Card Scraper Sharpening and Use - Ask Matt #16

Card scrapers are some of the most useful tools in woodworking but although they're really easy to use, it's notoriously hard to learn how to sharpen them. I struggled with sharpening these for a long time until I made one modification to my sharpening technique and that was to apply very light pressure with the burnisher.
Support What I Do: www.mattcremona.com/support
Products Used:
[Affiliate Links]
3pc Scraper Set: amzn.to/1XCTQ3X
Convex Profile Scrapers: amzn.to/1XCTVVg
10" Bastard File: amzn.to/1XCUePT
4000 Grit Waterstone: amzn.to/1XCU5vD
8000 Grit Waterstone: amzn.to/13Z15ia
Burnisher: amzn.to/1XCU0bs
Sharpening Oil: amzn.to/1NYX6kX
Ask Matt Playlist: • Ask Matt
Gooseneck Moldings: • Making and Installing ...
Website: mattcremona.com
Instagram: / mattcremona
Twitter: / mattcremona
Facebook: / mattcremonaww
#woodworking

[@danbreyfogle8486]

I watched this video last night, went to the shop this morning, and for the first time ever got my card scraper sharp on the first try. Thank you Matt for the informative and accurate lesson on sharpening. And as you said, one success and I am hooked.

[@Thrillrider10]

I recently picked up a couple of scrapers for lutherie, and this is the most digestible tutorial I have found for sharpening these things. Thank you.

[@iamwhoiam4410]

Thin shavings is what I like and have had problems sharping a scraper to do so. After watching your video, I took a new thick scraper and in 10 minutes I had thin shavings. Thanks for your down to earth get it done videos.

[@mcremona]

Awesome!

[@petrsidlo7614]

Thanks to you I was successful on my first try, thank you! I've seen your video on sharpening chisels a while back and since its quite similar to mine I figured I would gravitate towards similar choices as you in cardscrapers too.

[@mrwaffles1394]

Dude, this is easily the best card scraper sharpening tutorial around. Thank you, sir.

[@michaelbradford4444]

Just purchased my first scraper and feeling overwhelmed with the videos on sharpening and the unending how to tutorials! Your video is straight forward and leaves out the unnecessary jibber jabber that leaves you feeling confused as I have, thank you!

[@JimCoogan_CoogansWorkshop]

Great job explaining how they are used and especially how to sharpen them. I had to use them on my new wood railing I installed because there were several pieces that came together to create a complex turn. The scrapers really came in handy making the joints disappear and getting rid of slight variations between the components.

[@mcremona]

Thanks Jim! Perfect example of how useful they can be!

[@mojetrouba]

Super helpful. I've struggled with this a long time. I especially appreciated the sketch to understand what is actually going on. Gratefully, Dadla.

[@mcremona]

Wonderful to hear!

[@lorenwoodson9164]

Wonderfully clear and thorough video! Lays it all out with clear images and explanations. Thanks much. Now will allow me to clean up some teak table legs that have accumulated old varnish over the years and thus with way less sanding dust from an orbital sander.

[@TheShavingWoodWorkshop]

Nailed it !! Probably one of the best over views I have seen anyone do on card scrapers, a lot of good information and explanations Matt.

[@mcremona]

Thanks so much, Tommy!!

[@TheShavingWoodWorkshop]

Your welcome :-)

[@owenrussell2731]

Thanks for the video. It gave me the confidence to order a set. I used one to scrap down a butcher block counter that was getting dull and it really brought the colors back to life.

[@danlangendorf7752]

Matt ... Just want to say thanks. With your help I am now able to successfully sharpen my card scrapers - after many failed and disappointing attempts. There are thousands of videos demonstrating card sharpening, but it wasn’t until your practical tips (such as not applying too much pressure) that it all fell into place. Experience, insights, tips are all good, but one must be able to convey what’s important, which you do quite well.

[@mcremona]

That's wonderful to hear! Thanks Dan!

[@TheJohnboy2012]

Thank you! Finally someone explained a method that works for me. After watching the 50+ other ways to sharpen a scraper and still being unable to successfully sharpen a scraper, I found this video. I learned that I was over doing it. Finally got the “nice and whispy shavings” instead of dust. You have a new subscriber.

