Negative Rake Scraper
Basics with a Burr

I’m always trying to learn new techniques, trying to learn how to use and sharpen new tools. Always looking for the flawless finish so I don’t have to get a disk sander out to get my project ready to finish 🙂

I started out my woodturning journey with some cheap tools and the only ones that I could make work were ‘scrapers’ that were ….maybe 3/16″ thick and I thought they would break in half at any moment …especially after some of the nasty catches I would get.

Getting Started With Scrapers
….An Essential Tool

In the beginning I made some homemade tools, some scrapers and some carbide tipped or carbide insert scrapers. I learned to use these and at least I figured out how to shape to a project without injuring myself, breaking the tools, cracking the tool rest or sent tools and project flying across the room!

I enjoy writing, always wanted to be a writer…..so to some of you who think I might be too verbose ….please forgive me 🙂 There is a reason behind my madness in almost all my posts. I always intend to share a lesson I have learned and something that will help you become a better woodturner.

Finally Purchased A Hefty Scraper

I like scrapers, I finally got a 1 1/2″ round nose scraper that’s almost 1/2″ thick, from Hurricane Tools …a 1 1/2″ Round Nose Scraper …every wood turner should have a good hefty set of scrapers. Once you learn how to use them you will have the courage to attack the most unruley piece of spinning wood. You should really get a set of these heavy duty scrapers, they will last many, many years. You will get a round nose, left and right scraper. If I could encourage new turners one set of tools to get it would be this Hurricane Scraper Set.

Learning How to Sharpen and Put a “Burr” on Your Scraper

Well, I started learning about the “burr” on the cuting edge of a woodturing tool, in particular, scrapers. There are many kind of scrapers and I thought you just sharpened them and you would be good to go! Now I find out that I need to have a “burr” or “bur” on the end ot the tool. OK…I figured out what a bur was and I could probably make one ….but which side do you use. Do I turn the burr up so it contacts the wood first or do I put the stupid burr on the bottom …..who knows and what’s worse everyone assumes you know where the burr needs to go.

So, I gave up and figured when the Great Turner in the Sky wanted me to know how all this burr stuff works out and how to use it, it would be revealed to me 🙂

Well…..enter Mike Peace.

A Proper Burr Makes for a Glass Like Finish

Just watch the video and everything regarding a woodturning tool burr becomes clear…. how to make the burr, what position to use the burr.

Bottom line, is that the cutting tool burr will help you make clearner cuts ( I have no idea how it does this) which means you end up with a better project, less sanding and you are now a very fine woodworker.

Mike shares a variety of scrapers and mostly talks about negative rake scrapers. If you don’t know what that is ….don’t worry, you’ll figure it out from the video pictures or his explaination. But this video will get you on your way to learning how to be a better woodturner.

You should bookmark this post or video because you will want to “perfect” this concept….that is, scraping and creating a burr on your tool.

How to Make a Burr with a Burnisher

Let me know what you think.!