Choosing a metal scraper for grinding metal surfaces

Metalwork related to the preparation of metal and wooden surfaces by removing irregularities is carried out using a special tool equipped with a cutting edge. Scraping, or grinding, contains different technologies for finishing workpieces for parts; the operation is carried out both directly with devices and with the use of abrasives of different grain sizes. All working processes allow you to obtain a workpiece with a perfectly smooth surface; scrapers for metal and wood help create tight adhesion to other parts.

What is a scraper?

A tool designed to remove a thin layer of metal from the surface of a workpiece, used to remove the surface film before soldering or welding elements of a loaded structure, as well as before assembling parts of precision instruments.
Using the scraping method, the sharp edge of a metal scraper blade removes the top layer of material 0.01 mm thick. Metal scraping is also used when sanding wood after processing with other tools. During the cleaning process, the surface is checked with a surface plate covered with a layer of paint. The presence of irregularities is revealed by painting individual sections of the workpiece, which are removed by repeated scraping of the problem area.

Metalwork scrapers differ:

1. A shape that can be flat, shaped, multifaceted
2. A design that contains replaceable plates
3. Number of grinding edges: one-sided, two-sided and three-sided.

In terms of design, the device can be collapsible or integral.

How to properly care for a pusher?

The scraper must be disinfected after each use. This can be done with an antiseptic solution, by boiling or sterilization under UV rays.

Store the pusher in a separate case, or a compartment of the case along with other tools at room temperature in a dry place.

Attention!
If your pusher is made of plastic or wood, then you cannot boil it; such tools can only be treated with disinfectants. The pusher must be stored in a case.
At least once a year, a steel scraper must be sharpened - this way you will significantly extend its life and improve the quality of subsequent work.

We hope our article was useful and you will choose the best pusher that will serve you faithfully for a long time!

Metal stripping tool

A metalwork scraper is made of a standard length, the width of the blade depends on the type of operation: for roughing, a tool with a blade width of up to 3.0 cm is used, finishing cleaning is carried out with a cutting part 2.0 cm wide. The technology is selected depending on the sharpening angle of the blade, which is designed for each type of operation:

1. 750-900 - roughing;
2. 900 - finishing operation;
3. 900-1000 - finishing cleaning.

The sharpening angle of the tool blade is measured relative to the axis of the product handle.

Rating of quality semi-professional tools

Mertz A283

Over the years, it has been proven more than once that the products of the German brand are of high quality combined with reasonable prices. In particular, tools from this manufacturer are in great demand among nail salon workers, as they are made from the highest quality steel. Many Mertz products are sharpened exclusively by hand, which guarantees great care when working with the smallest details.

pusher Mertz A283

Advantages:

• The scraper does not damage the skin next to the nail;
• it is easy and convenient to work with;
• has sharp and rounded working parts;
• inexpensive options;
• removes subungual dirt well;
• Suitable for preventing ingrown toenails.

Flaws:

• No.

Yoko SI 025 glossy

As of 2022, the company occupies one of the leading places among the creators of materials and devices for the cosmetics industry. The brand produces not only expensive products for professionals, but also high-quality budget options, which allows it to occupy a leading position in the domestic market. Scrapers of this brand with a glossy finish are actively used at home and in salons, making it easier to prepare the cuticle for the subsequent action.

pusher Yoko SI 025 glossy

Advantages:

• The instrument is almost not felt in the hand;
• it is easy and pleasant for them to work;
• aesthetic appearance;
• high quality materials;
• good value.

Flaws:

• Very sharp and can cause damage to the nail plate;
• inconvenient for left-handers.

Zinger

The well-known company launched the production of manicure devices relatively recently, but this did not stop it from quickly winning the sympathy of both ordinary women and nail service workers. Traditional German pedantry is noticeable at almost every stage of production: the composition of the steel, the quality of sharpening, and selection of shape. Among the corporation's offerings you can find affordable products and more expensive instruments with an individual storage case.

