There has been a lot of chat about card scrapers lately so I thought I would take the opportunity to post my first video!
Now I am by no means an expert at hand tools. I am learning a lot as I go. But I found something that works for me. My hope is that someone who has never tried a scraper will see how easy it is and give it a go.
This amazingly simple flat rectangle of metal always seemed so mysterious to me but it is so simple once you get the hang of it. Many difficult or highly-figured pieces of lumber often can not be tamed by machinery. But this $10 tool you hold in your hand can make it as smooth as glass in about five minutes.
Enjoy!
My scraper story:
A few months ago I refinished an oak dining table for a friend. I did a ton of research on random orbit sanders and a good article in a magazine recommended Makita after various tests. So I bought it and loved it. It seemed efficient and smooth. I spent countless hours sanding the table and gradually stepped down my paper grits finer and finer. It looked perfect! So I applied the stain and suddenly all the little swirling sanding circles popped right out. I was horrified. So I started over and sanded the whole thing again, being even more careful…. Consistent pressure, don’t force it, slow smooth strokes over the surface, gradually step down grits…. Same results.
I had bought a scraper but never used it. I gave it a try and it took me about fifteen or twenty minutes to scrape the entire table. It was absolutely perfect, and way smother than even the 360 grit sandpaper had produced. And guess what, no dust, no mask, no vibration-numbed hands, and no noise from the shop vac either.
In my opinion it seems that the whole concept of stepping down sanding grits is the following: The course grit removes enough material but leaves behind sanding marks. So each progressively finer grit is used just to erase those unwanted marks. What a a waste of time and energy! What if there were a better tool which made the surface perfectly smooth in the first pass?
I do like my Makita but it sits on the shelf a lot these days. So if you haven’t bought a sander yet, try spending $12 on a good quality scraper (and learn how to correctly use it) before you spend $150 on a random orbit sander.
Again, there are many different ways to use a scraper. This is just one way of doing it. Please feel free to ask questions or add comments about your method/tips for using the card scraper in this thread.
-- Check out my new website! http://www.blakeweberwoodworking.com






















49 comments so far
Russel
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2063 posts in 837 days
posted 739 days ago
Good video. I’d like to add my methods for using a card scraper, but I’ve got no methods. As I get deeper into woodworking I’m finding all sorts of hand tools that are quite interesting. The problem for me is figuring out the application for each tool. When do you use a scraper? When do you use a plane? And what kind? So much to learn, so little time.
-- Working at Woodworking http://www.VillageLaneFurniture.com
gene
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2165 posts in 782 days
posted 739 days ago
Great video! Had not considered a card scraper until now. Thanks for sharing.
God bless
-- Gene, a Christian in Virginia
Thos. Angle
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4013 posts in 860 days
posted 739 days ago
Blake,
That’s a nice video on a subject that is very subjective. While scrapers are the simplest tool, they can be the most difficult to use effectively. My first thought is that you could have burnished a hook on one scraper and used it first then finished up with the one with out a hook. The more agressive hook would have more quickly removed the finish and then a quick once over would have put the finish on it. I use a scraper when I need it, usually to clean off a glue line before I switch to a smooth plane. I feel that a smooth plane will give a superior finish over a scraper. However for a lot of my work(cabinets,etc.) the finish precludes the need and a ROS is quicker and more cost effective. Three coats of poly and you can’t tell whether it was scraped, planed or sanded. We have to be careful that we don’t get caught up in the process and forget that the end product is the goal. You are doing good things, Blake, keep ‘em coming. Thanks.
-- Thos. Angle
Peter O
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1027 posts in 772 days
posted 739 days ago
Great video, well done! Enjoyed the music, too.
-- http://www.north40custom.com -- http://north40studios.etsy.com --
Betsy
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2386 posts in 794 days
posted 739 days ago
Blake – excellent. Just a few steps to smooth. That’s great. I liked the video, the music and the fact that you gave the Mrs. a plug. That’s a good thing! Look forward to your next video.
-- You can't get a hug from Facebook.
mot
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4903 posts in 934 days
posted 739 days ago
Blake, great video. As Thos. said, scraper use is pretty subjective. That’s the nice thing about this woodworking thing. There are many ways to skin a cat. Thanks for showing the sharpening process and commenting on the 4 surfaces you have to work with. That’s valuable information for anyone considering using a scraper. You made good use of one on that project. Keep the vids coming!
