i wonder what is your favor burnishing and i'm trying to find somethings that will work ? i not want to order and the shipping cost too much for just 1 burnishing huh ?

I like the cheap plastic clay shaping tools you can find at any hobby store. I bought an actual Gudebrod burnishing tool at the show and found out I prefer the clay shaping tool, it has a smaller tip which makes getting the thread to lay correctly around the small guides we are using today much easier.

I used a plastic knife (as in from the cafeteria). Sanded it to a shape I like. It works fine.

For burnishing I use the Gudebrod, and for packing I use Billies tool. I have to say that if a wrap is properly packed you will have to do very little burnishing.

I used a large toenail clipper for a couple yrs and it did fine for burnishing and clipping thread. Then I bought one of the Gudebrod plastic jobs and like it for wrapping and burnishing. I also bought the Gudebrod small sissor type clipper and like it better than a razor knife or the toenail clipper...much better.

I use a burnishing tool made for burnishing dry transfer lettering and also took a crochet needle, filed and smooth to a point for hard to get at spots especially on micro guides.

Ray Zarychta
Glastonbury, CT

Josh,
Basically any object that will push your thread, will not cut your thread, and will not leave any of the objects material imbedded into the thread will work fine.
A common cuticle tool works very well. A sharpened piece of piano works well. A common nail file works fine. A commercial rod building burnishing tool - either metal or plastic works fine. Just have sharp edges, that are not too sharp and of a material that won't cut the thread or scratch the blank will work fine.

Take care
Roger

I use a small circuit tester I got from Autozone..About 2.5'' long with a handle...I worked it with steel wool to get it glass smooth,and to dull the point....Best packing and burnishing tool Ive ever used.