Difference Between a Bowl Scraper and a Shear Scraper

[Mike Turner]

Whats the difference between a bowl scraper and a shear scraper

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[Bernie Weishapl]

Mike in my mind there is no difference. I use my bowl scraper flat on the rest or turn it at a 45* angle for shear scraping. So to me any bowl scraper can be used as a shear scraper.

[Vaughn McMillan]

Bernie pretty much nailed it, in my opinion. The only difference between a "shear scraper" and a regular ol' bowl scraper is the shape of the tip, and the only difference that makes is how you hold the handle when you're using it. (Typically, the handle on the shear scraper would be held lower than when doing the same cut with a bowl scraper.) In my opinion, they are mostly a way to sell people another thick scraper, not really a necessary tool in the arsenal for most turners.

Keep in mind that the shape of any scraper can be changed in a few minutes with a grinder, so you can always tweak the shape if necessary. (I think most of us have two or three shapes we've settled on, but not all of mine are shaped the way they came from the factory.)