[@mcremona]

Awesome to hear!! Thanks!

[@lynbren]

The refrigerator magnet tip is awesome, I'll definitely be doing that from now on

[@Kenfitzpat]

Thanks Matt for a great demonstration and perfect drawings to illustrate what should be happening. This has been by far the best explanation of how to sharpen a scraper and what is happening in the process.

[@mcremona]

Thank you so much Ken! I really appreciate the compliment!

[@TheWoodStroker]

Matt! Thank you, thank you again. I finally, after many failed attempts, got a scrapper to work properly using your advice here. I think my success is owed to your use of the burnisher. I must have been applying the wrong pressure all these years. New subscriber now.

[@mcremona]

+Michael Aitchison that's great to hear, Michael! Thank you for subscribing :)

[@scottricks1676]

The best and most detailed I've seen on this yet. Fantastic!

[@mcremona]

Thanks Scott!

[@samuelluria4744]

Matthew, what else can I say? You are the man! You generally great attitude, multiplied by specific things like an exceptional power of explanation, makes you a treasure beyond the level of KZbin-hero - you are an AMERICAN HERO!

[@mcremona]

Hahahaha!! Thank you so much Samuel!! I really appreciate it!!!

[@adamgabbert]

Matt, I always learn something when I tune into your channel. Thanks, and keep it coming.

[@mcremona]

Thank you Adam!

[@thersten]

i watched about 12 videos on this subject. Yours is the best hands down.

[@mcremona]

awesome to hear. thank you!

[@Kooldac]

This has been very helpful! Great explanation of not only what to do, but why!

[@mcremona]

Thank you!

[@chemcody5119]

Nice tutorial Matt! You explain things so that even I can understand them.

[@mcremona]

Thank You!

[@MikeKapotsy]

Awesome ask Matt video! Thanks, very helpful. Good tips and I always have no problems watching your videos all the way to the end Matt! Good stuff.

[@mcremona]

Thanks Mike! Glad they're watchable :)

[@Matthew-mq6fz]

This video couldn't come at a better time; I'm building my kitchen table and just started to prepare it for finish. My scrapers really needed a good sharpening.

[@mcremona]

Awesome!!

[@ScrapwoodCity]

Very well explained! Scrapers are awesome if you can get them sharp! Thanks for sharing!

[@mcremona]

Thank you!!

[@jimbutler4623]

@@mcremona thank you. Matthew your methods works the best

[@dejavu666wampas9]

Outstanding video. You would make a great teacher. Nicely explained. Awesome drawings.

[@GeekBuildersNet]

That was a great demonstration. Thanks for the tips, I can't wait to try it.

[@mcremona]

Thank you :)

[@AWoodworkersLife]

Matt, a fridge magnet? That's awesome. Definitely going to try that. As always, really enjoy your humble and easygoing demeanor.

[@mcremona]

It doesn't even have to be one of my wife and my save the date magnets :) thank you so much!

[@BenBrandt22]

I've never used a card scraper, they were something of a mystery until now. That was really interesting Matt. Thanks for taking the time and going into so much detail.

[@mcremona]

Thanks Ben! They certainly are mysterious :)

[@TheGeekPub]

Awesome video Matt! Very simple and easy to understand! That's a plus for hard heads like me!

[@mcremona]

haha! Thanks!!

[@ArnieReith]

Thanks for the great info and informative graphics. After years of working in metal trades and always eliminating burrs, it's interesting to see a use for them as I'm relatively new to woodworking.

[@mcremona]

+nite owls Thanks! Yeah, they are a great tool for woodworking!

[@BradDudenhoffer]

Great tutorial. I have been fighting a scraper for about a week so it looks like I'm going to give your technique a shot tomorrow.

[@mcremona]

Thanks Brad! Let me know how it goes

[@Sebastopolmark]

GREAT job Matt. I find when you want to learn/try something new, you pick someone you trust and follow them or their technique. Then if you need to "tweek" it so be it. I definitely will use this as the "Card Scraper 101" Thanks and keep the vids coming.

