Official Luthiers Forum!

I burnished and used my scraper for the first time today to level the binding and purfling. It wasn't fast, wasn't slow, and I loved the control it gave me in regard to not removing a lot of wood around the perimeter that my sander would. I love finding new techniques that are so effective and simple!

I love scrapers too. I always have a single edge razor blade for use as a scraper. It's quick, sharp and cheap. Only available in flat, but still, very effective.

James, you are officially a real man now.

For seriously though, the scraper is easily one of my favorite tools. I'm glad you have found it.

_________________
Mike

"The Dude abides. I don't know about you but I take comfort in that. It's good knowin' he's out there. The Dude. Takin' 'er easy for all us sinners. Shoosh." The Stranger

I think you'll soon find yourself lost without it. Once I figured out how to get it sharp it became one of the most satisfying and often used tools in my shop. Its hard to go back to brutish, dusty sandpaper when the scraper is faster, cleaner, and funner for so many tasks.

_________________
Gabriel Regalbuto
Carlsbad, California
Freedom 35!

Single edge razor blades do work well. I also like to use utility knife blades. When they get a little dull, I give them a couple of quick strokes on a diamond stone and they are good to go again.

I like a scraper for leveling the sides, seems alot faster and cleaner than sanding.It also removes slat stain much faster too.

Sharp scrapers are a great asset to guitar leveling. I have a high quality Lee Valley scraper and burnisher, and a thinner cheaper one that does not retain a edge burr as well as the better one. Good quality steel makes for a longer lasting edge. I also use dollar store box cutter blades, at 10 for $1 I just toss them when dull. These are great for leveling wood binding as this really dulls a blade quickly.

Fred

_________________
Fred Tellier
http://www.fetellierguitars.com
Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/FE-Tellier-Guitars/163451547003866

nothing will make curly binding pop like a well turnd burr on a scraper

I really enjoyed the link, Todd. That's essentially the process I used to sharpen mine, but I did it free hand. Didn't turn out too bad!

Scrapers are like love ones !
You can't live without them !!

Mike

_________________
Mike Collins

Scrapers are swell tools, aren't they? I know of one builder who levels finishes with a scraper. Top coat has a tint, and when the tint is gone from the shavings, it's time to stop.

They're the best for finish repairs, much more control over what gets taken down compared to sandpaper. Plus, you don't get so much of that "area-being-repaired sprawl".

Pat

_________________
formerly known around here as burbank
_________________

http://www.patfosterguitars.com