How to sharpen a gooseneck cabinet scraper?

28th February 2020

	How to sharpen a gooseneck cabinet scraper?


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			The cutting edge of a gooseneck cabinet scraper will eventually become dull with use and require sharpening. To sharpen a gooseneck scraper you will need a round file, a diamond sharpening stone, a round-blade burnishing tool, oil, a clean cloth and a wood block.

			Step 1 – Clamp scraper With the part of the edge you are going to sharpen facing up, clamp the scraper securely in a vice.

			Step 2 – File scraper Hold both ends of the round file and place it flat on the edge of the scraper. Run the file forwards and backwards along the edge, going with the curve so the scraper does not lose its shape. Run the file against the edge until it is smooth.

			Test the smoothness of the scraper by carefully running your finger along the edge.

			Step 3 – Set up diamond stone and wood block Lie the sharpening stone flat on the worktop, then place the wood block at 90 degrees against the side of the stone to guide you. Place the body of the scraper against the wood block so the edge of the scraper is against the sharpening stone.

			Step 4 – Smooth edges Push the scraper firmly against the sharpening stone, while running the edge of the scraper in a forwards and backwards motion. As the edge of the scraper is curved, you need to follow the shape of the scraper when running it against the stone. This will prevent the scraper from losing its curves.

			To smooth the edges of tight concave areas use a round needle file. Place your dominant hand on the handle and your non-dominant hand on the end of the needle file. Run the file against the concave edge, forwards and backwards, following the shape of the curve.

			Step 5 – Remove burr Remove the wood block, then lie the scraper horizontally against the stone. Run both sides of the scraper forwards and backwards a number of times to remove the burr (rough edge).

			Rub the sides of the scraper against the diamond stone until it is smooth. Carefully check the smoothness of the edge with your finger.

			Step 6 – Apply oil Lie the gooseneck scraper flat on the edge of the worktop. Apply oil to the burnishing tool, then run your finger along the the tool to spread the oil.

			Step 7 – Burnish scraper (sides) Rub and push down the burnishing tool against the side of the scraper, using plenty of force. Rotate the burnishing tool several times until most of the oil has been used. Repeat this on the other side of the scraper.

			Move the scraper around on the worktop to burnish each edge.

			Step 8 – Burnish scraper (edge) Hold the scraper against the side of the worktop or clamp it in a vice. Run the burnishing tool along the edges of the scraper, either towards you or away from you. The burnisher only needs to be flicked over the edges once or twice.

			You are aiming to create a sharp burr on both sides of the blade.

			Step 9 – Wipe scraper Wipe the gooseneck scraper with a clean cloth to remove any oil or leftover material.

			Step 10 – Test scraper Test the scraper on a piece of scrap wood. If it cuts into the surface of the wood and produces shavings, it is sharp enough. If it creates sawdust, you will have to further sharpen the scraper.