How to Sharpen and Use a Card Scraper Like a Boss - Essential Skills For Woodworking

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Sharpening and using a Card Scraper was always a big woodworking mystery to me. I would see people using them and getting great results but I just couldn’t replicate what they were doing. In this woodworking skills video we demystify the basics of sharpening and using a card scraper. It’s a great tool for getting finish ready surfaces in half the time as sandpaper. Let me know in the comments what joint you’d like to see next week. Thanks for watching! Please like, comment and subscribe. Cheers!
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Burnisher/Card Scraper Set I LOVE and used in this video: amzn.to/2Uv337A
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[@katzmosestools]

Burnisher/Card Scraper Set I LOVE and used in this video: amzn.to/2Uv337A

[@nathanmagel487]

Thanks for the video! I've got a gooseneck scraper, a tiny NYC apartment, and a thin wallet. Any advice on hacks/DIY solutions for a good burnisher substitute? Would like to avoid the spend if there's a reasonable alternative.

[@mrwes100]

Could a honing steel be used as a burnisher?

[@creedriley1578]

instablaster

[@johnburens3395]

I love my card scrapers, but I have a tip an old Iranian guy who made violins showed me a long time ago. I am a glazier by trade. One time this guy came into my Dad's shop and asked how much for our scrap glass cut offs. I thought he was nuts and I told him he could have all the scrap pieces he could find in my trash tub. He said he would be back in a few minutes. I thought he might be going to get a box, but he came back with a piece of a violin he was making and showed me why he wanted the broken glass. He used it as a scraper and his work was second to none! He took all the single and double strength glass he could with him. The key is that you can't use the side that the score came from. Sometimes when I need a weird shape I cut myself a piece of glass in that shape thanks to a tip from an old guy who came into my world from out of the blue. That is how we learn and evolve as craftsmen!

[@gnarthdarkanen7464]

I've heard a LOT of old timers in my area talk about their fathers and grand-fathers cutting and shaping tool handles with "pieces of a busted jar"... Personally never seen it done, myself... SO... thanks for the tip... ...time to experiment. ;o)

[@waltervancleave6495]

My Dad told me that he was standing on the shoulders of a Master cabinet maker.

[@barbodilshahi4956]

Bro we use that glass trick on the edge of the leather soles in shoemaking and I tell you no sandpaper does the job as good as that trash piece of glass(treasure to us though)

[@bluegitsy]

@@barbodilshahi4956 I do the same on leather edges works best thing by far to use

[@flatsixx]

I was taught this by my dad back in the late 70s when I was a kid. We’d save any mason jars that were cracked. Then as we needed it, we could put the glass in a burlap bag (I’ve used a pillow case) and bust it with a hammer.

[@tonyzaccaro2577]

GOT IT! I've had card scrapers for 6-7 years and finally got it!

[@landoncarter6452]

Hands down the best scraper sharpening video I've seen.

[@theRobzie]

I love the fact that you give proper pressure comparisons in your tutorials it makes so much more sense than when someone say "use a medium to light pressure" which can be confusing as hell.

[@JessMcM86]

Whilst I'd kind of agree with you, I'd argue that all he's really done in reality is make me way more self-conscious when pressing elevator and side-walk buttons!

[@ScornedOne1080]

These tools also work wonders for 3D printed items, smoothing them out and removing print lines before priming/painting.

[@theSilentCutter]

Yep! this is the 3d printers secret weapon!

[@dsmflow]

...and sand paper can take a really long time. had me chuckling - I am about 11 months into the wood working journey and picked up my first set of card scrapers; definitely life changing.

[@alinaeuphoria5619]

Oh, thank you so much! My hobby is a furniture restoration and a scraper is a very important tool for me. I only have water stones and a burnisher (no diamond stones and no file with that…secret device 😅), but I’ve tried this method and it works!! Thank you!

