Reply by b2rtch

scrapers like planes produce glass smooth finishes that cannot be obtained be sanding as scrapers cut the fibers but sanding abrade them.
Even a very fine sanding is never really glass smooth.
Contrary to sanding, it is a real pleasure to use a scraper.
The only issue with them is that they are tricky to properly sharpen and they get very hot when used.
If you do not have scraper , a piece of glass will also give good result as in the same way as the scraper does , it will cut the wood fibers cleanly.
Scrapers are also very good for small area that a plane cannot reach

Rich,if you have a sawmill not too far from where you live, ask if they would have a old band saw you could get, this is ideal material to make your own scrapers.

-- Bert