American Rock Maple

**NeilS** · 29th April 2012, 01:11 PM

Ern – you have achieved quite a high level of finish off the scraper with that rock maple. As mentioned, I have also experimented with getting a finish off the scraper to the point where the piece was ready (by some people’s standards) to go straight to a wax or oil finish.

One of the reasons some of us experiment with trying to eliminate sanding is the time that it takes as a percentage of the overall woodturning process and most of us agree that it is the boring part of woodturning. So, does spending more time scraping to a fine finish eliminate or reduce the time required to sand? Not much, if at all, in my experience. Scraping down to a fine finish is also time-consuming and like everything else it is a skill that has to be developed, however, you might find it more enjoyable. And, as Ern has indicated, it works better on some woods than others.

Another aspect to consider is the aesthetics of leaving tool and other making marks on our work. It’s a whole topic in itself, so to avoid hijacking this thread with that I have started a separate thread titled To sand or not to sand; that is the question, here.

**NeilS** · 29th April 2012, 02:41 PM

Originally Posted by rsser

Re honing tops, without being systematic about it I'm not noticing much diff. between #1000 and #3000.

I expect you wouldn't get much benefit by going to the higher grit unless you are matching it with a similar grit finish on the bevel.

Using a burnisher to raise the burr does in effect push the grit size up to a higher number by reducing (consolidating) the abrasion ridges. I suspect that is one of benefits of raising a hook with a smooth burnisher. Raising a burr with a fine diamond card doesn't give the same benefit, but it does both sharpen and raise a burr at the same time which is in its favour.

As with most things, scraper preparation time is a trade-off. Yes, you get a better cut which last longer by investing more time in scraper preparation, but it's a case of diminishing returns and each of us has to decide where the sweet spot is for us. And, if we are going on to sand at what point do we stop one process and start the other. It depends to some extent on what you enjoy doing the most.

**rsser** · 6th May 2012, 05:03 PM

No argument Neil.

I think there is value in practising tool control and refining your tool edge so the minimum of sanding is required.

It's easy to cover sins with the 80g gouge and I've done a deal of this and will do more to get the best out of a piece of good wood.

It's not only turning, it's turning for a purpose and whatever that takes.

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