[@oldmanofcotati]

This might be the "Mother" of all card scraper sharpening instructional videos. Thank You. Your bastard in the wood plank is beautiful. I'll make a few today.

[@georgemillward2069]

This is the only video I have seen with the correct method to sharpen a scraper. This information needs to be out there THANK YOU.

[@cheryldawkins7486]

Thank you! I was told I had to put a huge amount of pressure on the burnisher. I couldn't figure out why it was never sharp. I can't thank you enough.

[@LiloUkulele]

Finally, I understand this SIMPLE process!

[@coloredcaboosecreations]

Thank you so much for this video. Now I’m off to sharpen my card scrapers.

[@magdalenaurzon8610]

Thank you very much for this video! I tried to sharpen a card scraper plenty times, using different methods and I always thought that I didn't have enough strength to do it. First time it's working. Great tutorial!

[@brushbros]

On KZbin we say "a file of questionable legitimacy" rather than bstrd file. I liked your vid and learned from it. Thank you!

[@chrisf.9350]

It’s encouraging to see a woodworker excited about his craft and not be a dweeb about it! 👌🏻👏🏻

[@thomasklink3766]

Excellent video. Best I've seen for card scrapers. You make it easy. Love the file setup.

[@GoAndStay]

My late dad could do this so easily, simply with the beveled part of a chisel. And then it was a marvel using it. Wonderful tool. But me, I am watching videos on how to sharpen it! Hopefully I will master it before I pass on! 😊

[@flyfish157]

Very informative while fun. I love how Jonathan shares his joy and discovery.

[@marka9292]

Card scrapers ftw

[@bmr8672]

I love card scrapers and all the stuff you can do with them. Thanks for the great instructive video. I hope you didn't get bastardized for naming the file like that but that's exactly what it is called.

[@tekviper9]

Thank you for sharing your skill and video!

[@jjharney]

Great video. I must say, I really appreciate that you mention how you have had trouble with specific aspects yourself. I have been making the mistake with the burnisher that you mention making. Can't wait to get out to the shop to get sharpening!

[@Mitchell17381]

I just bought my first set of scrapers last week. I had that same excitement when I got a curly shaving. You're right when you say this is a super underutilized tool. Thanks for the vid!

[@dwlsml4118]

You always do excellent videos, thanks for giving us all something interesting to watch.

[@akquicksilver]

Great instructional video sir. Thanks!

[@williambranham6249]

great explanation, very helpful.

[@harrydavis6903]

Great tutorial. The file in the block is an A+ tip. Thanks much, Jonathan!

[@carvingthecottonwood]

This is so helpful, thanks! I just received my first scrapers in the mail, can't wait to try them out.

[@Gotmovezlikejagga]

I just wanted to say thank you. Ive watched a few of these how to's for the scraper. Your instructions produced excellent results. The thin shavings not dust. You're very good at "teaching". Great job

[@doakwolf]

Thanks for the tutorial!!!

[@TheBearGrylz]

You give us so many real life wood working tips and at least for me, these tips have been invaluable.

[@_TheGoob]

I never heard of these, but imagined you could do this and it would be useful for my current project. This works so much better than I imagined it would. Your video was very clear and thorough without feeling tedious.

[@bobwebberkc]

I have used scrapers in my weekend wood working for years. I appreciate learning how to sharpen correctly. Thank you

[@peterlastrucci324]

Thank you for the great tut Jon, I am going to my shop to try the technique out!

[@TheGrantAlexander]

I can't wait to try this as I have never had any luck with my card scraper.

[@robinmarwick1982]

Excellent video Jonathan, very helpful...thanks.

[@Hamgravy1633]

You've earned yourself a sub with this video. Great stuff!

[@merlinsatrom6678]

This is so helpful! Thanks Jonathan!

[@brucemartin5510]

Best explanation on sharpening I've seen.

[@stevegipson4315]

Been watching your videos but never commented! You are a great instructor. You and and RC are two of the best on KZbin. Thanks for the videos. I very much appreciate what you do!