-- You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation. (Plato)
Dominic Vanacora
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504 posts in 767 days
posted 739 days ago
I was under the impression that you had to put a hook on the scraper. I’ll have to try this out. Again I learned something. Thanks.
-- Dominic, Trinity, Florida...Lets be safe out there.
Dadoo
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1723 posts in 888 days
posted 739 days ago
Cute Blake! Could have used your advise when I redid the breadboard edge of my desk. I also see that LN sells a handle that protects your fingers from the friction heat. Think I’ll have to add a set to my Christmas wish list!
-- Bob Vila would be so proud of you!
Dick, & Barb Cain
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7043 posts in 1197 days
posted 739 days ago
A very informative video, Thanks!
-- -** You are never to old to set another goal or to dream a new dream ****************** Dick, & Barb Cain, Hibbing, MN. http://www.woodcarvingillustrated.com/gallery/member.php?uid=3627&protype=1
brunob
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1476 posts in 1067 days
posted 739 days ago
I’ve been going to get one. Now I’ll mover it up on my wish list.
-- Bruce from Central New York
brad
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135 posts in 802 days
posted 739 days ago
The video wont play for me…what am i doing wrong?????//
-- Brad,--"The way to eat an eliphant is one bite at a time"
Blake
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2763 posts in 772 days
posted 739 days ago
Try it now.
-- Check out my new website! http://www.blakeweberwoodworking.com
brad
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135 posts in 802 days
posted 739 days ago
Finally able to view the video. I’m not sure why you chose not to burnish the scraper, seems like it would require a lot less effort if the edge had the hook?
-- Brad,--"The way to eat an eliphant is one bite at a time"
USCJeff
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901 posts in 966 days
posted 739 days ago
Good to see some instuctional videos. I typically have an aggressive hook on one of the long edges and a less angled hook on the opposite edge. I use a simple wooden holder I bought that holds and bends the scraper slightly. Saves some stress on the hands and helps force better technique. I use it most when removing finish versus surface prep. Enjoyed it.
-- Jeff, South Carolina
Brad_Nailor
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1225 posts in 855 days
posted 739 days ago
Very nice….always wanted to try using a scraper..you took allot of the mystery out of it!
-- David, South Windsor, CT "I love the smell of sawdust in the morning"
Greg Mitchell
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1383 posts in 967 days
posted 739 days ago
Great video Blake. I love to use a scraper for removing mill marks on the edges of boards instead of running them through the jointer, or removing the glue line on panels. I do burnish a hook on mine, but I spent a lot of time over the years learning to get the hook just. Now it’s just second nature. I have always put a hook on the scraper. The next time I sharpen them I’ll try your way, and see how thing come out. Thank you for sharing.
-- Greg Mitchell--Lowell, AR--gdamitchell@sbcglobal.net
Calgirl
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188 posts in 793 days
posted 739 days ago
That was really a great video, Blake. You have talent….....please do more~!
-- Forget the health food, I need all the preservatives I can get !
Todd A. Clippinger
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5653 posts in 997 days
posted 739 days ago
Man do I envy your video skills. I have to figure out how to get video in myself. I use a card scraper all the time and I leave the file in the vise and draw the card across the file. I have been wanting to figure out video so that I can show people how simple card scraper and chisel sharpening can be.
Thanks again for sharing.
-- Todd A. Clippinger, Montana, http://amcraftsman.com
Dorje
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1767 posts in 895 days
posted 739 days ago
That was a lot of fun Blake! Keep ‘em coming! I have a feeling you’ll be doing more?!
-- Dorje (pronounced "door-jay"), Seattle, WA
Douglas Bordner
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3427 posts in 962 days
posted 739 days ago
Lee Jesberger had a tip that makes scraping easier, and doesn’t cost as much as a handle, although you still have to provide the bending that creates the camber for aggressive scraping. He uses a magnetic business card to reduce the heat created while scraping. Works like a champ…and it’s cheap, fast and easy (like one of Niki’s jigs).
-- "Bordnerizing" perfectly good lumber for over a decade.
MsDebbieP
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14171 posts in 1058 days
posted 739 days ago
great tips
great video (informative, entertaining, and not too slow/fast….) Well done.
I, too, want more videos from you!
-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)
cajunpen
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5968 posts in 964 days
posted 739 days ago
Great video and perfect timing – I got my first card scraper from Rockler today. Now, I’m confused – to i put a hook on it, or not put the hook? So many techniques and so little brain.
