The MAGIC of card/cabinet scrapers! 

▼EXPAND THIS SECTION FOR MORE RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS VIDEO▼ *Tools used in this video:* -Good scrapers: lddy.no/10og2 -Burnisher: lddy.no/10og4 -Fine mill file: amzn.to/2WqQpcI -300/1000 diamond stone: amzn.to/3my3bAY *Links promised in this video:* -Video about sanding vs. scraping vs. planing: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-GXnU0uwWwsE.html -More videos on our website: stumpynubs.com/ -Subscribe to our e-Magazine: stumpynubs.com/browse-and-subscribe/ -Check out our project plans: stumpynubs.com/product-category/plans/ -Instagram: instagram.com/stumpynubs/ -Twitter: twitter.com/StumpyNubs -Facebook: facebook.com/Stumpy-Nubs-Woodworking-Journal-305639859477973/ ★THIS VIDEO WAS MADE POSSIBLE BY★ Sjobergs Workbenches: affinitytool.com/brands/sjobergs *Please help support us by using the link above for a quick look around!* (If you use one of these affiliate links, we may receive a small commission) ★SOME OF MY FAVORITE CHEAP TOOLS★ -123 Blocks: lddy.no/vpij -Mechanical Pencils: amzn.to/2PA7bwK -Lumber pencil: amzn.to/2QtwZjv -Pocket Measuring Tape: amzn.to/2kNTlI9 -Irwin Drill Bit Gauge: amzn.to/2AwTkQg -Nut/Bolt/Screw Gauge: amzn.to/2CuvxSK -Self-Centering Punch: amzn.to/2QvbcrC -Self-Centering Bits: amzn.to/2xs71UW -Angle Cube: lddy.no/10nam -Steel Ruler: lddy.no/10mv7 -Utility knife: amzn.to/3nfhIiv -Center-Finding Ruler: lddy.no/10nak -Bit & Blade Cleaner: amzn.to/2TfvEOI -Digital depth gauge: amzn.to/3mwRf2x -Wood Glue: amzn.to/3mqek6M -Spade Bits: amzn.to/3j8XPtD ★SOME OF MY FAVORITE HAND TOOLS★ -Digital Caliper: amzn.to/384H1Or -Marking Gauge: lddy.no/10muz -Marking knife: lddy.no/10mv0 -Narex Chisels: lddy.no/sqm3 -Stanley Sweetheart Chisels: amzn.to/3y5HDOc -Mini Pull Saw: amzn.to/2UEHBz6 -Gent Saw: lddy.no/ss2x -Coping saw: amzn.to/2W7ZiUS -Shinwa Rulers: lddy.no/zl13 ★SOME OF MY FAVORITE POWER TOOLS★ -Miter Saw: amzn.to/3gqIlQ8 -Jointer: amzn.to/3yc3gfZ -Planer: amzn.to/3mn6BGF -Router: amzn.to/3grD22S -Sander: amzn.to/3DdvD0Y -Cordless drill: amzn.to/3D9ZiIm -Brad nailer: amzn.to/3gsRkjH -Mini Compressor: amzn.to/3mvrmQr -Bladerunner: amzn.to/2Wl0TtJ -Jig Saw: amzn.to/3zetTBY -Scroll Saw: amzn.to/3gq9qDc -Multi-Tool: amzn.to/3muZuMi ★SOME OF MY FAVORITE OTHER TOOLS★ -Drill Bits: amzn.to/3B8Ckzh -Forstner Bits: amzn.to/3kk3wEI -Shop Vacuum: amzn.to/2Wkqnbl -Machine Setup Blocks: amzn.to/3gq7kDh -Counter-Sink Bit: amzn.to/37ZukUo -Featherboard: amzn.to/3DeqHsq -ISOtunes Hearing Protection (Save $10): bit.ly/3BHYdH7 (If you use one of the affiliate links above, we may receive a small commission)

This is one of the most intricate how-to video on how to file a piece of sheet metal.

Some people ask about curved scrapers: Try using a nail set that is in good condition instead of the burnisher. The nail set metal isn't ideal, really, but its diameter is smaller, which increases the pressure, and it has a built in angle because of its taper. For some reason, I find that with a nail set, I am able to more easily establish a hook on a curved scraper than with a regular burnisher. I focus on staying level across the edge with the axis of the nail set, leaving it to the taper to give me the angle to draw over the hook. I think it's just hard to change the direction of the force onto the burnisher as you go around a curve and I think the amplification in pressure from the narrow nail set helps offset that. Just be careful because you don't have as much to hold onto and, if you slip, you can cut yourself on the scraper. Also, lubricate the nail set (and burnisher).

