Turning Scrapers

About Turning Scrapers

Turning scrapers are essential woodturning tools designed for smoothing and shaping work on a lathe. These high-speed steel (HSS) tools excel at producing fine finishes on turned wooden items, removing tool marks, and creating smooth surfaces that require minimal sanding. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a range of turning scrapers with different profiles to suit various woodturning applications, from spindle work to bowl turning.

Available in different nose profiles including diamond point and round nose configurations, these scrapers allow woodturners to achieve precision results on both internal and external surfaces. The HSS construction ensures superior edge retention and durability compared to traditional carbon steel alternatives, making them a worthwhile investment for both professional turners and dedicated hobbyists.

Applications

Turning scrapers are primarily used by:

• Woodturners: Creating bowls, vases, platters, and decorative items on the lathe
• Furniture makers: Producing table legs, chair spindles, and ornamental features
• Pattern makers: Crafting precision wooden patterns for casting applications
• Restoration specialists: Replicating period turnings and architectural details
• DIY enthusiasts: Hobby woodturning projects and home workshop applications
• Educational settings: Teaching woodturning techniques in colleges and workshops

Diamond point scrapers are particularly effective for tight curves and detail work, whilst round nose scrapers excel at smoothing concave surfaces inside bowls and hollow forms.

Choosing The Right Turning Scrapers

When selecting turning scrapers from MyToolShed.co.uk, consider these key factors:

• Nose profile: Diamond point scrapers suit fine detail work and tight internal curves, while round nose profiles are ideal for bowl interiors and broader concave surfaces
• Material quality: HSS (high-speed steel) construction offers excellent edge retention and can be sharpened to a keen edge that lasts significantly longer than carbon steel
• Handle design: Ensure the handle length and grip style suits your turning style and provides comfortable control during extended use
• Blade length: Longer blades provide greater reach for deep vessels, whilst shorter profiles offer improved control for detailed work
• Intended application: Match the scraper profile to your most common projects—consider a set if you regularly work on varied turning tasks

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a scraper and a gouge in woodturning?

Scrapers remove material through a scraping action with the tool held flat on the tool rest, whilst gouges use a slicing cut. Scrapers produce finer finishes but remove material more slowly, making them ideal for final smoothing and detail work rather than initial shaping.

How do I sharpen turning scrapers?

HSS turning scrapers are typically sharpened on a bench grinder with a suitable grinding wheel, maintaining the original bevel angle. A light burr is often left on the edge intentionally, as this aids the scraping action. Always wear appropriate eye protection and follow safe grinding practices.

Can turning scrapers be used on a 240v powered lathe?

Yes, turning scrapers are hand-held tools that work with any lathe regardless of power source. MyToolShed stocks scrapers suitable for use with all standard workshop lathes, whether 240v mains powered or other configurations.