[@jims.6767]

Okay, that explains both why I don't like sharpening my scrapers AND why I mostly make dust :-) Thanks, I'll spend time squaring my scrapers, then draw out the edges, then *light* pressure at 5˚ At a Lie-Nielson Tool Show the demonstrator commented on all of the available videos when I asked how to sharpen the scraper [before I owned one]. But when he began the demonstration, the crowd was immediate, silent, attentive. I bet lots of people have the same issue I have. But it looks like planning, set-up, and mindful control is the answer. THUMBS-UP!

[@58hicks]

Thanks to you, I finally am able to sharpen my card scraper! Thanks!

[@joshuaneuman9133]

Great tips, you convinced me once I saw the pencil lines disappear. I’m getting one!

[@mattg6262]

Thanks Jonathan. This is the most clear presentation I've seen of this.

[@ryanmikita]

Awesome tips!

[@miranda.cooper]

I am so going to have to try this for my 3D prints

[@miranda.cooper]

Okay just tried it... MAN does it work! Wipes the layer lines right off! lol

[@ddm3125]

Thank you soo much for this! It took the apprehension out of sharpening my scrapers

[@mykhelderian]

Thank you so much. This is the only method I've tried where I got a good result. Excellent tutorial. Invaluable.

[@andimayermayer]

greatly explained!

[@heatbill1261]

Great instruction. Thank you. It took me a few tries to get it right. The trick i think is not to press to hart with the burnishing tool. I feel your excitement. LOL Liked. Subscribed.

[@tonybklyn5009]

A very helpful video. Thank you Jonathan.

[@sand0077]

Very informative, never heard of this before but must give it a try. Thank you!

[@thomasclarke8220]

Great info for us new woodworkers.!

[@shopnwoods9901]

Great tutorial. Thanks

[@tooljunkie555]

Good stuff Johnathan! Reminds me I have to re sharpen mine lol

[@David3880]

Thank you so much for your straight forward informative video. I believe I'll be able to finally get my card scrapers properly "tuned" to work properly.

[@jcwoods2311]

Been using one since I was a kid thanks to Grandpa. Nice video Jon, covered all the points.

[@hrxy1]

Good vid, straight to the point

[@dkbuilds]

I'm so glad I came across this video! I have a card scraper but have been afraid to use it because I don't know how to sharpen it. I'll give it a go this weekend, thank you!

[@jackhaynes7985]

Thanks for the tips

[@spayced]

Fantastic video! Thank you so much.

[@ronniechestnut2084]

Just got my first set of card scrapers and have got them sharps. Thanks for the lesson. Appreciate it.

[@robertsparkman8516]

I was encouraged to use them early on and it was the best advice I got. Mastering them will take time but some decent results can be had in a few minutes.

[@chm1701]

Just got my card scraper and burnisher today, Jonathan. I’d saved this video a year ago waiting for this moment and BOOM! Silky smooth finish. Thanks so much 👍

[@isaacmorband5042]

Great video. A fine lesson

[@yawner1154]

this is a great video. thank you for breaking down how it actually works!

[@wookieefaced1595]

Got it on my first attempt! Thanks Jonathan!

[@elguitarolerno]

Bought his dovetail jig. Absolutely brilliant. I use it all the time not just for dovetails but for perfect crosscuts it's great too. Cheers from Wales butty!

[@joshyingling]

I thought I was already subscribed, made sure of that. I already ordered your dovetail jig a year ago. Great video brother

[@petertitan2186]

Very good video man thanks ,back to the shop

[@timort2260]

Thank you awesome information

[@TheWoodLab]

Well done video. I gotta spend some time and get mine sharpened correctly. - Jim

[@randywright7933]

Best sharpening video EVER. Thanks though Katz. I've tried to sharpen mine before with several different methods but this one seems like the most practical I've seen, and with you covering the pressure was definitely on point. Thanks Katz

[@rick91443]

Another great video. Thank you rr Normandy

[@markthomas919]

Thanks, in the past missed out extending the edge before burnishing. Your method is so much superior with excellent results. Much appreciated your sharing if your methods.

