Nevertheless, I’ll add a few words to clarify. The small block of 3/4″ plywood has squared edges. It is captured in my tail-vise along with a fine grit diamond sharpening plate. The wooden block on top of the curved scraper is attached to the scraper with very thin double sticky tape, creating a handle to maneuver the scraper easily. It is now a simple matter to form a nice sharp, square edge on the curved edge of the scraper. I have some ceramic stones that I used next to polish the edge further. I finished off the edge by rubbing some white polishing compound onto a square of MDF, clamping it up like the sharpening stones and buffing the edge of the scraper to a high shine. Before removing the “handle” polish the face of the scraper on your finest stones (I use a King 8000 grit water stone). To draw the burr I did most of the work with the burnisher flat on the surface, followed by a very light burnishing on the edge itself to raise a slight burr. This worked very effectively!
By the way, a few weeks ago I was visited by Nancy Malott who came from Kansas to learn plane making. She made a very nice smoother patterned after one of my Dad’s planes.
In case you are wondering, the tooth brush is used to clear swarf (man, I love that word) from the face of the stone.
Until next time!
df
Dave,
So cool. The way you challenge the prevailing idea that scrapers shouldn’t be used on soft woods. Then, by going beyond what I’m sure are your amazingly sharp scrapers to begin with, to creating the tools and conditions that lead to what … perfection plus one?
Hi Dave –while cabinet makers/ furniture makers will rarely make use of scrapers on softwood — those flat surfaces usually hand plane beautifully — violin makers have long made use of scrapers to finish sculpting and detailing the curvaceous softwood tops of their instruments. Nothing new on my part, but maybe I should just keep quiet and take the praise! Kind of you to comment as such.
Fantastic idea! Thank you very much, Mr Finck! In fact, the head not only serves to separate the ears!! [smiles].
I am a lover of violin-making and not having time because of life as company director. For 25 years I went studying and buying tools slowly. Soon I will start my first violin. Thank you for this clever idea.
I apologize for my bad English.
Julio China
São Paulo – Brazil
Just wanted t say I really enjoy the blog. I took numerous classes from you years ago at Cedar Lakes in WV.
Hi Steve — Thanks for staying in touch. i hope you are well.