Synopsis: Scratch stocks function beautifully, quickly, and economically to duplicate handworked wood trim. In this article, professional furniture repairer and refinisher Robert S. Judd talks about scratch stocks and beaders and explains how to shape the cutter, make moldings, and use these small tools for other applications.

Scratch stocks function beautifully, quickly and economically to duplicate handworked wood trim. By simply grinding or filing a cutter to the appropriate profile, you can reproduce almost any shape molding up to about 1 in. wide. Scratch stocks, or beading tools as they are sometimes called, are readily available new (Lie-Nielsen Toolworks, Inc., Route 1, Warren, Maine 04864; 800-327-2520 or Veritas Tools Inc., 12 East River St., Ogdensburg, N.Y. 13669; 800-667-2986), used (antique tool dealers, garage sales or flea markets) or shopmade (see the photo above). I make mine from a 6-in.-long, L-shaped piece of stock. The cutter fits into a sawkerf, and…