Do you scraper gurus recommend scrapping just prior to putting a finish on a project? For example I am just about ready to wrap up a box, made with Tiger Maple. Should I sand? Use hand or ROS? Should I use the scrapper after sanding – or should I use a plane? This is some confusing stuff. Any suggestions will be appreciated.
-- Bill - "Suit yourself and let the rest be pleased." http://www.cajunpen.com/
Thos. Angle
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4013 posts in 860 days
posted 738 days ago
Try ‘em all , Bill, and then “Suit yourself.” LOL
-- Thos. Angle
mot
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4903 posts in 934 days
posted 738 days ago
Yeah, Bill. You have lots of choices there for sure. Thos.’s suggestion of trying them all is really good advice. As far as a small box? I’d put the power sander away and see which you like between a smoothing plane and a scraper. As for which one you’ll like better? I love to go into the shop, pull out a plane and a cut-off from the pile, and dimension it, flatten it, smooth it and basically widdle it away. Take some scrap, put a hook on one edge of your card and not on the other…then play with it…see what you like. Sorry…long winded way of agreeing with Thos.Angle.
-- You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation. (Plato)
kjwoodworking
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202 posts in 785 days
posted 738 days ago
The video was great, very well done. I just have one question, I gotta know where you got those socks, and coooooool shoes? I’m sorry I couldn’t pass that up. My wife laughs at me when I wear my dockers and socks. It’s all about comfort. Again cool video very helpful.
-- Kirk H. -- http://www.kjwoodworking.com
oscorner
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4572 posts in 1209 days
posted 738 days ago
Excellent video. Love the music! You make it look easy and what a job it did on removing that finish. Thanks!
-- Jesus is Lord!
JimB
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35 posts in 775 days
posted 738 days ago
Great video Blake. I. too, used scrapers for the first time. I refinished a chair using them. It sure does make a nice finish. I got my set from Woodworkers Depot. $13.95 for 3 shapes
Zuki
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1230 posts in 975 days
posted 738 days ago
So that is what that piece of metal is for. Interesting . . . very interesting.
-- The significant problems we face cannot be solved by the same level of thinking that created them
DrSawdust
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231 posts in 996 days
posted 738 days ago
Great Job. I’m going to start using a scraper more often. Thank you.
-- Making sawdust is what I do best
Harold
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312 posts in 745 days
posted 737 days ago
Excellent Blake, If you have any of the old pull type saw blades left over, the make excellent cabinet scraper stock. The cool thing about the age we live in is that we have access to literaly countless generations even ages, of knowledge. I do use abrasives on almost every project, but I know of no other way to carefully and quickly shape a piece. I work with alot of complex curved pieces and the scaper allows my to fine tune the shape, a 256th of an inch at a time. I then use abrasives to blend the tiny facets that are left. Great video
take care, harold
-- If knowledge is not shared, it is forgotten.
odie
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1604 posts in 738 days
posted 736 days ago
WAY TO GO !!!! I will buy a set at my new Reno Woodcraft. I have never used one before…thank you my young learned friend. You sexy man…watch out Brad Pitt!
-- Odie, Confucius say, "He who laughs at one's self is BUTT of joke". http://woodstermangotwood.blogspot.com/ (my funny blog)
filip
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8 posts in 737 days
posted 735 days ago
That was a verry intresting instruction video. Keep doing these things.
toyguy
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725 posts in 735 days
posted 733 days ago
Great video….very informative. Who would have thought….Think of the hours I have spent sanding.
-- Brian's Table Top Toys http://home.mountaincable.net/~bgraham/
rikkor
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11335 posts in 772 days
posted 731 days ago
I have always used mine with the hook. I’ll have to try it without. I do not put a hook on the blade of my stanley #80.

Zuki
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1230 posts in 975 days
posted 731 days ago
Im sorry folks . . . but I have to ask . . . what the heck is a burnished hook.
I thought it was some football play devised by the 49ers ?!
-- The significant problems we face cannot be solved by the same level of thinking that created them
Blake
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2763 posts in 772 days
posted 731 days ago
When you “burnish” the edge of the scraper you are using a piece of hardened steel rod to roll over the edge of the scraper. You press hard and run the burnisher over the scraper’s edge at just the right angle. It creates an almost microscopic “hook” along the scraper’s edge. You can barely see it but you can feel it… and that edge will more aggressively shave the surface of the wood.