Zinger pusher

Advantages:

• The device is equipped with two tips;
• the scraper has good sharpening;
• looks stylish
• reliable;
• durable.

Flaws:

• There are low-quality analogues.

Surface paint

After completing the preparation of the material, residual irregularities are identified by applying a painted control plate. Scraping paint is made from pigment mixed with any type of industrial oil. The pigment used is azure, blue, red lead or a mixture of soot, autol and kerosene. The scouring paint should have the consistency of a medium thick paste, not spread or form lumps. The mixture should lie on the plane of the control plate in a thin, even layer.

The difference between pushers and other manicure tools

Most pushers have 2 working tips - usually a spatula and a hatchet.
Hence the double name of the tool: “pusher” from the English word push (press, push), because the spatula pushes back the cuticle, and “scraper” translated from German means “scrape”, since the hatchet is used to clean off dirt and anything unnecessary. A pusher should not be confused with a trimmer, because the latter is used to cut cuticles and hangnails and has a double tip. Sometimes the trimmer is located at the opposite end from the blade. Nail trimmer
For some reason, scrapers are often associated with curettes - thin, curved instruments that are used to remove old, rough skin.
Of course this is wrong. Nail curette

Types of metal scrapers

A flat-type device with three edges or a shaped blade is suitable for working with a straight flat surface or sharp corners of a product; it cuts aluminum, copper and bobbit well. The triangular blade tool is used for machining cylindrical type holes in carbide metal workpiece.

When scraping the surface of parts, the tool used, the principle of scraping and grinding at a certain angle, must have replaceable sharpened plates that allow the formation of an angle with respect to a flat surface. Operations are most often carried out with a universal scraper, the design of which contains:

1. Frame;
2. Pen;
3. Holder;
4. Clamp screw;
5. Replaceable plate.

GOST

State standardization affected scrapers exclusively from the point of view of the rules for accepting this tool and the requirements for metals that can be used in production.

As for the geometric parameters, they are not regulated by GOSTs in any way, however, GOST 1465-80, which applies exclusively to files, is often mistakenly taken for such a standard.

Marking

There is no single marking scheme for scrapers; however, some manufacturers offering tools in sets use color divisions based on the material they are intended to work with.

Typically, handles or their parts (inserts) are painted in the following colors:

• Green – for processing aluminum;
• Red – for cast iron and brass;
• Blue – for steel;
• Yellow – for soft materials, such as plastic.

Separation by color allows the owner to immediately understand the purpose of a particular scraper.

How to scrape correctly

The type of scraping does not involve preparing the surface of the material being processed. The work is carried out in a strict sequence of operations:

1. Apply paint to the control plate;
2. Place the unpolished part on the plate and smoothly move it back and forth;
3. Visually assess painted defects;
4. Prepare the tool;
5. Proceed to remove irregularities by moving the scraper with a blade angle of 35-400.

Working with a metal surface involves scraping off any bulges. The principle of scraping is to create long segments formed by sliding the blade and then reducing the amplitude. The direction of movement of the tool should change gradually and cross. During work, it is recommended to check the level of smoothing of irregularities with a painted plate or a 25x25 mm test square.

What is a pusher for?

So, a pusher, also known as a scraper, is needed primarily to push back the cuticle and clean off the pterygium. The tool has a convenient shape, optimal for freeing the nail plate from excess skin, for maximum “opening” of the working space.

No other tool will move the skin film so carefully and effectively. And this must be done, because the skin:

• constantly grows, looks unaesthetic and leads to the formation of burrs;
• prevents the absorption of creams and oils at the base of the nail.

The hatchet, most often adjacent to the spatula on the same instrument, is also important. With its help, you can get rid of dirt under the nail, side ridges, pry off an ingrown nail, and remove the thinnest pterygium.

