rgdaniel Posted January 4, 2015 Report Share Posted January 4, 2015 Quick question, if I may: I have a small burnisher from Lee Valley, it's only about an inch long, plus the handle. I was thinking I would like to get some of that sideways action that a full-length burnisher makes possible, to more effectively pull that burr over, which I think I saw somebody talking about, somewhere... I know you're not supposed to use a screwdriver (not hardened enough) but what about something like a turning tool, like a bowl gouge or spindle gouge? I already have those things, and the full size burnisher is like thirty bucks. Is the steel on a bowl gouge hard enough to substitute as a burnisher when sharpening cabinet scrapers? Or is the sideways motion even necessary? Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wdwerker Posted January 4, 2015 Report Share Posted January 4, 2015 If you have a long drill bit the shank might be hard enough. I am thinking a 1/4" or bigger and 6" or longer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Cancelleri Posted January 4, 2015 Report Share Posted January 4, 2015 I've seen people use a screwdriver shaft to burnish their scrapers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wdwerker Posted January 4, 2015 Report Share Posted January 4, 2015 If I was even going to try a screwdriver it would be an old high quality American made one, like a 30 year old Snap on. Asian made or flaking chrome , I wouldn't bother trying. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric. Posted January 4, 2015 Report Share Posted January 4, 2015 Decent scrapers are at least 45 Rockwell or harder, so a burnisher needs to be around 65 or harder. I seriously doubt any screwdriver is hard enough. When I first started with card scrapers, I tried it...and it didn't work. Also be sure to use some kind of oil. Makes a world of difference. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freddie Posted January 4, 2015 Report Share Posted January 4, 2015 The screwdriver is good for burnishing outside miters when you're on the job site. I know this because I have to do this to almost all of my dads miter joints when we do trim work together. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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