[@mcremona]

Thank you so much!! Hope this technique works for you :)

[@0818SEMPERFI]

Great illustration Matt I've really enjoyed this series!!!

[@mcremona]

Thank you so much!

[@blackswanprepping8827]

Thanks man, finally a simple and clear video on the subject.

[@mcremona]

Thank you!!

[@TheWoodLab]

Thanks for doing this video Matt - great explanation. I got good shavings once on a card scraper, but struggled to duplicate it. I'll try this to see if I can get more consistent results. - Jim

[@mcremona]

Thanks Jim! Let me know how it goes

[@worshipwatcher55]

Great video with great information. I especially liked the frig magnet tip.

[@mcremona]

Thanks Gary!

[@A_Barbosa]

Matt, I did as you said and it worked ok. At last I can sharpen a scraper as a pro!. Thank you.

[@ZHFabrications]

Guess it's time to sharpen my scraper--Great tips here Matt!

[@gpppp910]

Very informative and complete video on the subject. I like how you also show a dull scraper and your explanation of folding over the hook too far.

[@MartyD4u]

I have a lot of old 2x6s used for the concrete slab. They are grey with dried concrete I will use my old paint scraper to remove the stuck-on concrete before i start milling for my work bench. Great tips on restoring cause I know i will be harsh on my scraper. Old Southern pine gets pretty hard as it ages, almost like a hardwood. Your videos have been helpful. Thanks

[@asdf275]

just what I needed. thanks matt, keep it up. awesome work.

[@mcremona]

Thank you Brad!

[@AaronVozzolo]

Great explanation and step by step process! Nicely done!

[@mcremona]

Thank you!

[@brandtAU]

great video Matt. they are a wonderful tool that should be used more

[@mcremona]

Thank you! I agree :)

[@Fencer04]

FINALLY! I got it! The key was the preassure used with the burnisher. I was probably rounding over the burr. Thanks!

[@mcremona]

Awesome!!! Have fun with your scraper!

[@1954BJohn]

A very comprehensive explanation Matt - Thanks.

[@mcremona]

+1954BJohn Thank you!

[@derlack]

best tutorial i've seen, thanks!

[@headknocker8999]

NICE!! Great Grandpa left me maybe 30-40 of these scrapers as He was a cabinet maker & have always wanted to sharpen them up.. Gonna give it a try & I now know what that thing is on the file handle.. A burnisher..

[@callevi1791]

Matt. You are my fav guy doing wood working vids. I like how you take you time and your presentation which is packed with there practical, how to experience of method and theory. Your approach to WW, is what I am most interested in developing, a hands-on tactile (pun intended) work flow. Your arm r seal vid has been a game changer for me as I’m knee deep in my first hardwood project, and was planning in sending out to a finisher. Now my pieces are dazzling. Your ‘how much metal can I get from one log’ was so cool, couldn’t believe the patience you showed, but most I appreciated your line ‘I like the challenge of difficult problems’. The philosophy can be applied in so many arenas. Trying to say, keep doing exactly what you are doing. Many thanks from think addicted rookie to WW.....

[@mcremona]

Thank you!

[@upulmunasinghe6759]

Oh Dear Mathew, many tks fir the Sraper sharpening clip. It is so short n sweet , that I got perfectly Done with my new DFM set . Actually trying with Paul's I was bit clueless. May be the Genaration difference. 😁👏👍🙏

[@AndreaArzensek]

Great video Matt, I was just considering buying a scraper set with burnisher. Thanks for the tips!

[@mcremona]

Thanks Andrea!!

[@AndrewKleinWW]

Good stuff. Learning to use scrapers was a pivotal moment for me, as they were the first hand tools I every got comfortable with, hopefully your video will make this possible for others.

[@mcremona]

I hope so too. They're incredible tools. Thanks Andy!

[@zappalniczka6306]

Cool video, thanks very much ! You are absolutely right, adjusting presure to effect you want to achieve is very important. Sometimes i do not use even a stones and only the last couple of movies at the file doing very gently, not always and not for every jobs but sometimes that is enough.