Nail pushers

Surface testing technique

The control square helps determine the depth of scraping of the surface of a part or workpiece. In the middle of the frame attached to the surface of the part, a control area is selected and the number of painted spots is counted. The type of irregularities can be determined by the number of convexities:

1. If the number of spots reaches 6, the scraping is rough;
2. If there are up to 10 spots, the scraping is clean;
3. When the number of spots is at least 14, the processing is accurate;
4. When the number of painted spots is 22, the cleaning is for jewelry.

The operation of leveling the front part of the parts, the tool and the scraping method used depend on the type of surface. To process the edges, a straight-type device is used, the scraper cleans bent parts with a shaped blade, hard materials are processed with a narrow blade, scraping soft materials and flat surfaces is carried out with a wide scraper and a radius-type blade.

The shape of the device’s blade is selected according to the type of surface, which can be identified by rolling the part over a painted plate. Identified irregularities are removed with a device with a long sharpened edge. The types of scrapers used start moving from the edge of the workpiece. After completion of the operation, a control check of the cleanliness of the treatment is carried out, for finishing which the scraper uses a bench tool and a ferrite edge < 1.5 cm.

How to make a scraper with your own hands

Buying a decent scraper is not difficult, but if you have available materials on the farm, you can make a tool that is ideal for your own needs.

The simplest one at home

The simplest metalworker's scraper can be made with your own hands if you only have one carbide plate for the working part.

Required tools and materials:

• tetrahedral rod 15x15;
• quick-change plate T5K10;
• bolt with washer;
• sandpaper;
• Bulgarian;
• vice.

Sequence of actions for manufacturing:

1. Using a grinder, cut off a part 25-30 cm long from the rod. This is the future body.
2. Clamp the body in a vice and use a grinder cutting wheel to cut lengthwise to a depth of 2-3 cm.
3. Measure the cutting blade and cut a groove in the rod about 0.5-1 cm deep for it.
4. Drill a hole across for the clamping bolt.
5. Clean all cuts with sandpaper and install the plate in the groove.
6. Tighten the bolt with a screwdriver or hexagon.

Complex tools on machines

If you have machines and electrical equipment, you can make a scraper of complex design with your own hands.

Tools and materials:

• scraper plate
• milling machine;
• lathe;
• steel bar 2x1.5 cm;
• steel rod with a diameter of 0.5 cm.

Manufacturing sequence:

1. From a metal rod, carve a base for the plate and cover.
2. Drill a transverse hole in the base of the tool to secure the cover with a screw.
3. Cut a thread at the tip of the steel rod, and drill a longitudinal hole of the same diameter in the lid and base of the scraper. Cut the internal thread.
4. Attach the rod to the base.
5. Carve a handle from wood - you can use a leg from an ordinary chair.
6. Drill a hole in the handle and install the scraper rod inside.
7. You can further strengthen the handle with a metal ring, having previously carved it from soft metal.

Recommendations from a professional scraper

In order for the cutting tool to last a long time and help prepare materials efficiently, it is recommended to pay special attention to the choice of device. All types of scrapers are adapted according to the shape of the cutting edge to perform technological tasks. The best option is to choose universal type equipment, the design of which allows you to quickly replace plates in accordance with the requirements of the technical process.

Due to technical features, different types of scrapers cannot be used on surfaces with large defects and deep scratches. The part must undergo rough processing on a milling machine or other grinding equipment. All surface leveling cycles must end with a test with a control plate containing pigment dye.

What is a pusher?

A pusher (another name is “scraper”) is a manicure tool, on the one hand having the shape of a spatula, on the other - various modifications (hatchet, spatula, etc.).
The main function of the device is to remove the cuticle and pterygium. Double-sided nail pusher

Types of pushers

Pushers (scrapers) can be made of different materials: metal, plastic, wood, silicone. Basically, pushers differ in the types of tips and are:

• one-sided - with one working surface;
• double-sided - the classic version with a spatula on one side and a hatchet on the other;
• with a rubber tip (such options are the safest);
• especially for pedicure: with a wider blade.

