Generating a Burr

Advert

New Replies

Report Bug

Help/FAQs

Generating a Burr

This topic has 7 replies, 5 voices, and was last updated 22 December 2021 at 17:19 by ega.

Viewing 8 posts - 1 through 8 (of 8 total)

Author

Posts
22 December 2021 at 12:36 #576240
Vic
Participant
@vic
Look away now if you find cutting that softer brown stuff distressing!

I sometimes use a wood turning lathe and some of the tools, particularly scrapers, cut by generating a burr on the tool when you sharpen it. It’s perhaps somewhat counter intuitive but both grindstones and belts generate this burr even though they are running downwards towards the tool. There are some sharpening options though that run in the opposite direction and I wondered if this would increase or reduce the potential to produce a burr? I could have asked this question on a wood turning forum but I suspect I may not have got any useful comments.
Advert

22 December 2021 at 12:36 #36673
Vic
Participant
@vic
22 December 2021 at 13:21 #576245
Michael Gilligan
Participant
@michaelgilligan61133
Sorry I can’t really offer any useful comment, Vic

The only woodworking tool on which I knowingly use a burr on the edge is the cabinet scraper

… and there, the burr is formed by stroking along the edge with a burnisher.

Presumably I am wrong, but I would have thought any burr on a lathe tool would be quickly worn away; resulting in a blunt tool.

… I look forward to receiving education from those who are better-informed.

MichaelG.

[ if nothing else, this post will bump your question ]
22 December 2021 at 13:27 #576246
Mark Rand
Participant
@markrand96270
It's true Michael, wood turning chisels are usually sharpened to produce a burr on the cutting edge. Think of it as a very positive rake tool. The burr does wear down and the tools need fairly frequent resharpening. I never noticed a bur on the other side of the tool, perhaps that was because it has a >90° angle on it.

Edited By Mark Rand on 22/12/2021 13:28:53
22 December 2021 at 14:21 #576254
Vic
Participant
@vic
Posted by Michael Gilligan on 22/12/2021 13:21:53:

Sorry I can’t really offer any useful comment, Vic.

MichaelG.

That’s not like you Michael, apology accepted!

The burr doesn’t last long but on something like a scraper it’s often only used for finishing cuts.
22 December 2021 at 14:34 #576256
Dalboy
Participant
@dalboy
Wood turning scrapers do like a burr as you stated they are only ever used for the fine finishing on some pieces. I use a diamond card to touch up some of my tools especially scrapers as this tend to remove less material than a grinder you can use a burnisher as used on cabinet scrapers and there is a jig that is suitable for turning scrapers.

And as you may know they require a downward facing when used unless it happens to be a negative rake scraper in which case it is used horizontally to the work
22 December 2021 at 15:13 #576263
Vic
Participant
@vic
I was careful to use the word often, as some folks still use them for bowl turning.

Indeed, I understand they were the mainstay until bowl gouges appeared about 40 years ago. If you’re interested look out for Robbo Hippy turning a bowl with just a scraper on YouTube and note the shavings!
22 December 2021 at 17:19 #576280
ega
Participant
@ega
Posted by Mark Rand on 22/12/2021 13:27:55:

It's true Michael, wood turning chisels are usually sharpened to produce a burr on the cutting edge. Think of it as a very positive rake tool. The burr does wear down and the tools need fairly frequent resharpening. I never noticed a bur on the other side of the tool, perhaps that was because it has a >90° angle on it.

Edited By Mark Rand on 22/12/2021 13:28:53

Did you mean scrapers? Chisels can be used straight from the grinder but any burr will be removed as soon as the tool is put to work; most authorities recommend honing the chisel's edge.

It is, for turners at least, a free country of course!
Author

Posts