Woodworker's Journal Summer-2008, страница 77

looked like nothing was happening, but again the steel produced those fine shavings. At least until I tried to duplicate the sharpening.

The problem with sharpening the scraper is similar to the problem with sharpening so many woodworking tools. Things happen at the microscopic level, and you just can't see what is going on. You need an understanding of what is supposed to be happening to

the edge of the tool. And a lot of it is the touch that is applied. I made many attempts to get a scraper sharp before I was able to try it and have it work like it did when the boss had done it. But finally, with success comes the revelation, "So, that's how you do it." The scraper has four corners, and these can all be made sharp. Therefore, it makes sense to do all four edges while you've got your files,

stones and burnishers out on the workbench. The key to getting the scraper sharp is to get the edges filed perpendicular to the face.

I demonstrate how to accomplish this task in the photo sequence shown below. First, use the mill file and stone to get your scraper clean, with all edges perpendicular. Once you're satisfied you've accomplished that, reach for a burnisher. Don't be afraid to use

Start by getting your scraper square

Clamp the scraper in a vise with an inch and a half of steel sticking out. Use a fine mill file to file the edge smooth. It's crucial to hold the file very close to perpendicular to get all the edges sharp. Place your fingers on the scraper blade's sides to help keep the angle steady (left). Next, take a stone and polish the face of the blade, as shown (center). This will remove any burr left from the filing. Now rub the stone on the filed edge of the blade (right), again making sure it's perpendicular to the face. This will clean up the file marks and leave the edge smooth.

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summer 2008 77