Utility Blade Scraper

I came up with this nifty tool out of necessity while doing a custom cabinet installation. I had to fabricate some pieces on the job and noticed that there were milling chatter marks and tool burns on some boards that I had to finish and get installed that day. I didn't have a cabinet scraper with me, so I grabbed a utility blade and started scraping away the marks. Holding the bare blade was far from comfortable, so I reached for my little trim saw and cut a short length from 1/2" thick hardwood, about 3/4" high, and about 1/4" shorter than my utility blade. I then cut a 3/8" deep kerf lengthwise and tapped the blade in for a tight fit. Voila!  The comfort level was acceptable and I found that I could add some additional elbow grease with each pull--due to the new wood handle.

What I liked about this little tool was that I could get right into recesses and tight spots if I needed. I've also used this tool for refinishing antique furniture to get into awkward corners. When the blade gets dull, I just slip in a new one. Here's another tip: If your hand saw cuts a kerf a bit wider than the thickness of the blade, just mix up a little 5-minute epoxy and glue the blade into the slot.  

How to Create A Blade Scraper

Step 1: Cut a small piece of hardwood 1/2". thick, 3/4" high and 2-1/4" long.  Clamp the piece in a vise and cut a 3/8" deep kerf, lengthwise, with a narrow saw blade.

Step 2: Fit the blade into the slot. It should fit snug. If the fit is a bit loose, glue it in place with epoxy.

Step 3: Apply firm pressure, perpendicular to the wood, and pull the scraper toward you to smooth the board. It also works great for refinishing and removing glue from inside corner joints.