I hesitate to talk much about tools from other makers (Anarchist’s Gift Guide excepted). It doesn’t seem fair because of my work with Crucible. But occasionally I break my rule when I find something interesting or well done.
As always, my opinions are unsolicited. I pay full price for my tools. I have no relationship with either of these manufacturers.
Accu-Burr Burnisher
The Accu-Burr is one of those tools that makes you wonder why it has never been made before. It’s a carbide burnisher that turns two hooks on a card scraper in one motion.
The burnisher has three grooves for three different hooks – 5°, 10° and 15°. After stoning the edge (and face if you like) you place one of the three burnisher’s grooves on the edge of the card scraper. Plus a drop of oil to make life easier. Then you run the Accu-Burr over the edge with moderate downward pressure.
And then you are done – both corners of the card scraper are deformed with a nice hook.
It worked for me the very first time (I’ve been sharpening card scrapers almost daily for 26 years). But there are detailed instructions and a video to guide you.
The burnisher works on both straight and curved scrapers with ease. You can buy an Accu-Burr (patent pending) from Heartwood Tools. It’s quite clever and well-made in the USA.
Benchmark 6” Rule in Black
Months ago I discussed our efforts to make a black satin rule that had only 8ths and 16ths (no 32nds or 64ths). Well Benchmark beat us to it.
The company offers a 6” and 12” in black with white markings, which are nice for old eyes. And the price is excellent: $5.99 for the 6” rule and $7.99 for the 12”. Based on a close inspection, I suspect these rules are made in the same factory (or use the same manufacturing process) as the SPI black rules that I recommended last year. The Benchmark has the same bloom pattern on the rule’s finish.
I’ve been using the Benchmark 6” rule for a few weeks and like it. I wish it were made in the USA, but if it were, it sure wouldn’t be this price.
— Christopher Schwarz
This is slightly weird – we had a demo of the Accu-Burr only last night on the Bench.Talk.101 zoom meeting, and it did indeed perform exactly as described; then I go to bed, and wake up to find you saying the same thing here. Oh, well. As I don’t believe in signs, this obviously cannot be a sign that I should get one. Which, obviously, is not going to stop me from getting one.
Cheers,
Mattias
Big thanks, Immediately ordered Accu-Burr. Why do some tool evolve so slowly?
I know you hate tool reviews. But I appreciate them when they are honest reviews, especially about something innovative.
I also enjoy your tool reviews. Its very difficult to find accurate reviews of items these days. Often some YouTube video or website will only review items sold on Amazon so they can use affiliate links and get a kickback.
It is nice to read a review from someone that actually used the item being reviewed.
They also make one with end graduations for $6.99. SOLD! My squinty eyes thank you Chris!
https://taytools.com/products/benchmark-tools%E2%84%A2-rigid-6-satin-chrome-woodworking-ruler-with-end-grads
The accu burr is a great little tool. Right out of the box. I made some handles and used some 1/4” flare tubing nuts as the ferrel. @eartartaz if you want to see.
When you recommended the SPI rules I got the 6”, 12” and 24” that have eighth and sixteenth markings on one side. They do have the smaller markings on the other side, but how long does it take me to turn it over? I like and use them all the time.
Thanks Chris. I ordered both the 12″ and 6″ rulers in black with white lettering. Wish they had a 24″ ruler as well. I hate the 32nd and 64th markings. Have you ever drilled a hole in one of these rulers? It would be handy to be able to hang it on pegboard but I’ve worried it would somehow screw up the measurements.
I keep hoping someone makes a beam for my square with only 16th and eights in black with white letter.
The “Schwarz” effect in action. Here’s a copy/paste from the site: **Due to an unexpected surge of orders on 8/27/2022, it may take 2-3 days before your order ships. I’m a one woman show and packing boxes as fast as possible. I’m incredibly grateful for your support and patience.
I love it and I’m sure she does too… Thanks!
Alternative manufacturing approach for black rules with fine easy-to-read markings.
See http://www.thegood.nz
Is there a source for accu burr handles? I don’t have a lathe or any lathe tools.
Contact heartwood tools they should have some ready soon. Or cut octagonal handles and shape them with files and a spokeshave. Several ways to make a handle and octagons don’t roll!