What burnisher should I get?

[tobytools]

as the title suggests?
Do I really need one or can I get away with an old file?

What have some of you used and how do you rate them.
Thanks.

TT

 

[carlb40]

I will be getting the LN one, due to the fact i love the use of curly maple, so will fit in with the handles i have made for my 4 1/2 and DT saw.

At the moment i use either the bosch woodrazor blade from my planer or one of the replaceable carbide blade from my sandvik scraper

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BAHCO-442-SCR ... 51a0c22a2e

 

[Richard T]

Hi Toby

Although I haven't used scrapers much, a burnisher needs to be hard and smooth. I had heard that the curved body of a gouge works well so that is what I have used in the past and it does work well.

An old file ground smooth would be ok but it would take an age to get it smooth enough.

 

[rafezetter]

I had read that the one from workshop heaven was the burnisher to end all burnishers:

http://www.workshopheaven.com/cgi-b...O_Carbur_2_Solid_Carbide_Burnisher.html#SID=8

 

[marcros]

The shank of a solid carbide milling cutter if you have access to a knackered one.

 

[Trafalgar]

as the title suggests?
Do I really need one or can I get away with an old file?

What have some of you used and how do you rate them.
Thanks.

TT

I have the Clifton and I can't imagine there's one better. I have Clifton and 'vintage' Sandvik scrapers too. I found the Lie-Nielsens to be really crappy by comparison. Don't economize (ise) on your scraping kit. They'll get you out of more than just a few jam-a-rooskis.

 

[undergroundhunter]

I have a pax one that I bought from classic hand tools. What can you say about a burnisher? is it hard - yes, does it roll an edge - yes, does it look out of place on the bench - no, is it ridiculously expensive - no, does it smell nice - yes

Matt

 

[David C]

Hock, from Classic Handtools is very good, in a workmanlike and understated way.

David

 

[Spindle]

Hi

I have a Veritas one, it works for me but as it's the only one I've used I have no means of comparing it's performance.

Regards Mick

 

[tobytools]

Thanks everyone for you advice,
I think I'm going to go for the Clifton or the hock:
Richard T- I'll try out that method you mentioned cheers.
Marcos-I don't even know what one of those is
Carlb40- the LN burnisher looks lovely and cost a pretty bunch. I don't really use scrapers so for now I'll get a mid range one and who knows maby in a year or two I'll up grade, let me know how you get on

Thanks again everyone
TT

 

[Kalimna]

+1 for the Veritas offering. I'm not sure how much of a gimmick it is, but the differing radii in theory make it easier to control pressure on the edge to be burnished. Tighter radius = more pressure, etc.

Cheers,
Adam

 

[Racers]

I have a Two Cherrys one and its rock hard, and not expensive.

Pete

 

[MIGNAL]

And the two Cherries burnisher that I have is a piece of junk. I went and bought an engine exhaust valve from Ebay for a couple of quid. It's very good as a scraper burnisher, not sure about as an exhaust valve though.

 

[Racers]

Hi Mignal

I have heard the Two Cherrys can be variable, Valve stems also make good centre punches.

I have a 1/4" solid carbide milling cutter that is going to be a burnisher, but the dam thing keeps going!

Pete

 

[KevM]

+1 for Two Cherries - but as Pete says there does seem to be a bit of variation out there. I'll shortly be moving my Veritas variable burnisher on, I got it in a job lot, and never really found the need for it - Hey ho. It does do a really good job, but then so do I (he said modestly!)

 

[gasman]

I've got a veritas one which you are welcome to buy - PM me if interested
Regards
Mark

 

[Sheffield Tony]

I have a Thomas Flinn one that does the job. Mind you a modern hard screwdriver used to serve before that. Scrapers are only a 0.5% carbon spring steel so not that hard - a bit of hardened silver steel in a handle of your choice ought to be cheap and easy enough to make.

 

[Peter Sefton]

We have sold the Veritas, Pax and Clifton. I used to use a very hard screw driver shaft but it got lost a I never found one hard enough since. My own is a Clifton I am fairly sure it will be the same steel as the Pax but the Clifton's handle is very well finished with a beautifully turned ferrule and a pleasure to use.
Peter

 

[jimmyhenson]

I also have the veritas. I am very happy with the results. I cannot compare it with any others as its the only one i've owned.

 

[tobytools]

I just ordered the the clifton burnisher as well as a few goodies as I've been of the ebay and Booz ;£

Also just ordered.
3/8 ashley iles DT chisel
Double extra slim taper 15-20 file
Replacement iron for a 112 plane

I also have some new vices and a bench grinder on their way. But don't tell the misses

TT