The instruments also differ in tip shapes: oval, almond-shaped, square, round, flat, convex.
There is another division: by scope. Pushers can be medical (for example, to remove an ingrown toenail), manicure or pedicure (with a wide blade). Since our area is manicure, we become a manicure pusher and learn all about them. Double-sided nail pusher

Material of manufacture

Various materials are used to make such instruments. The highest quality manicure scraper is made of stainless steel, which is used for the manufacture of medical instruments. Pushers can be:

• silicone;
• plastic;
• wooden;
• metal.

Plastic tools may have a rubber or silicone tip at the end. It is very convenient and safe, especially when treating very thin cuticles and sensitive dermis. A correctly selected scraper fits comfortably in your hand and does not slip. For this purpose, steel models have notches.

Conclusion

At the end of the review, it can be noted that double-sided models made of alloy or medical steel are still more popular among the population. Also leading positions are occupied by German and domestic brands (the latter are considered more affordable). And since by 2022 the fashion for beautiful and simply well-groomed nails is gaining momentum, professional devices and their budget analogues are in increasing demand. And if expensive options are desired for salon procedures, mostly made from high-alloy steel. Practical and inexpensive models are quite suitable for use in everyday life. Despite this, everyone’s requirements for the device are deeply individual, and their financial capabilities are different. And it’s up to you to decide which company’s product is better and which model to choose.

Rating of professional devices 2022

Staleks PRO

The “Expert” line is designed specifically for manicure specialists. To create this series, innovative developments from our own design bureau were used. Thanks to this, the tool is relevant not only for nail professionals, but also for brow and lash cosmetology workers. Each product is based on steel with high corrosion resistance, and careful workmanship ensures maximum efficiency in operation. The EXPERT 10 TYPE 6 model has two functional surfaces. The main advantage of this tandem was the special bent blade of the scraper, which increases its functionality.

pusher Staleks PRO

Advantages:

• This option allows you to remove gel polish from the nail surface.
• pleasant roundness of the handle;
• does not slip;
• comfortable;
• suitable for pedicure;
• average price.

Flaws:

• Not found.

Metzger

The products of this corporation are recognized as professional, which is confirmed by a number of certificates of conformity. Each of the tools produced by the company consists only of alloy steel. The high quality of the structure for creating the device is documented in the form of various international certificates of conformity. To maintain the proper level of sharpness of the element, the creator uses special silicone caps. The PU-164 scraper has a matte finish and consists entirely of carbon forged medical steel that is non-corrosive.

pusher Metzger

Advantages:

• All instruments are hand sharpened;
• can also be used for pedicure;
• For comfort, there is an abrasive on the holder;
• good sharpness;
• acceptable cost.

Flaws:

• Not found.

Lazeti

The representative of the MC-0010 series is functional on both sides, there is a hatchet and a slightly convex blade. On the inside it is well polished, but on the outer surface it is thinned, which makes working with it simple and effortless. Half of the tool is topped with a hatchet, which rids the periungual area of ​​unpleasant growths, removes keratinized layers and removes particles from the remaining varnish. And the comfortable handle allows you to carefully prepare the nail plate for an exquisite manicure.

pusher Lazeti

Advantages:

• High strength;
• durable;
• does not scratch the surface of the nail;
• hypoallergenic material;
• made very carefully;
• correct form;
• You can use a disinfectant solution.

Flaws:

• No.

Metaleks RP-526

The product has two working surfaces and a light glossy body. The tool allows you to use it both as a scraper and as a pusher. Using a rounded spatula, simply push back the cuticle and remove a thin layer of skin, avoiding the formation of hangnails. It is also very convenient for her to carry out preliminary preparation of the nail before extensions.

pusher Metaleks RP-526

Advantages:

• Beautiful execution;
• moderately spicy;
• manual sharpening;
• ergonomic body;
• fights rough skin;
• removes dirt well;
• helps create a beautiful nail shape.

Flaws:

• Not found.