How to Use Scrapers
- 1). Ensure that your scraper is sharpened and ready for use. A scraper which is not sharp will not produce the desired results. A dull scraper will make dust rather than smooth, clean shavings as you work. A metal file, which can be purchased at hardware stores can be used for this task. Hold the file at a 90-degree angle and slide it down the length of the sharp end repeatedly, continuing until the edge has been sharpened.
- 2). Work the scraper along the grain of the wood. Your strokes, as you scrape, should be done in a way that causes the stroke marks to cross each other at an angle.
- 3). Bend the scraper very slightly in the middle as you work. This is accomplished by holding the edges while applying pressure to the middle.
- 4). Dust your wood off and examine the results. For those new to using a scraper, it may still be necessary to follow up the scraping process with sandpaper.
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