Had to come back here after I got done sharpening this way and an VERY happy over my hook!!! I THOUGHT I was happy with what I was getting till now 😆. This is why your my boy blue!

WoW, awesome scraper explained. FINALLY someone shows how to make these work. Thanks for posting this Stumpy.

I have been a luthier, stringed instrument builder/repair, for over 40 years, and for most of that time, a lot of sanding/smoothing/flattening is done from many contorted and pretzel positions. About 30 years ago at one of our national guild shows. A young apprenticed man took a standard box cutter blade and with vice grips drug it across a small vice platform at about 80 to 90⁰; effectively ruining the blade (15¢) but creating a uniform burr.This was my introduction to card or metal scraping. With the sharp corners and flat middle and minuscule size for reaching inside of rare vintage instruments; a new age began for me. "New subscriber" and appreciate the science/preference opinions and histories of tooling and metal smithing. My repertoire in woodworking is thousands of guitars, mandolins... and two houses. Great videos; length of video to useful information ratio is just right.

As a site carpenter unusually I carry a cabinet scraper in my toolbag. I find it very useful for quickly removing pitch marks from an electric planer and levelling any minor errors in joints when taken at forty five degrees to the joint edge. I do leave the corners square because I find it useful for cleaning rebates. Prolonged scraper use does however require me to manually straighten my thumbs!

I really appreciate how you express the right method being the one that works for you and your project.

How do you manage to explain so many different things so well? Keep it up!

James, you never cease to bring so much understanding to the topics you teach about. I bought some scrapers a while back but haven't used them because I didn't know how and how to prep them. Time to get back in the shop and give it a try! Thank you. BTW, I loved the statement about not being a snob about what tool you use.

I really appreciate how you represent inclusivity and lack of bias when it comes to tools and methods.

Your videos are PRICELESS....!!! I recently got back into woodworking after decades of being an electrician and this channel is a godsend..... Thank you!

The quality of your videos (from information and presentation) has skyrocketed over the past few years. Great work!

I’ve been a woodworker for 50 years. There isn’t a single video of yours that does not teach me something new. And….your presentation is one of if not the best on RU-vid. I’ll spread the word. Be well and Be Safe.

*"we don't have to be snob (about the tools we use)."* serious life lesson. applies everywhere.

I've tried several times to sharpen scrapers, all to no avail. Your explanation is very clear and concise. My hope is renewed. We'll see in a day or two. Thanks much.

Undulation.... Word of the day! This really answered a lot of questions I did not know I had about the scraper. Completely educating video for me... Now to go out and sharpen those scrapers properly! :)

I have the Veritas holder and find it a great help for arthritic hands. Alternating between that and freehanding makes the job easier.

Here's a mechanic's tip to simplify the file and flattening work: after using the file as shown, turn it 90 degrees and gently (you're not forming the hook) pull the file towards you a few times. The result will be a hyper-smooth edge. You may be able to go straight to the finest abrasive.

As an "old" retired English cabinetmaker I had never heard the term Card Scraper until your video. we know them as cabinet scrapers. I have always had lots of them and found that wide bandsaw blades make excellent cabinet scrapers. I also modified an engineers three corner scraper for burnishing ( rounding off the sharp edges ), works a treat! I did an engineering apprenticeship first where I came across engineers scrapers ( providing that is what you call them LoL).

Thank you for this. I use a scraper quite a lot, but I can see my sharpening technique needs refining. It is amazing what you can do with a simple rectangle of steel. I used to work in a woodworking store and I can tell you a lot of woodworkers feel intimidated by these. I noticed several people asked about sharpening curved scrapers and I have the same question.

Never knew how to sharpen or use scrapers before. First time I have ever seen any one give a scraping lesson. I tried sharpening one on a bench grinder once and that sure was a disaster. Thank you so much. Finally seeing a tutorial is great.

Thanks for putting this video out. I was kind of intimidated by scrapers but this quick video helped me understand how to use them to the point where I would feel comfortable buying and using one.

Using a card scraper produces an almost hypnotic state of pleasure for me instead of hearing an electric sander. Thanks much for all the good videos!

I just love this channel so much.

As usual, the straight story, clearly and logically explained. Thanks, Stump.

I really enjoy the way you teach, James. Thank you!

Beautifully explained and demonstrated.

Awesome as always James!

Excellent. Video is now in my how to library. Thanks James!

Thank you, this is one of those areas that seemed to be a complete mystery to me.

Excellent contribution to the craft!

Great information and presentation. Outstanding video!

