This tip may not convince you to snip the cord on your belt sander, but should shatter the myth that cabinet scrapers are some lost art.
The only “trick” to using a scraper is making the burr. Dozens of different jigs and techniques can help you get that metal micro-hook, but my filing jig is fast and cheap. When the burr fails, I can renew an edge and resume scraping in a few seconds.
To make the jig, all you need is a fine mill file and a scrap of wood. Using your table saw, groove the board to fit the file. (Aim for a snug fit. If it’s loose, shim the file with masking tape.) Insert the file into the groove then draw the edge of the file against the face of the scraper. Within two or three passes, you’ll have a somewhat rough, but surprisingly serviceable, hook. This jig can also be used to hone a square edge to create a burnished hook for finer scraping. After filing, place the scraper bottom face down on your sharpening stone to knock off the rough burr; then use the edge of the jig as shown (at left) to hone a square edge. Flatten both faces one last time before drawing and turning the burr with a burnisher (or as I do, with an old screwdriver).
