How often do you need to burnish or dress a cabinet scraper?

[ED65]

Apart from the "traditional" aspect, is scraping that much better in terms of finish?

Realistically? No. But you'd tend to get there faster (yes, amazingly it's faster) and a big plus for a lot of us, there'd be no dust all over the workshop.

Some people scrape as the last operation, some scrape and then do a minimal bit of final sanding with 220 grit or thereabouts. The type of final finish you're going with can make a difference which way you'd want to go, you need a much more scrupulously prepared surface if you're oiling while varnish can hide more.

 

[sunnybob]

I think I shall stick to the cowards way out, electric sander and clear poly top coat. My sharpening skills need sharpening (lol).

 

[ED65]

Varied accounts can make more of the preparation of card scrapers than is warranted, and it puts a lot of people off. I wouldn't be nervous, yes some people struggle with it, but it's important to also know that many a user has been able to do it well first time.

If you're really struggling Bob try using the scraper straight after filling. The burr created is usually a bit large and a bit crude but it is something that you can use.

 

[Sawyer]

a power planer to remove the old varnish

That would probably remove most of the table top as well :shock:

Cheers :wink:

Paul

OK, computer error there. I actually meant power sander, honest!

Mind you, I have seen this done - unfortunately, to an antique #-o Not surprisingly, it looked horrible; the whole table covered in tramlines from the ends of the blades and ripple marks, the removal of which would be more difficult than the old finish could ever have been!

Then followed, a thick gloopy layer of yacht varnish, which of course make the ravages of the planer stand out even more.

 

[sunnybob]

This table is not at the top of the "to do" list, i shall ponder the problem.