Core77
- Topics
- Features
-
Awards
- Awards
- 2022 Design Awards Results;
- Jobs
-
Firms
- Firms
- Search Firms;
- Firm Projects
- Forums
-
More...
- About Us
- Contact Us
- Advertise
- About
- Terms of Use
Designing a Successful Tool: The Crucible Scraper
I feel like I'm missing what's so special about this scraper or how anyone might think it would even be possible to patent. There is nothing new about curving the edge of a scraper. Pretty much every woodworking catalog I've ever seen sells curved scrapers. I have a small box of different shapes that I have made myself from old saw blades or cut up Bahco and Sandvik rectangular scrapers.
How unfortunate, another self-important person raining on another's
parade. In fact it is hard for me to
believe that you even read this article.
I suspect your use of scrapers is
limited to removing curled paint from the picnic table outside. As
Mr. Schwarz said (and he would know) most scrapers used in furniture and
cabinet making are rectangular. And yes
they do require effort to use properly.
In fact Lee Valley has a tool called the “Veritas Scraper Holder”. It is specifically designed to hold and bend
a rectangular scraper making it easier to use.
Mr. Schwarz made it very clear
how a small “tweak” to a design can make a significant difference in use. From there he thoroughly researched the
history, the production and distribution of a product. I
found it quite interesting to learn of some of the issues that he encountered
along the way. Certainly these would be
important considerations for anyone trying to bring a product to market. He clearly spoke to people who design, make
and sell things. The comment "the
power of developing an online following and marketing niche items” actually
translates to “owning a small business and making a living”. You should try it.
As a side note, I own a crucible scraper and happily paid
the $20 for it. I also own a lump hammer
and countless Lost Art Could
I have made them myself? Of course! However Mr. Press books. Could I have found these items cheaper? Schwarz makes it a point to
source locally and employ workers in the United States. Mr. Schwarz has a substantial amount of knowledge
related to all things woodworking and tools.
He provides a trove of information for free and he has graciously
answered some of my novice woodworking questions. I am happy to support a small business and
you should too.
Comment on this
This is for carving seat bottoms on windsor style chairs. The closest thing in the luthier world would be carving a double bass. Since Mr Stradivarius never made a double bass, his scrapers are much different.
Thanks, Candy Christian! Your final paragraph is a succinct, clear, non-confrontational statement of something I've been groping my way towards articulating myself. Furthermore, the first sentence of that paragraph states your point in a way that ties this instance to far wider problems with social media (where too many people get a too-high portion of their information) and "design" as a "profession" (which at its worst drives unnecessary consumption by producing a never-ending succession of trivial tweaks to already perfectly fine products in order to sell more stuff). The Crucible scraper is no iPhone 13 Pro GS Quad™ but the same forces are at play in both.
Haters gonna hate!
P.S. When I purchased my scraper I don't recall reading about how the tool's shape was formed, not that I would have given it as much thought as Schwarz. However, knowing now, I definitely appreciate the consideration and thought that went into insuring that edge would be durable and excel at holding that hook.
Thanks for writing this and thanks for posting it.