s place, but that is a different entry. So when I am preparing a project for finish I like to use a card scraper. It can be used over and over, all I have to do is sharpen it.
Well, that has been the challenge. But I figured out why I have been struggling to get a sharp and lasting edge on my scraper. I was using a nicholson smooth bastard file, but I always seemed to have a hard time getting a good edge. Then, I bought a new file from Tools for Working Wood. That changed everything! All of a sudden I could sharpen my card scraper with half the effort, and it cut the oak I was working on like it’s supposed to! I realized then that my technique wasn’t the problem. It was the file I was using! Once again, having the right tool makes all the difference in the world.
My new Grobet mill file made a huge difference when sharpening my card scraper.
I bought my 8 inch Grobet mill file from Tools for Working Wood. It is made in Switzerland and I think the Swiss can be proud of their workmanship. So if anyone else isn’t quite getting the edge they expect, it may not be you. Check your file or even your burnisher against a high quality tool.