[@MrJw55]

glad i came across this i haven't used mine in years and they need work not bad but almost embarrassed.thanks.

[@11FruitCake11]

Brilliant, just got my scraper up to a nice edge, thank you. I realise I was skipping step 2 before...

[@gyrojomo]

So satisfying to use.

[@zaxoszaxakis3505]

my love from Greece...likeeeeeee !!!!!!!!!

[@rampanttricky17]

it was the (bad) burnishing process i was using that was holding up getting a good edge. i did not even do a particularly good job of cleaning up the scraper and i still got such an improved result. "Improved" is not sufficient. I can now use the tool effectively! i had pulled out my orbital sander, vacuum, and extension cord; thought better of what i wanted and came back to watch this video (i had it in Watch Later) THANK YOU

[@PhilWhitfieldMusic]

Thank you for this. I’ve struggled with sharpening my card scrapers (even with the Veritas burnisher). Following along with this worked 100% the first time. Fantastic tutorial 😀😀😀

[@rodneyallen2672]

outstanding, I think that might just be the best ( and first one that got through my thick skull) demo on card sharpening I have seen. I can prob quit looking now.

[@gradeez]

The best video, thanks!!!!

[@SouthernStyleDIY]

Thank you for showing this!!! I’ve been wondering why my card scraper was “broken” and getting next to nothing when I used it. Just need to sharpen it up

[@rustythecat2163]

Best vid teaching card scraping bar none on the net.! Thank you Johnathon. Size of curls vary based on wood hardness and cross grain but still there. I love planes and use card scrapers often.

[@richymart]

Great video thanks so much! I got shown these steps by a furniture maker but he put heaps of pressure on the burnisher and I haven’t had great success with it, I can see the light touch you have and can’t wait to go and sharpen my cards now.

[@karthiksc47]

Thanks for your guidance

[@katzmosestools]

So nice of you

[@robertspina4503]

Thanks great video

[@cantilever73]

Perfect, thanks a lot

[@bunnhearn314]

Best video and detailed directions on sharpening I have seen. Thanks

[@katzmosestools]

Thanks bud, I really appreciate it!

[@JordanWoodwerx]

that is amazing!

[@earlbishop2314]

Thanks for the tips. My scrapers I purchased from you just arrived and I was able to get them very sharp. I even made the file holder you used in the video. In the past I was applying too much pressure…..

[@masondnatube]

Thank you Jonathan. I'd looked at a few other video guides but none seemed to mention the key point that you mentioned, pressure. Finally after using the pressure you suggested it only bloody worked, cheers :)

[@johncristiano5066]

Awesome video! I bought a card scraper years ago and it collected dust because I couldn't use it and got frustrated. Watched this one and got awesome results in no time at all. Nice work. Keep it up.

[@chrisw1462]

Even if you never use it for a finished face, a scraper is the absolute best at a.) removing tool burns, and more important b.) leveling across a joint. If you've ever dished out a depression in your project with an orbital sander trying to level a slight mismatch in a joint, whether it's edging on a plywood top or a corner joint on a frame - learn to use a scraper. It's FAST and FLAT, and the joint won't need anything but finish sanding afterwards. When adding a solid wood edge to a plywood top, I always make sure the solid edging is just a hair higher than the plywood. The scraper makes it super flat in no time, with no chance of going through the veneer that's so thin on plywood these days.

[@brianp8148]

Always wanted to use a card scraper, but never got it sharpened right. Thanks always great vids!

[@rtwaldotrackday5038]

Great I had not used in long time a needed a refresher. Blade had loss it edge and I needed this tool to even joined wood seams. Thanks

[@samlagrotteria2149]

Thank you Sir

[@donataspimpasas]

That’s so cool !