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.

[@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!

[@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

[@bobwebberkc]

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

[@mykhelderian]

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

[@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.

[@alanlillich6738]

Thanks a million! I’ve been struggling with card scrapers, could get a cutting burr maybe one try in ten. You’re the first person to give pressure advice that I could follow with the elevator/crosswalk button tip. I immediately got four good edges, did a bunch of scraping, and repulled four more good edges.

[@maine420247]

Accu burr

[@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 👍

[@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!

[@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.

[@flyfish157]

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

[@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

[@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 😀😀😀

[@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.

[@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.

[@58hicks]

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

[@thomasklink3766]

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

[@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!

[@ronniechestnut2084]

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

[@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!

[@josephhaddakin7095]

​@@JessMcM86hahaha. How hard do you press an elevator button, sir? Easy, about as hard as you do burnishing a card scraper.

[@ddm3125]

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

[@tonyzaccaro2577]

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

[@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!

[@TheBearGrylz]

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

[@mattboyd1985]

I have been trying to get a card scraper to work for a while now. Never had clean shavings, just dust. Working better now though! Biggest tips were lite pressure like pushing a button, and burnishing the edge flat on the bench before you burnish the narrow edge. With these tips I was able to get much better finishes even just using the bottom of a big router bit as a burnishing tool. Seeing how much easier the burnishing tool makes things ive already ordered one. Great 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!

[@chrisf.9350]

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

[@landoncarter6452]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@brucemartin5510]

Best explanation on sharpening I've seen.

[@mattg6262]

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

[@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.

[@LiloUkulele]

Finally, I understand this SIMPLE process!

[@jcwoods2311]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@TheGrantAlexander]

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

[@tekviper9]

Thank you for sharing your skill and video!

[@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.

[@dwlsml4118]

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

[@Hamgravy1633]

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

[@akquicksilver]

Great instructional video sir. Thanks!

[@whydoihavetoify]

The card scraper is a great tool, we call it a cabinet scaper in the UK and fibrous plasters call it a busk, it also comes in many different gauges as well as shapes, I have never sharpened mine, so great video as always.

[@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!

[@peterlastrucci324]

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

[@wookieefaced1595]

Got it on my first attempt! Thanks Jonathan!

[@craigmonteforte1478]

Good video and method with a very good narration on the process my Father cut hair for many years and owned his own shop he was a Master at sharpening Almost any thing including of course his shears that he brought home every evening unfortunately he is gone now and never took the time to explain all the processes he used Although i did watch him sitting at the workbench in our garage using a grinder and wet stones We even had a special container to put our dull utility knife blades he would re sharpen along with all the woodworking tools I was a professional Woodworker for over 20 years and i had to learn the skills of keeping many tools sharp out in the feild which sometimes meant needing to utilize a belt sander and files in a attempt to keep my tool boxes as light as i could sometimes like my Father i did bring certain items home to use Tools i kept there most importantly my loved and expensive Marple chisels that i made a tool roll for transporting them safely

[@merlinsatrom6678]

This is so helpful! Thanks Jonathan!

[@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 :)

[@joshyingling]

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

[@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…..

[@robinmarwick1982]

Excellent video Jonathan, very helpful...thanks.

[@sand0077]

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

[@tonybklyn5009]

A very helpful video. Thank you Jonathan.

[@zaxoszaxakis3505]

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

[@williambranham6249]

great explanation, very helpful.

[@yawner1154]

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

[@thomasclarke8220]

Great info for us new woodworkers.!

[@MrJw55]

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

[@tooljunkie555]

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

[@TheWoodLab]

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

[@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.

[@joshuaneuman9133]

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

[@bunnhearn314]

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

[@katzmosestools]

Thanks bud, I really appreciate it!

[@andimayermayer]

greatly explained!

[@Dresden76]

I was just thinking it was time to sharpen my card scraper (for the first time)! This is great!

[@katzmosestools]

You'll love it!

[@coloredcaboosecreations]

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

[@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

[@brianp8148]

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

[@hrxy1]

Good vid, straight to the point

[@petertitan2186]

Very good video man thanks ,back to the shop

[@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! 😊

[@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.

[@doakwolf]

Thanks for the tutorial!!!

[@spayced]

Fantastic video! Thank you so much.

[@gyrojomo]

So satisfying to use.

[@shopnwoods9901]

Great tutorial. Thanks

[@BruceAUlrich]

Best method I've seen yet...and I've seen a lot!

[@katzmosestools]

Much better than William Walker

[@gradeez]

The best video, thanks!!!!

[@TheHonudiver]

Wow, excellent tutorial! Thank you!

[@isaacmorband5042]

Great video. A fine lesson

[@Bonezz024]

Haha this is excellent You're entertaining and informative af man! And I love how geeked you are when the curls come out. Another great video. Cheers 🍻

[@katzmosestools]

Cheers!

[@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!

[@rick91443]

Another great video. Thank you rr Normandy

[@jackhaynes7985]

Thanks for the tips

[@ryanmikita]

Awesome tips!

[@JordanWoodwerx]

that is amazing!

[@donataspimpasas]

That’s so cool !

[@11FruitCake11]

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

[@timort2260]

Thank you awesome information

[@cantilever73]

Perfect, thanks a lot

[@DennisNestor]

Great video! I am sold on card scrapers. You have another subscriber. Keep up the great work.

[@katzmosestools]

Welcome Dennis!

[@karthiksc47]

Thanks for your guidance

[@katzmosestools]

So nice of you

[@MadeByMarylou]

I love the card scraper. Need to get mine at that sharpness level tho! Thanks for sharing!! 🙏🏽