Skip navigation

Among the treasure trove of information and tips and tricks at Frank Ford’s website Frets.com there’s a description of how to turn a single-edge razor blade into a miniature cabinet scraper for repairs of guitar finishes. Click here to read it.
 

DSC_7599

 

I thought that this was a really clever idea and immediately ordered a box of blades to try it out. Ford says that he draws the edge of the blade across a round piece of hard steel such as a screwdriver shank to create a fine hook just as one might finish a full size cabinet scraper.

I’m not sure why, but I couldn’t make it work. Maybe it was my technique or perhaps the steel of the blade had hardened during the sharpening process but despite repeated trials all I could produce was a ragged edge that scraped less well than a blade straight from the box.

 

The solution was first to grind off the bevelled edge of the blade;

 

DSC_7600

 

then to make the blade edge straight and square on a diamond stone;

 

DSC_7603

 

and finally to turn a hook with a burnisher in the usual way.

 

DSC_7606

 

These little scrapers work extremely well if you need to remove polish or varnish and they’re easy to re-sharpen.

 

DSC_7598

One Comment

  1. This is actually a really clever solution for a DIY guitar fix. My problem area is a bit bigger on my instrument and I might need a bigger blade. I actually think the best option for my problem would be to take my guitar to a professional repairman to make sure it is taken care of absolutely correctly. Thanks for he cool step by step guide!


Leave a comment