Running sharpener over edge of cabinet scraper


This jig simplifies the process of filing, honing and burnishing card scrapers with all-in-one convenience.

Sharpening a cabinet scraper isn't particularly difficult, but the process will require three separate tools: a file (often installed in a holder to ensure that it's held squarely to the scraper's edge), a fine-grit sharpening stone and a hardened-steel burnishing rod. If you don't perform this routine maintenance on your scrapers very often, you'll also need to remember the correct order of operations for using those tools to sharpen effectively. It can make an otherwise quick task one you might tend to avoid, so your scrapers are only occasionally performing at their best.


Rockler cabinet scraper sharpener and scrapers

Rockler's innovative 3-in-1 Cabinet Scraper Sharpening Tool is designed to simplify the sharpening process in both regards. Its glass-filled nylon base is outfitted with all three tools you'll need for the job: a double-cut second file, a 2,500-grit diamond hone and a burnishing rod.

So you won't have to scrounge for the tools you'll need just to prepare for the task. The tool is also helpfully embossed with step-by-step reminders on each of its fences, including some diagrams — and this may be its greatest benefit. You don't have to remember the sharpening steps or search for the instruction sheet that comes with it. The tool is its own tutor!

Sharpening Made Easy


Filing down edge of dull scraper blade
Step One: Filing is the first step to sharpening a scraper. It flattens the edge (on straight-edged scrapers) and creates square corners along the scraper's faces. A double-cut second file on this tool removes steel quickly.


The first step to sharpening a scraper is filing a flat, square edge with the scraper clamped vertically in a bench vise (see Step 1). A square fence beside the tool's file is held against the face of the scraper, and 10 to 12 passes will remove the former edge as well as flatten it.


Using opposite side of sharpener to hone cabinet scraper blade
Step Two: Flipping the sharpener over switches it from filing to honing — the second step of the sharpening regime. Super-fine diamond grit removes filing marks on the edge and sharpens its corners.

Flipping the 3-in-1 Cabinet Scraper Sharpening Tool over presents Step 2: honing. Here, tiny striations and other roughness left by the file's teeth can be smoothed away with several strokes of the diamond hone. The diamond grit also serves to sharpen both corners of the edge.


Laying card scraper flat to burnish blade
Step Three: A hardened-steel burnishing rod is used next for Step 3, to draw the scraper's corners out into burrs that extend beyond its edge. A few passes along the corner, pressing down with moderate pressure, is all it takes.

Laying the scraper flat on a work surface and turning the tool around to Step 3 enables you to draw out the scraper's corner beyond the edge. This happens by distorting the steel with the tool's hardened-steel burnishing rod. It creates the first stage of the micro-burr that does the actual cutting when the scraper is in use.


Clamping scraper in vise to finish sharpening process
Step Four: The angled fence held against the scraper's face in Step 4 tilts the burnishing rod about 10 degrees past square. When it's pressed along the scraper's edge, the rod turns the burr downward to complete it.

Finally, re-clamping the scraper vertically again transitions to the final stage of sharpening (Step 4 on the tool): rolling the burr down past the edge to orient it toward the scraper's face. Rockler has designed the fence used for turning the burr so it tips the burnishing rod about 10 degrees down from square, effectively "hooking" the burr to prepare it for use. Several strokes with moderate pressure along the edge are all it takes to finish the burr.

With a little practice, you can turn both edges of a scraper into four burrs in very little time. And that should help make scraping a more effective part of your general surface preparation process.