I just learned something valuable, thanks you two! I'm just getting into this, both the tool making and the turning...
Shear scraping is or is not a significant improvement over no shear, carbide scraping?
Or, put another way, is it not worth the hassle of making one with an angled shaft or expense of buying one over a regular Easy Wood tool?
Thanks!
I think Jim would be the best one to explain this. I don't have the Magic Bob/Easy Wood angled shear scraping.
Slightly off topic but related: My one complaint early on was the inclusion of a carbide insert cutter, whether round or radiused square or square, onto "round" shafts. Round shafts are more prone to catches, and weak & unsuspecting wrists will twist with the catches. Square shafts prevent this. Round shafts was my problem early on, at least round shafts at the point of resting on the tool rest. Square shafts add stability. Round shafts add flexibility.
Shear scraping: Jim says it gives a smoother cut than the flat scrapers. I don't know because I haven't used those. I think it might be to a point, and then after a certain point of skill, use and "feel," a flat scraper might be just as good. I have "honed" my skills simply from extended use. I can "feel" differences in textures of different woods and places in segments. That is just experience; Second, I needed SMOOOOOOTH finish without the use of sandpaper once about 11 years ago, and had no one to tell me how. It came by trial and error in one day. And since then, I have had baby's behind smooth cuts with a flat scraper.
IF I had spent that kind of time with an angled Shear Scraper, I am sure I would have thought the same about angled shear scraping. And it might have been better than I have now with a flat scraper. I don't know. Since I have learned to master the flat scraper in both sharpening and use, I am not going to change. BUT, IF I were just starting out, I would give both an equal shot in trying. It might be that in some cases one is better and in other cases the other might have the advantage. Knowing the best uses of both through experience would give you (or anyone) and advantage.
AND Lastly: Danny added in the negative rake above. From what I hear/read, it will greatly expand one's abilities. it is good to give all a try. Just don't wait until you are in your 70's to try them all.