Thanks James that was the best tutorial I have watched on sharpening a card scraper.

best explanation I've seen yet, thank you

Very helpful tips. Thank you James!

Thanks for sharing with us James, sure appreciate your help with the scrapers. Fred.🙏🏻🙏🏻👍👍👏🏻👏🏻👋👋

Realky good tutorial on sharpening scrapers

Thank for the video. These simple tools are one of my most challenging to use well.

Best instructional card scraper sharpening video!

Excellent video. This is something I have wanted to learn. I will be saving this one for future reference.

Thank you, James. I now have the knowledge I need to add scrapers to my tool kit. I will most definitely be using the affiliate links!

Watching this again, I absolutely LOVE your channel... think I'll vegg out this afternoon and binge watch some episodes

Great job, keep them coming

I have nothing to say really, but I appreciate your content, and wish to help with the yt-algorithms.

Great tutorial, James. I use a card scraper on almost every project. Scott

I’ve been learning the fine art of scraping. I was amazed how smooth the wood was afterward. I also used it to smooth a glue line and checked my progress by putting the scraper along the wood and looking for those pesky bit of light. It worked great and my glue line was smooth and tight. Love these things!

Very informative, thank you! Your knowledge makes trying new things a little less intimidating ☺️

Best thing about the scraper holder is you can get into tight spots one handed! Super useful.

love my card scrapers, especially for hardwood and 'waney' grain. excellent video

I just picked up a set of these card scrapers, so looking for videos on usage - this was very helpful.

Thanks again, I've got a 3'X4' Sapele hand planed table top coming up in the next week or so. This video is going to really help.

Gotta love the scraper. For rough work like scraping old varnish off tool handles, I just file it and roll the edge a bit with a burnisher. Rolls little chips like a champ. I have a scrap 3" wide bandsaw blade and can make custom shape scrapers out of it. The scraper saves a lot of money and dust compared to sandpaper.

Another great video; I’ll never use or own a scraper, but I love learning nonetheless. Thank you again.

I've used scrapers for many years too, I never thought of polishing the hook end . THANKS FOR YOUR ADVICE ON THIS ONE. MIKE 😎

Great video, thank you! I like the remark at the end, about how it's totally fine for people to keep sanding if that is what they prefer.

Great video! Like that holder!

What a brilliant video to both sharpen and use scrapers. You've removed the trepidation I have for attempting to use them more often. You have a very nice delivery. Thanks

Thank you for showing that scalper holder. I inherited one from my father as part of a random collection of tools and I always wondered what it was for. Although I did suspect that it was for holding scrapers.

Awesome tips, James! Thanks a lot! 😃 I'm going to put them in good use! Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

Thanks for a great informative article 👍

Scrapers are always a favorite topic for me to watch and learn from. I learned about them a couple years ago, and am finally comfortable using them, but still have trouble creating a good hook some days. Hopefully another dozen or so sharpenings over the next couple months will fix that.

Very timely seeing this video a year after you posted I’ve been scraping black locust and wanted to know exactly what you shared. Thank you very much for an excellent presentation, I’m excited to get my scraper sharpened and get back to it👌👍😎

Another 5 star tutorial Mr. H👌

Just had flash back of 45 year as a young apprentice been show how to sharpen and use scraper . You instructions regarding sharing the same guidance I was given .

Thanks! I needed the refresher lesson.

Great information, I had been primarily using a card scraper to remove glue squeeze out where I glued boards together. Glad that I now know how to properly sharpen and to use them. Seems like I always learn something from watching your videos. Some times the thing that I learn isn't the main topic of the video but something that you did or said during the video. I subscribe to several channels, but there are only a few (yours is one) that I watch as soon as I see it in my subscription list.

Thanks for the refresher.

Another brilliant how to 👍

That's the business card! You continue to delight and surprise.

Your method of setting up the scraper is clear and sensible. I have a burnisher, etc., and have used scrapers on and off over the years, but perhaps with your better methods I will use them more. Now all I want is to have someone show me how to successfully use my Veritas Scraping Plane, which I have never been able to do. :)

Great tutorial! I always used an old valve stem from an engine for a burnisher. It's a very hard round piece of steel and does the job of a burnisher hopefully free of charge.

Another good one. Your approach to teaching is excellent, efficient, objective (mostly), easy to absorb, and full of good tips. There are plenty of other woodworking RU-vidrs out there, and I have a few others that I view often enough. But everyone has their own approach to teaching. Yours is very academic (in a good way), assumes little about your audience, addresses fundamentals (generally), is well articulated - and enjoyable. I don't know how this helps you in your life, but it helps me in mine. Thank you for that! Keep up the great work!

