Most of us know about the wonderful Nicholson pattern makers rasps, but I wonder if anyone has every tried those made by Auriou (link below), and can tell me how they stack up to the Nicholson’s.
********************************************************
“It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts.”
John Wooden 1910-
Replies
Better then the Nicholson's but a little more expensive. If you already have a Nicholson 49 or 50 it's probably not worth changing. Auriou has a greater range of rasps available so even if you already have the Nicholson there are plenty of others to choose from.
If you are buying your first rasp spend the extra on the Auriou.
I do own both the Nicholson pattern rasps, and have for years. I am interested to know if the Auriou rasps that are roughly comparable to the 49 and 50 are really any better? They are not quite double the cost of the Nicholson's.********************************************************
"It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."
John Wooden 1910-
I read somewhere that the number 8 is roughly equivalent to a Nicholson #50. I had an opportunity to try one during a class and found that I did like them better then the Nicholson's. Because I already have a Nicholson #49 and #50 I decided to purchase other sizes as the Nicholson files are still pretty good ones. Would I ever replace the #49 or #50? Perhaps some day or if I ever lose a Nicholson rasp I would but for me the additional quality is not enough to get me to replace my existing sizes. I do plan on buying more Auriou rasps. The following link gives a pretty good description of what an Auriou rasp is like:
http://www.toolsforworkingwood.com/Merchant/merchant.mvc?Screen=NEXT&StoreCode=toolstore&nextpage=/extra/AU-Info.html
Edited 1/11/2006 11:10 am ET by RonK
I have a #49 sharpened by Boggs and a #11 Auriou. The #11 Auriou is much finer than a #49 and is a bit finer than a #50. I find the Auriou a nice compliment to the Nicholsons.
I am considering getting an Auriou #13 rasp to round out the fleet. Tools for Working Wood and Highland Hardware have the Auriou line and both are very decent and knowledgeable. Call either and describe what you want to do and I'm sure either can offer some suggestions.
Thanks.What I am looking for is a pattern rasp that is about the same size, but slightly more aggressive than the Nicholson 49.********************************************************
"It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."
John Wooden 1910-
Well this should be a fairly cheap tool acquisition. For more agressive than the #49, I got a Nicholson "woodcraft rasp" at Lowes. Cost around $10.00. Sent it out to Boggs for sharpening ($3.00 plus postage). Works great and is just a bit more agressive than the #49. In a similar vein, the old 4 in 1, sharpened by Boggs is a very decent tool.
I've picked up a number of rasps and files at flea markets, etc., and sent all, regardless of condition, to Boggs and all came back just great. Very little investment, but what a difference.
From the sounds of things, you don't need to go to the Auriou route unless you have to have the shape of a cabinetmakers rasp. If that is the case, you want one of the lower number rasps. Not quite sure what number, but at least as low as #8. The lower numbers are harder to come by--suggest you speak to Joel, at "Tools for Working Wood" for his suggestions, (800) 426-4613, however, I don't really think you need to spend that much. Do an internet search for "Boggs file sharpening". They sell new Nicholson rasps and they sharpen them before shipping.
To tell the truth, using a 4 in 1, or the Nicholson "woodcraft rasp", followed by the #49 and the Auriou is all the rasps I need, followed by some scraping or sandpaper.
Tony Z.
What I'm looking for is an alternative to Nicholson's pattern makers rasps (random teeth).A coarser regular rasp is just not the same. And that's why I was interested in Auriou.I am grateful for the tip on Boggs; in fact, I never knew you could resharpen files and rasps.I wonder if they would resharpen a pattern makers rasp for $3.Does the sharpening seem to make a discernible difference, from what you can tell?********************************************************
"It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."
John Wooden 1910-
I have had a number of files and rasps sharpened. Boggs sharpened my #49 and it came back far superior to what it was when new. His website posts prices. What is interesting is, that if the sharpening is not up to their specs, you are only charged .25 cents and the handle is painted red to alert them to not try to sharpen again. I have had a number of files returned like this, but they were still better than anything you buy today at Lowes or Home Depot.
You may want to look at "Traditional Woodworker" website. They list hand made rasps from Austria at about half the cost of Auriou. I haven't tried these and don't know anyone who has. The website speaks highly of them.
I have used Nicholsons for years and loved them. Last year I bought a few Aurious. The best way I can decribe the difference is Nicholsons are like a hot knife through butter....Aurious are like a hot knife through melted butter. Both do the job really well but the Aurious do it with just a tad less energy needed.
Brent
I assume the auriou's have the random pattern to the teeth that the Nicholson's do, right?Any opinion on which of the Auriou rasps is most comparable to the #49?********************************************************
"It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."
John Wooden 1910-
They do have a random tooth pattern, but more pronounced than the machine cut Nicholsons. Because they're hand cut each one seems a bit different. I use a #11 cut in place of #49 . I use an 8" and a 10" both #11 cuts but the 10" seems a touch coarser (might just be my technique.....larger rasp). One thing about them.......they are kind of addictive, like planes you always want another one.
Brent
I have had both of the Nicholsons for years, and like them, esp. the #50. But the French ones are a big step up. I have three. One is a 12", grain 11, which I think is finer than the #50, and faster cutting at the same time. The one I really like is the 8" modelmakers, grain 14. I use it to fit the pins of dovetails that I have cut a drop fat. Smooth, quick, teeth clear to the edge. Wonderful fitting tool. Joel, in NY, carries the 8" one, which I have not otherwise seen offered. I also have one of the rifflers, which I use less, but it is great when I need it.Interestingly, several years ago I bought a complete set of carving tools from a retiring furniture maker, and the carving tools were from his carver, long since deceased. Included were a set of rifflers, a bit too well used, but they also turned out to be Aurious, probably from the 1920's or so, I am guessing. Even though well worn, I still use them from time to time also.Alan
http://www.alanturnerfurnituremaker.com
Some retailers sell the Auriou rasps with "stock" handles while other sell them with
"improved aftermarket" handles (Lutz-for example)....any thoughts comparing
the handles? One handle better than the other, or ? For general woodworking,
which lengths are preferred? If I wanted to purchase a starting set of 3 or 4 or 5,
which ones would you suggest? Lengths? Grain/fineness (1 to 15)?
Also, Auriou Molding Scrapers.....are these the "cat's meow"/better
than canned peas/better than sliced bread?
Suggestions on where to purchase?
Thanks,
Phil
[email protected] To email me, delete REMOVE from address.
Edited 1/16/2006 12:38 am ET by PW
Here's an online place I found, which is good because it seems to stock the whole line and the information seems fairly complete:http://tinyurl.com/d34puEarlier in this thread, I believe someone said the Auriou rasps are also sold by Woodcraft and Highland -- but probably not the entire line. There are so many, without knowing what you want to do with them, I would think it would be hard to suggest the "best" 3 or 4.I don't know anything about the handles. For all my other rasps I have plain, generic handles, and they seem to work fine.********************************************************
"It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."
John Wooden 1910-
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled