Replies

1. 
   frenchy | Oct 14, 2008 06:33pm | #1

   Yes,

    but you need to be carefull not to induce a dip to eliminate the nap.

    

    I do question exactly how sharp your scraper was*. I've been able to eliminate all feel of raised grain with really sharp cards.  (but yeh!  I change direction to eleminate knots etc..)  

    Just for information how quickly did you pick up the sharpening technique? 

2. 
   Shep | Oct 15, 2008 04:41am | #2

   One great thing about using a scraper is that you can work it either way with the grain, even changing directions in a very small area.

3. 
   mike_maines | Oct 15, 2008 04:45am | #3

   Is it a card scraper or a plane-type?  Card scrapers are better for final smoothing.

   Where you feel the nap, scrape lightly in the other direction.  Also try holding the scraper at a bias to the edge of the board, which will help shear fibers instead of tearing them.

   Oh, and make sure it's really sharp.  Hone the edge square until you can't see any milling marks.  Hone the sides until you can't see any milling marks.  Then burnish just very lightly.

1. 
   Kilroy | Oct 15, 2008 07:14am | #4

   I got a card scraper, Bahco brand. I saw a website that described how to sharpen and burnish, but I went over to the cabinetmaker's shop this afternoon, and he said I was not getting it sharp enough and sharpened it with a file instead of the stone I had been using. Dramatically different feel when it scrapes now. He was also quite vehement about how much it would cost if I asked *him* to scrape the wood.... ;-}

1. 
   mike_maines | Oct 15, 2008 03:24pm | #5

   It's good to start with a file, but for a flawless surface I still like to use a stone.  File is comparable to grinding stone, then start with a relatively course stone (I use diamond stones) and work up to a fine one.

   Or don't worry about it ;-)