As usual, great tutorial!

I love using a scraper when appropriate but my technique, particularly with sharpening, needs improving. So this was an excellent simple explanation of how to do that well and consistently.

This invaluable tool was always referred to as a ‘thumb blister’ with good reason. Great tutorial.

Great video James. I've been using card scrapers for years, and still learned something here. Thanks! I like to put an aggressive hook on one edge, and a finer hook on the other. I also sharpen the short ends, giving me 8 hooked edges. Hard to bow when using the short ends, but sometimes they come in handy. The magnetic business card hack is a new one for me. Thanks!!! Scrapers are also great for removing bubbles or drips from finishes. Smooths it right out and ready for the next coat. Looking forward to some tips on using the #80 scraper. (And while you're at it, maybe the #12 too, please??) Thanks again, & keep up the good work.

thx. learned a lot. never knew about the draw and hook part.

I used a Japanese saw for the first time about 15 years ago. After 2 days use I took my Sandvik crosscut saw and made scrapers from it. I use a highly polished butchers steel (Swibo) as a burnisher.

Great video, thank you

I was using a card scraper for the first time earlier today, to lightly plane an inset flush with the main workpiece. As someone who has trouble setting up a hand plane consistently, the scraper was a godsend. As always your suggestions were clear and informative, I’ll be sure to try them out soon.

Excellent tutorial. I keep two sets of scrapers, one for rough work (drawfile and go) and a set prepped for fine work (hone and burnish). The former is for shaping, the latter for finishing.

You are brilliant!

very informative and interesting.

For heat build up prevention I like to flip the scraper over every two or three strokes. It makes sense to me to try to evenly use all four edges as well.

i dont do woodwork or carpentry, i have no intention of ever doing so, yet i watch all your videos, sign of a quality channel i guess

Buen trabajo Gracias por sus videos

Excellent vid, as usual.👍 I discovered the cabinet scraper ten or fifteen years ago. After practicing the prep and making the hook a few times, you will not believe how effectively a simple tool like this can perform. When you start getting fluffy shavings and not dust, you’re there. (Initially, I was pressing too hard on the burnisher. A friend who is a finish carpenter advised using a bit less force. Press firmly, not hard to get a good hook, which will be pretty small if done correctly. Too much of a hook, and it will break off faster.)

Thanks for your channel.

All very good. My scrapers of various sizes are derived from old wood saw blades cut up with an angle grinder and a hook produced on a bench grinder in about 10 seconds. I'm working on an oak dining table and they are really effective. I get lots of 'fluffy' shavings and no scratches. Cheap, simple, effective.

James, this is a great video. I just recently purchased a card scraper set so this was very helpful info. Would you consider doing a video for some other card scraper types, like the curved scrapers? I’d love some tips and tricks for that!

absolutely amazing. I've never heard of a scrapper before. Thank you.

You can also use the bottom end of a 1/4" or 3/8" HSS drill bit or hardened drill rod as a burnishing tool to obtain that hooked edge saving you some money on a dedicated burnishing tool.

Great video! I learned a lot about improving my sharpening process. I think I'll buy a burnisher (I've been using a chisel instead). Card scrapers are also a lot faster and more aggressive in my experience (depending on usage). For removing old lacquer (or deep gouges, tear out from planing, or milling marks) it is A LOT faster than sanding. (At least faster than using a random orbital sander even with 40 grit. A belt sander might be able to keep up). I can't say about producing a smooth finish though. A sander is "fool proof" but a card scraper needs care and attention to produce smooth, even surfaces. Card scrapers do require more physical effort though. But on the plus, they're quiet (irrelevant for some).

Very well explained.

I really like card scrapers for removing finishes like varnish that can quickly clog sandpaper

Always a mystery, tools from the past. Thank you, I have always wanted to see a basic primer on the care and feeding of card scrapers, this was exactly what I was looking for. At $9 for two this is a real deal and low risk for upgrading my tool kit. Keep up the good work, your tool videos are the best and my favorite.

Good class!!!!

I've heard from some old carpenters saying in the old time if they do not wish to own a scraper, plus the wood area you're dealing with is quite small, they'll just use the whiting knife or razor blade to scrape

Back in the 70's and 80's when wood patterns and prototype wood models (every piece of stamped metal had a wood model made with a tolerance of .010") were hand built in the Detroit area, typical finish for wood patterns and some models was a "waxed lacquer. It was common to scrape the lacquer surface and not sand it. Leveled out any lumps/bumps. Computerized machines took over in the late 80's and the old truly skilled modelmakers put their tools away and became management. I seen some amazing highly detailed automotive grills made from cherry.