This is an improved version of a commercial scraper-burnishing jig that’s commonly marketed to luthiers. It makes it easy to form consistent cutting burrs, whether the scraper is square or curved, without the skill and muscle memory you need to use a standard burnishing rod successfully.

At its angled end, my jig is the same as the commercial version. But I added a 90° position at the other end, which lets me use the same tool to first draw the burr upward, an integral part of the scraper sharpening process. In fact, I can renew the same burr 10 or more times with this jig—drawing it upward and then curling it again—before I need to file and hone the edge of the scraper square again and form a new burr.

Step one: Draw burr away from scraper

The jig is simply a short wood handle that holds a 1/4-in.-dia. carbide router bit at two angles, with the shank of the bit acting as the burnishing rod. The angled end has a narrow slot that fits onto the edge of the scraper, helping you keep the handle level and the rod at 10°. I cut this slot with a backsaw, but a bandsaw will also work.

The other part of the jig is a flat piece of 2×4 lumber with a straight edge, where the scraper is held with hand pressure as you burnish it. This is much faster than clamping it in a vise.

Step two: Roll burr over

Before you use the tool each time, put a little oil on the bit shank. Whether you are forming a new burr or re-turning an existing one, the steps are the same. When the burrs become jagged, leaving little stripes on the wood, it’s time to refresh the edges of the scraper entirely, by filing them square again and honing them smooth, so you can draw and turn new burrs. If you want cutting burrs that are more or less aggressive, make a second jig with 5° and 15° holes.

—LARRY MATTHEWS, Upper Darby, Pa.

Illustrations by Dan Thornton
From Fine Woodworking issue #308

Sharpening a Curved Scraper

Peter Galbert demonstrates how to get a perfect edge on a curved card scraper consistently and efficiently.

Shopmade Honing Guide

Use this simple jig to hone a front and back bevel on plane irons

Utility-knife blade makes a nimble scraper

By turning a burr on a standard disposable knife blade and adding a simple maple handle, you get an amazing detail scraper

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

Mist Coolant System

A mister for keeping tools cool while you hone them on your grinder. This mister has a base that can be screwed to a support near your grinding wheel or drill press. It conveniently hooks up to a small shop compressor, and by charging it with coolant, you can keep tools rust free.

Buy at Amazon

Woodriver Circle Cutting Jig

The WoodRiver circle jig, which produces cuts up to 32-1/2 in. dia., and I can confidently recommend it. Unlike similar jigs that can pop off of their pivots mid-cut, ruining a panel in the process, this one has a robust pivot point that registers securely in the jig and workpiece.

Buy at Amazon