Shaving is a technique where by the “4 Edged Blade” is used to remove ultra thin layers of timber to reduce or remove timber blemishes.

 

The following are typical examples of the types of blemish that shaving is useful for:

Furred grain, Scorch marks, Cross sanding, Machine marks, Scraper marks, Permanent pigment, Water stain, mould

 

Method

1.Shave

a. While holding the blade, slide the shorter curved edge along the blemished area of the timber surface in the direction of the grain.
b. Use only enough pressure to cause a fine shaving, (almost dust) to come away. The idea is to use many light strokes to remove only a minimal amount of timber, so that the blemish is slowly reduced to a point where it blends with the rest of the piece.

Warning: An area that is over shaved, can take on a new appearance that will clash with the surrounding areas.

 

2.Burnish

a. Using a piece of dry “Steel Wool”, dry buff the area that has been shaved.

Note: If the area being worked on is a wet area, for example a front door, substitute 320 grit aluminium oxide abrasive paper or a “Grit Embedded Nylon Pad”.)