Maxi Scraper

[cabinetman]

I've mentioned this scraper in the past, and got around to taking a picture of it. It's simple to make. A jointer or planer knife can be inserted into a saw kerf of a piece of wood. A wide scraper like this works well on large panels, and is easily controlled. Knife can be removed for sharpening.
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[pelligrini]

Pretty slick. Do you have any problems with gouging from the sharp corners? It doesn't look like it would flex much, as I would flex a scraper steel.

[cabinetman]

Pretty slick. Do you have any problems with gouging from the sharp corners? It doesn't look like it would flex much, as I would flex a scraper steel.

I's no different really than using an ordinary straight edge scraper. The outer corners could be eased if it's a problem. I don't notice any gouging or flexing.
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[drumpriest]

I'm assuming you are turning a burr then, on the knife? And how do you put flex on it to slightly bow the edge? I think that's the crux of Pelligrini's question. Would you HAVE to grind that bow into the edge itself?

[cabinetman]

I'm assuming you are turning a burr then, on the knife? And how do you put flex on it to slightly bow the edge? I think that's the crux of Pelligrini's question. Would you HAVE to grind that bow into the edge itself?

These knives aren't intended to be bowed. That would defeat the purpose of this scraper in getting a flat surface. There are a few ways to get an edge on it. A regular card scraper will perform well with just a flat filed 90 deg edge. A burr can also be created by burnishing. Using a jointer or planer knife, there is a lot of steel to sharpen. After a bevel is applied and sharpened, it will scrape as is. A burr can be added to the edge with burnishing. Or, after the bevel is applied, a flat edge can be added, and if desired that can be burnished.

The outer corners could be ground if scoring occurs. I haven't had that problem that a light pass with a ROS wouldn't take care of. An advantage of having a straight knife is getting right up to a 90 deg corner.
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[pelligrini]

An advantage of having a straight knife is getting right up to a 90 deg corner.

That's what I was thinking too.

I probably just need more experience using scrapers. I will still sometimes slightly gouge a surface with my handscrapers.