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The Big Ugly Tool

big and ugly

Nice video on making the tool. I'm all in for owning another tool especially one that I can make myself. What do you like about this style scraper as compared to anything that is commercially available? Is it used primarily used for spindle work or do you also use it on bowls etc. Something was said about Madrone in particular. Just trying to figure out why it is poplar with the west coast turners.
 
Well, one of the big points is edge holding. Stays sharp for multiple bowls. I think it makes an excellent heavy roughing tool, especially for bowls. The edge holds almost as well as carbide, but you can easily sharpen it on standard wheels. Used here a lot for Myrtle, which tends to be abrasive on tools. When I get to my friend and shot some film of him, he turns some dainty finials with it.

robo hippy
 
Rick, there is a link on the video or in the wordage some where. VR Wesson in Florida has it.

robo hippy
 
where does on acquire this magical metal??
tungstal????

Do a Google search for "tantung" or "stellite". I see HERE that there are twelve different alloys in the stellite category and I believe that there are also several different flavors of tantung. I read in several sites that Stellite J and Tantung G are the best ones for woodworking. I am pretty certain that a tantung big ugly scraper is the only thing that stands between me and greatness. :rolleyes: Unfortunately, I don't do acetylene welding or silver soldering so I'll just have to be content knowing that I was that close to fame and fortune.
 
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That's why this makes a great club project, some one in the club will have the skills.... Of course, you need to love scrapers...

robo hippy
 
Making the tool?

Robo, do you have any plans to make and sell the tool? If so, I am interested in buying one. I am a loyal customer of yours. Jerry Simpson
 
Not really, in part because I don't know how to use the torch, and have no room for tanks and fire stuff in the shop. Guessing, the 1 inch wide ones, made for sale would be in the $100 range.

robo hippy
 
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