[Woodcarver] Shaped edge without a router

[Victor Hamburger]

John G wrote:

> Here is a crazy question. I would like to put a decorative edge on flat stock, like what you would get by using a router. The boards are only 1/4 inch thick and about 3 to 4 inches square. I don't want to use my router for such a small piece of wood. Has anyone done this by hand or have any idea how I can do this?

John,

You are smart NOT to try using a router for this thickness of wood, the
possibility of injury goes up as the size of the piece diminishes.  

Do what many of the old cabinetmakers did for custom work, use a scraper.  Take
an old hacksaw blade, cut the 2-3" in length, and file/grind the edge to a
profile that you want for the board. (mirror image of course!)  Carefully file
the cutting edge smooth, and then take a piece of wood and cut a slot in it just
wide enough to hold the blade but longer.  Drop the blade into the deep end and
in the open end of the slot for the blade, drill a hole to drop in a bolt and
wingnut to hold the blade tightly in place.  Expose only enough blade to do the
scraping.  Then using smooth strokes, you should be able to scrape the edge to
the profile that you want.  A final sanding, and it should be fine.  Like a
router, do the end grain first, then the long grain.  

If this isn't a clear explaination, i will try to clarify it, just let me know! 
Thanks.

	Vic H