course on how to operate a scraper

What is a scraper course?

Our Scraper course is nationally recognized and designed to give students the knowledge and experience required to operate a scraper in the construction and mining industries specifically. At Ascent Training Solutions, we provide a detailed training plan for students in a small class environment and in some cases one-on-one.

Can you use a scraper to turn spindles?

Despite this, a scraper offers an advantage for turning spindles: The blade end can be formed to any shape, and will produce the exact pattern repeatedly, as in the case of beading scrapers, shown below. And a round-nose scraper is an effective, easy-to-use tool for hollowing end-grain turnings.

What are parting tools and scrapers used for?

But parting tools and scrapers play key supporting roles. S crapers, which date back to the earliest days of woodturning, still come in handy for modern turners in tasks as diverse as beading spindles and hollowing end-grain vessels. Here's how to use them, along with pointers about using parting tools.

What is the difference between a scraper and a gouge?

Unlike with a gouge or a skew, the bevel on a scraper doesn't lay against the workpiece to support the wood fibers as they are cut. So tear-out is more likely when turning spindles with a scraper.

How to sharpen a beading scraper?

Lightly touch the tool to the wheel, and then swing a round-nose tool [ Photo A ], or slide a square-edge one [ Photo B ], against the wheel, maintaining the end contour. Some turners burnish the resulting burr with a special device for a smoother cut. To sharpen a beading scraper, hone flat across the top on a bench stone [ Photo C ]. Although scrapers cut better when sharpened on a grinding wheel, grinding the bevel could distort the contour.

How to cut a spindle on a lathe?

Start by positioning the tool rest parallel to the lathe axis, slightly above the centerline. Lay the scraper blade flat on the tool rest, perpendicular to the axis of the workpiece. Raise the handle higher than the tip so the tip contacts the workpiece below the centerline [ Photo D ]. Then lower the handle in a smooth motion, raising the tip to make a shallow cut. Do not, however, let the handle go lower than the tip. Repeat until you reach the desired profile on the spindle.

What angle to sharpen parting tool?

Sharpen a parting tool to a 45–80º total bevel angle at the tip [ Photo I ]. The exact angle isn’t critical: A smaller angle cuts more aggressively, but a larger angle stays sharp longer. Experiment to find an angle that works best for you.

Do scrapers tear out?

Unlike with a gouge or a skew, the bevel on a scraper doesn’t lay against the workpiece to support the wood fibers as they are cut. So tear-out is more likely when turning spindles with a scraper.