[TheForge] scraper

[Andrew Vida]

Bob Smolen wrote:
> Lon,
> Pleae tell me a little more. Do you care that the file grooves are left in?

	Not a bit.  In fact, a worn out file makes a great scraper in that the 
teeth are blunt (mostly) and acts as checkering.  You can grind the last 
1/2" until the very end is smooth.  Then grind a slight bevel on the 
end, no sharper than 80*.  Then stone the edge and hone; no need to 
polish.  A right scraper should be VERY sharp.  You can also grind an 
ever so  slight convexity to the edge, rather than straight across. 
This will allow you to put a point to the surface, allowing you to 
scrape a very narrow spot with extreme accuracy and control.

> I assume you can grind the end of the file straight across the width and
> then grind a little clearance  or bevel so the bottom side is cutting and
> curling up the metal. I assume the file is held at say 10 deg. from the
> metal being worked?

	It varies, depending on the exact configuration of the scraper, the 
material being scraped, and its shape as well.  There is only one way to 
learn scraping, and that is to do it.  If you want to get REALLY good, I 
would recommend you make a set of small surface plates, which are always 
made in 3s.  You will need a scraper, hi-spot dye, and 3 different sized 
plates.  Cast iron is best, but for practice some mild steel is OK too. 
  If you're going to go through the trouble of making them, you may as 
well make them well.  I would get 1" plate in whatever size you think 
you have the patience and stamina (and believe me, this will probably 
tax your patience unless you are an idiot like myself who actually 
enjoys doing this sort of thing).  The plates should be of 3 different 
sizes.  The rest of the procedure can be found in books - I just drive 
to Roanoke and back since 3 am and am tired, so unless you really have 
to have it all, I'll leave the research to you.

 > Is this about right?I guess you could make a 2 in in
> length piece and weld or braze to a piece of metal which would be the handle
> or just leave the file and use it as is ?

	Leave the file as is.  No need to add anything.

-- 

	-Andy V.

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