Burnishers

[DMH1112]

I decided to buy a burnisher for rounding the burr on my scrapers. I have looked around and found 7 companies who make a burnisher.

Clifton
Crown
Two Cherries
Veritas
Lie-Nielsen
Pfeil
Czeck edge

Which of these companies burnisher is the best? Does it matter which one I get?

[FK]

All of your listed manuf. will work,,,,,save some $ and purchase a small carbide drill or milling cutter about 1/8" dia and epoxy the cutting end into a wooden handle, the smooth shank makes a very nice burnisher and will outlast any commercial hardend steel product.

The carbide cutter/drill can be found on eBay or discount tool supplioer (MSC).

Regards,
FK

[sebastiaan56]

The purpose of a burnisher is to raise a burr on the edge of the scraper. In theory any rounded edge that is as hard or harder than the scraper steel will raise a burr on an edge. FK is spot on in his advice about a carbide bit. As long as your angle is 10% or a bit less you should have success.

A quality drill bit will work as well, once again glue the pointy bit into a handle. At the minimum try it for a while till you figure out if you want to outlay the $

[Frank D]

Hi DHM1112,

Lee Vally has one for $7.20. Veritas® Carbide Burnisher - Lee Valley Tools

They also have some that cost more.

Frank D.

[Plain_Ol_Ed]

Many times I am at odds with the information given on this forum. Not because it's inaccurate, but because it's of the "what I've got or my source" is better, when such is not the case for everybody. But in this instance, I'm with the guys who say get a drill bit. Carbide is preferred, but a simple HSS will be harder than the scraper, and cost you maybe .50. Some stores also stock cobalt bits which will work nicely. Anyhow, your choice, but the drill bit would be my choice.

[sebastiaan56]

I must admit a bias for home made tools. I really enjoy making tools that fit my hand, have my choice of timber and shape for handles and make use of the stuff that clutters my life. I think it really helps to understand how tools work and they give me great satisfaction when I use them..... although it can take a few tries to get them just right

This is not to deny any merchant their due, I own and spend 60+ hours per week in a business that supports 15 people so I am sympathetic to commerce. For woodworking DIY is much more fun for me.

[cut up]

I bought a cabinet scraper earlier this week and when I asked about a burnisher, I was given a cheap ($.48) screwdriver. I was told not to use the screwdriver for anything else because I might nick the shank, so I ground off the tip and I keep it with the scraper. I was then told to use 1 or 2 degrees angle to form the edge.