[@rogerdudra178]

Thanks. You're right about knowing the feel of the edge.

[@donnymcarter]

Awesome video with great explanations! Thanks Matt!

[@mcremona]

Thank you so much, Donny!

[@jbb5470]

Thanks Matt. I do have a few of them but never really understood how to use them or sharpen them and now I do. Thanks a million for your video

[@mcremona]

That's awesome!!! Thank you!!

[@mcremona]

That's awesome!!! Thank you!!

[@MattFriedrichs]

Lots of useful information for me. Thanks, Matt

[@mcremona]

Thank you!

[@MightywoodNet]

That's a nice explanation, Matt! I will try it next time.

[@mcremona]

Thank you!!

[@GregsGarage]

Great insight! Thanks for sharing your secrets.

[@mcremona]

Haha I'm not sure if they're secrets but thanks Greg!

[@GH-sx6tk]

Champion effort Matt. that was perfect.

[@mcremona]

Thank you :)

[@ms0099rg]

Great video Matt!! I have the Veritas Variable Burnisher and will never go back to not using it!! Again thanks for the great video!!!

[@mcremona]

Thanks Matt! Glad to hear of one of those sorts of things that actually work :)

[@mrshelfsong]

Nice video Matt. You explained it very well and the same way I understand it, so that automatically gets extra points. This is one of the more visceral hand tools in my opinion. kinda closes the grain for even staining also I believe.

[@mcremona]

Thank you! Yes it does leave the surfaced in a more burnished state which can also help stain to absorb more evenly

[@garymccoy2888]

Thank you Matthew. You are right it has been very frustrating. I quit even trying. Thought about just throwing the darn things in the trash. Can't wait until the morning to get to the shop and try your method. I think you are right...too much downward pressure.

[@mcremona]

Let me know how it goes, Gary. I hope that's what it was for you.

[@Simplecove]

Very helpful video, Matt.

[@mcremona]

Thank you!

[@makenchips]

Really good review and how too! 👍👍👍👍👍Steven, Columbus Michigan

[@johnwerlein8333]

Excellent topics.. love them and learning a lot.. a future idea could be a shop layout.. not a tour but layout.. so we can see your workflow, and placement.

[@gregteagle8002]

Thanks Matt that was a lot of great information. Greg

[@mcremona]

Thank you Greg!

[@BrianMcCauleyDesign]

Nice! It took me forever to get a scraper sharp. I actually use the same method you do.

[@mcremona]

I must be doing it right then :)

[@mihumus]

Great content, thanks Matt!

[@mcremona]

Thank you!

[@ronkappeler7981]

Thanks a lot Matt for this vid! I've bought some scrapers a few weeks ago and was very frustrated because I couldn't get them as sharp as they would produce shavings. But as you mentioned I have seen a few tutorials and all of them recommended to use very high pressure with the burnisher. I will give it a try with "your method" by using low pressure. I think that will make a difference. I think my bur is much bigger than your's but I am very surprised how well your scraper worked with such a tiny bur...

[@mcremona]

It's certainly a strange thing. Bonus magic point, I suppose. Let me know how it works for you. Thanks Ron!

[@MarcSchaefermeyer]

Very well explained!

[@mcremona]

Thanks Marc!

[@thomasgilbert9347]

Thank you for the tutorial an information.

[@robertevans6481]

Great information Matt great tips on them...

[@mcremona]

Thanks Robert!

[@hardnox6655]

Wonderful tutorial Matt. Those scrapers are wonderful. I wear leather gloves when I use mine.

[@mcremona]

Thanks Peter! Gloves are a good idea :)

[@southsidedojo2]

Very good explanation, I like your honesty. I still have yet to find a bigger card yet.

[@mcremona]

Thank you Wesley! How big are you looking for? You might be able to just buy some steel and be set

[@southsidedojo2]

where did you get your large card scraper ?

[@mcremona]

I think it was part of the 3 piece set that I link to in the description...

[@nordyfamily]

Great stuff, thanks!!!

