: I got a set, three different scrapers. I used the curve (like a french curve)
: inside to scrape the edges. Worked good. One problem I am having is
: getting it really sharp. It is hit and miss so far. Though I have read
: several web pages on sharpening it I only get a small burl and have yet to
: pull any long, planelike ribbons of wood. Most pages I read said you need
: a special hardened burnisher to pull the burl. A screwdriver isn't hard
: enough to do a good job.

Jjoven

I hear ya there. The screw driver will work after a fashion, if you don't have a steel( burnishing tool ). I have used one almost extensively, as I'm too lazy to go buy the burnisher. I find that the most common reason for not getting a good sharp burr on the scraper is that the old edge hasn't been totally cleaned off. You have to mill/file the old surface off very clean, feeling NO burr on the edge at all. That means a good/clean 90* angle, and smooth. Then, put your weight on the steel(burnisher) keeping it flat for a couple of strokes. You should feel the edges start to spread. When you feel a good uniform burr on the edge, then start tilting or rolling the steel(burnisher) over to the side. That should lay the burr down even more. On the rectangle scraper, I do all 8 edges so I don't have to play with it all the time. When you've used one side a while, mark it with a felt pen to keep from trying to get it to work when it is dull. Also, one time you will get the burr over a little farther than the next, so, try different angles and see if it will cut better at that angle. It takes a little practice to get a good edge all the way down a surface, so, keep at it. My first scrapper was around a half inch narrower before I learned to get a good edge on the whole thing. Since I haven't used one in around 5 years, I'll have to start all over again I'm sure.

Also, a safety tip. When you are working an edge on the scraper, don't lean too far into your stroke. I once pushed a bit too far and when the burnisher went off the end, I cut my wrist open on the edge of the scraper. It was ready! Good Luck!!

Rehd