URL:
https://www.woodsmith.com/article/router-bit-recycling/
Share Page:

Router Bit Recycling: Make a DIY Card Scraper Burnisher

By: Phil Huber
Give an old solid-carbide router bit a second life. With a scrap wood handle, you can turn its smooth shank into a useful card scraper burnisher.

Reuse a router bit

Turn an Old Router Bit into a Card Scraper Burnisher

A sharp spiral router bit is a great choice for cutting clean grooves and mortises. But even solid-carbide bits eventually wear out. Instead of tossing an old bit in the trash, give it a second life as a DIY card scraper burnisher.

The smooth, hardened carbide shank is ideal for turning a cutting hook on the edge of a card scraper. And making a comfortable handle only takes a few minutes.

Make a Burnisher from a Worn-Out Router Bit

Start with a scrap of hardwood and drill a hole sized to fit the router bit. Apply a little epoxy in the hole, then insert the bit upside down so the smooth shank projects from the handle and the cutting end is safely enclosed.

Once the epoxy cures, shape and sand the handle for a comfortable grip. The exposed carbide shank is now ready to use for burnishing the edge of a card scraper.

The carbide is considerably harder than the steel of a card scraper, making it an excellent surface for turning a consistent cutting hook.

It's a simple way to recycle a worn-out router bit and add another useful tool to your woodworking shop.


How to Use a Card Scraper for Smooth Wood Surfaces

Mastering the Card Scraper Thumbnail

Put your card scraper to work! Learn how to use this versatile hand tool to remove saw and planer marks, smooth difficult grain, and prepare wood for finishing. With a properly prepared edge and the right technique, a card scraper can produce an exceptionally smooth surface.

LEARN HOW TO USE A CARD SCRAPER → Get Smooth Wood Surfaces with a Simple Hand Tool

Published: March 13, 2023
Share Page:
Topics: hand tool

Product Recommendations

Here are some supplies and tools we find essential in our everyday work around the shop. We may receive a commission from sales referred by our links; however, we have carefully selected these products for their usefulness and quality.

Topics

  • hand tool

Related Articles