[@mountainviews5025]

I really appreciate this video Matt because I have a migraine when dealing with my card scrapers when I need to use one I buy one so that means that I truly have a full drawer I will try now to give sharpening another chance maybe I'll stamp my logos onto them an gift them when people come buy lol LOL lol awesome I thank you and today I'll try I hope that it works this time I have no joke probably one thousand of them lol I used some for welding some things together thanks my FRIEND and thumbs up

[@mcremona]

awesome to hear! Thanks!

[@davidpeterson5186]

Good guidance, I got it the first time.

[@DavidBoeff]

nice vid Matt, I'll have to try it

[@mcremona]

Thanks David!!

[@brucemack3687]

Thank you, Matt. I followed your instructions and turned curls with all 4 edges. If I can't repeat this it's on me.

[@dannyboy9784]

Great video Matt....thanks!

[@mcremona]

thanks!

[@samuelmarx9321]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Your videos have been a big help to me in learning woodworking and I really appreciate it! I am having trouble getting sales on my stuff, though I'm just starting out. Any tips on getting more customers to buy things would be very helpful.

[@o2bsam]

When you get shavings... man that’s the best feeling in the world.

[@Cactusworkshopchannel]

Awesome!! thanks for sharing, I didn't know about most of this! thanks for opening my eyes :P

[@mcremona]

Excellent! Thank you!!!

[@stuartkeithguitars4251]

The final burr development can be done with an old carbide end mill. Few things are smoother , harder than the polished finish of a carbide end mill.

[@winstonmatthews6815]

This is awesome.

[@kristoferbrown8007]

I think the illustration goes a long way to describe the intent of the sharpening vs. something like a plane iron or chisel. Also, I love the magnet trick. It's always simplest of things that make you go, why didn't I think of that!

[@phooesnax]

Well done!

[@mcremona]

Thank you!

[@NickFerry]

Great info Matt - I must have bought a fancy burnisher, my also has a phillips head screwdriver bit on the end - on the magnet tip, does a Cremona wedding announcement magnet work better than say a local pizza joint magnet?

[@mcremona]

haha! always have to have the best tooling, huh Nick? It works so much better than some pizza place's magnet

[@fdc313]

Thank you for the video, I will give this a try and see if I can the same results.

[@PJGalati]

I feel educated! I have never used scrapers so this is a crash course, but I'm thinking I may need to own some! I do a lot of thin bark removal on blueberry wood, which is normally around a 1 inch diameter, to make handles for mallets and so forth. I've been using a draw knife and chisels, I'm curious if the scrapers would speed up my workflow, or at least remove some sanding steps.

[@TaylerMade]

scrapers are marvelous... and the best thing is they can be very cheap. i prefer to use paint scrapers (the ones with a handle) get a nice wide one as they are generally very good steel. put an edge on it and your away. or cut up and old hand saw blade. again generally good steel and ideal when your trying to make a particular profile. i have even used chisels as a scraper by putting a hook on them when i need to get into particularly tight spaces. as long as the the steel is hard enough you can just about use anything lol.

[@jtmoran49]

The vise handle is perfect.

[@dpmeyer4867]

great info

[@dsingh1183]

would you recommend this to remove wood imperfections? I have scratches on an unfinished live edge slab I'd like to remove. Curious if this would do the trick.

[@toolify]

Huh! I didn't know you could have both sides of a scraper sharpened. I'll definitely be trying this. Will no longer have to look for the sharp side when I go to use one.

[@mcremona]

You can sharpen the short sides too; a rectangular scraper can have 8 cutting edges ;)

[@NordboDK]

+Blaine Morrow both sides on all four edges.

[@BigFatTonys]

I haven't used oil before, good tip.

[@mcremona]

Thanks! I'm not sure how much it helps but at least the burnisher feels like it's gliding over the scraper.

[@robertbrennan6517]

Garage Woodworks has a video on how to make a Jig for putting the burr on card scrapers, Check it out I think it makes the job much easier.

[@nipponese]

Hey Matt, can you do a video on the CAD software you use?

[@Ale-dh9mv]

Thanks! Do you use water on the honing stone? Could you do a video on that topic? Japanese stones, diamond grit, sandpaper... when yo use water or oil please? I always get confused with that