Even the biggest shavings from a scraper are still MUCH finer than shavings from the “average” hand plane.
-- Check out my new website! http://www.blakeweberwoodworking.com
Douglas Bordner
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3427 posts in 962 days
posted 731 days ago
And you can make your own lathe tools from the dulled files.
-- "Bordnerizing" perfectly good lumber for over a decade.
Zuki
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1230 posts in 975 days
posted 724 days ago
ahhhhh … i see
-- The significant problems we face cannot be solved by the same level of thinking that created them
GaryK
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9537 posts in 886 days
posted 724 days ago
Very cool video! I alway put a hook on mine. I find that as they wear, I get the smooth finish you describe.
Nice music!
-- Gary, East TX -- The longest journey begins with a single step.
RobS
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1243 posts in 1204 days
posted 693 days ago
Great video and instruction, I had never even heard of scapers. Thanks!
-- Rob (A) Waxahachie,TX
MsDebbieP
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14171 posts in 1058 days
posted 686 days ago
My scraper arrived in the mail yesterday. I tried it out last night… and now, where’s the first place I head this morning? To the video to remind myself how to sharpen it!! Thank you :)
So when is your next “creative outlet” video going to arrive? what topic will you address next?
oh does it matter what “grit” (don’t know the term) the file is?
-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)
Blake
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2763 posts in 772 days
posted 686 days ago
As far as I know just a standard file will get you going. Look into some of the other podcasts and literature on the net for rolling the edge or “burnishing” and some of the other ways of using a scraper. For certain applications you may need a finer edge. Also, for fine work, honing on a wet stone may be necessary.
I’m not sure when or what the next video will be but if something inspires me you will see more video. It’s tough since I don’t actually have a video camera! But thanks for the interest.
-- Check out my new website! http://www.blakeweberwoodworking.com
ShannonRogers
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370 posts in 686 days
posted 664 days ago
Nice work Blake. While we are on this topic. Anyone have any good ideas for using a card scraper on small projects. I build a lot of boxes with figured woods and haven’t hade much luck in scraping. I have difficulty in hold the work. Take a look at my latest project post and you’ll see the sizes I am talking about.
-- Check out my blog and podcast "The Renaissance Woodworker" at www.rogersfinewoodworking.com/blog
teenagewoodworker
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2482 posts in 666 days
posted 627 days ago
great video you’ve convinced me to get that card scraper set at Rockler.
Jeff
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997 posts in 992 days
posted 626 days ago
Shannon,
Try a mini-scraper…
Gentle use of a razor blade (with one reinforced edge of course) works wonders. The president of our WWGuild, Mark Laub, has a video about inlay techniques on FWW.com that has a brief example of this.
-- Jeff, St. Paul, MN
SteveKorz
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2030 posts in 612 days
posted 609 days ago
Great video, I’ll have to try it without the “hook.” Thanks!
-- As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. (Proverbs 27:17) †
Coondog
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28 posts in 617 days
posted 583 days ago
Very nice video Blake. I just received my scrapers from Lee Valley, tried em’ and they work GREAT!!!!
dsb1829
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369 posts in 525 days
posted 450 days ago
Excellent. The credits were a nice touch. I honestly hadn’t tried using one without burninshing a hook, but you are right that with a hook they can sometimes get away from you.
-- Doug, woodworking in Alabama
PurpLev
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2763 posts in 546 days
posted 269 days ago
nice video, but thats a lot of metal waste there with all those filling and grinding – a scraper is similar (well, it is) to a hand plane – you wouldn’t just file your plane’s blade or rough-sharpen it would you? it requires honing.
honing the edge of your scraper does what honing a plane blade does – it provides a smooth razor sharp edge between 2 planes (pun intended). after that only the honing process is required – and the filing (and major metal removing) can be and should be avoided (unless you completely lose the straight edge of the scraper)
burnishing a hook on the scraper adds another step that in return keeps you from going back to honing every so often, as once the scraper is honed ,and burnished – once it looses the hook, you only need to burnish it to return the hook for a few times before you need to re-hone it.
honing and burnishing are just 2 more steps to get a smoother edge and a smoother cut (shavings) on a scraper. and as a bonus – you don’t have to file and remove so much material off of your scraper everytime it dulls.
just me $0.02 (esp. for those not familiar with scrapers and their hooks)
-- When in doubt - There is no doubt - Go the safer route.