Flat files for wood

DonStephan | Posted in General Discussion on April 25, 2003 10:26am

Any info on flat, half-round and round files that work well on wood would be greatly appreciated. Have several rasps and a four-in-hand which remove wood quickly but often leave a very rough surface (especially the rough portions of the 4-in-hand). Have heard of pattern makers files, floats and some others but no explanation of what they do well and how they compare to the standard rasps, and especially where to find them. Had to smooth some diagonal cuts recently and a half round not too coarse “rasp” was handy as a pocket on a shirt. Would like to accumulate working knowledge and collection of files for wood. Thanks for your time and input.

Replies

BenM | Apr 26, 2003 12:10am | #1
I only know of a couple of patternmaker's rasps that are available as new, a Nicholson #56 and the #57. The #56 works great, cuts tremendous amounts of wood and leaves a surface ready for sanding. You can start with about 80-100 grit. There are a lot of other rasps out there but their tooth pattern tends to leave gouges in the wood, assuming they're even sharp enough to cut the wood. The Nicholson's are in their own class (with a price to match), but worth it.
RANGERP75R | Apr 26, 2003 04:02am | #2
Don

http://www.highlandhardware.com

Don't know about the web-site, but the catalog will have an explantion of what each file they carry does. Call the toll-free from the number on the site and they can send a catalog. If you have specific questions, hit the extention for technical support when prompted.

sarge..jt
RickW | Apr 26, 2003 05:16am | #3
The most useful files I have are:

1. Microplanes. I have the "flat" one, which is flat with rounded edges, and also the one they make as a replacement for the Surform blade.They cut smoothly, but you can really rip with them if you want to.

2. A cabinet file. This is a half-round file with a flatter cross-section than a metal file.It cuts smoothly, but fairly slowly.

3. A bastard cut half round file.It cuts slowest of all.

Hope this helps.

Rick W.
pauld | Apr 26, 2003 08:05am | #4
Don,

I have achieved great results from Nicholson #49 and #50 pattermakers' rasps. They are terrific tools for creating and smoothing contours, for example where a chair arm meets the back leg, and when properly used, only a little sanding is needed.

A friend recently turned me on to Vixen files - they have curved teeth that extend all the way across the face of the file. I bought one that's flat on one side and half-round on the other.

As a testament to how well these rasps and files perform, I crafted a contoured handle for the new Vixen file from a Mahogany offcut using the two Nicholsons and the Vixen. After only a few minutes of sanding with 120- and 150-grits, I was ready to apply an L-V-T finish.

Good luck,
Paul
lwilliams | Apr 26, 2003 08:53pm | #5
Don,

File companies used to make floats, a coarse single cut file for wood. I knew of an antique tool dealer who had seven 8" half round floats, new old stock, for sale. Because we use them, he doesn't have them anymore. Since last week, they're now in our two shops. All his floats that we could use are also in our shop, not just the half round ones, so you wouldn't gain anything by me posting his name. The Nicholson #49 and #50 rasps are great but don't leave as good a surface.

One of the things we make are plane makers' floats but we don't have the capability of making floats with curved surfaces.

I don't have a good answer for you. Since mass production has taken over so much of commercial wood working, we're steadily loosing access to tools that served real functions and were invaluable. That's a real shame.