I currently own a single rasp with two levels of coarseness and it sees frequent use. The fact that each portion is only 5″ long, and that it has square ends greatly limits its usefulness. However, anything that eliminates sanding, be it chisel, rasp or plane is wonderful in my book. I am looking to purchase a set of rasps that would better serve my woodworking needs, but I am baffled at the terminology and apparent lack of a comprehensive standard. I understand that coarse to smooth would be bastard cut, second cut, smooth cut…but is a 10 inch bastard cut smoother than a 14 inch second cut? Does it vary between manufacturers? How is coarseness defined for rasps if the above is the designation for files? How did the Swiss get involved (00-6). What would be a good universal set to buy for an affordable price? The traditionalist in me cries out for wood handles, yet the engineer wants ergonomic rubberized handles with convenient holes to hand above the bench. If I get wooden handled rasps, I’ll probably drill a hole for this purpose. Let’s save rifflers for another discussion. By the way, I recently read the article by Mario Rodriguez in an older FW, and while convinced of the usefulness of this tool, I remain in the dark as far as the terminology. By the way, I’ve read this http://www.cooperhandtools.com/brands/nicholson_files/Nicholson%20Guide%20To%20Filing%202006.pdf which is very informative, yet fails to answer questions about the relative coarseness.
Edited 1/15/2007 1:19 pm ET by tuolumne
Replies
Joel at Tools for Working Wood has a set of Grammercy Cabinet Rasps that is a good deal (compared to the French rasps) the three have different cuts and lengths, but they are well made and cut like the Dickens.
http://www.toolsforworkingwood.com/Merchant/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=toolshop&Product_Code=GT-CMRASP.XX&Category_Code=CQC
No Involvement personally, just a satisfied customer.
Best Regards,
David C
STICKER SHOCK! I liked how they indicated TPI - that is a number I can relate to. Multiplying the TPI by the length yields 125, 117, and 102 teeth respectively per rasp?
STICKER SHOCK!
Heck, you should look into paying for the F. Dick, Grobet and Aurious I own and use every day. Now that should put the ones Joel has into perspective.
Less expensive I believe are some of the rasp offerings from Lee Valley. For instance...
http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=2&p=20135&cat=1,42524
di legno has a Grobet Detail rasp/file which works well, even if it is a little short.
http://www.dilegnosupply.com/Files-Rasps-Shapers/grobet_detail_file.htm
And their main Rasp/Files page:
http://www.dilegnosupply.com/Files-Rasps-Shapers/Files_Rasps_Shapers_Main_Menu.htm
Take care, Mike
Using the LV link, how would the TPI for a 10" smooth cut compare to the 8" second cut? Wouldn't they be similar? On the other site you linked, the Austrian rasps have the designation "5 cut"...what does that mean? I've done a few internet searches and have not yet found any comprehensive standard. As my location dictates that I buy most of my tools on line, without getting to touch and see them first, I like to know what I'm getting. I am looking for quality tools. I'm not sure that buying older ebay rasps would be a good idea since they could be pretty dull.
Tuolomne,
For a given cut (mill bastard, 2nd cut, etc.), files generally get coarser as the length gets longer.
For rasps (at least for the Aurious I have), the lower the number, the coarser the cut: 4 is very coarse, 14 is super-fine. I suspect -- but don't know for certain -- that the Austrian company's cut designation works the same way.
Other than lower numbers meaning coarser cuts/fewer teeth per centimeter, and higher numbers meaning finer cuts/more teeth per centimeter, I don't believe that there is much standardisation amongst rasp manufacturers.
_____
As for a set of rasps, here are a couple of possibilities:
A pair of Nicholson rasps: #49 and #50 (about $100, +/- $25, depending on where you buy them) (these are hand cut, which will leave a better surface than the machine cut ones)
http://www.thebestthings.com/newtools/auriou_rasps.htm has some sets that they recommend and have assembled ($200 and up).
http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&rh=n%3A553188%2Cp_4%3AGrobet&page=1 Grobet files and rasps are high quality, and somewhat less expensive than the Aurious.
Hope this helps.Beste Wünschen auf ein glückliches und wohlbehaltenes Neues Jahr!
Tschüß!
Mit freundlichen holzbearbeitungischen Grüßen aus dem Land der Rio Grande!!
James
There is little standard, really.
It is best to contact the retailer for the definitions of what they sell. Also state what you intend to use them for and the desired finish you expect from them. A retailer knowledgable in their product will know--and good retailers who don't know off hand will endeavor to find out.
As mentioned, I use mainly vintage Grobet, Dick, and a lot of newer Aurious. They are sold using the designation of "grain." The lower the number the coarser the rasp. It is an easy characterization for me to get my mind around.
The Swiss method of numbered cuts also have a correspondance to coarsness. But what number means what I don't know. Which is why the easiest thing to do is inquire of the retailer.
I do wish to add that a good rasp taken care of can be a lifetime investment by the average person. This means there may be pain up front from the cost, but it isn't like one needs to buy new ones every year. Personally, I have been recommending people just bite the bullet and purchase those from Joel at Tools for Working Wood. They are sized well and they are graduated in coarseness accordingly.
Other options include the Nicholson #49/50 pattern makers rasps. I prefer just the #50 between the two as they are too close in coarsness to make much difference. These can be had form one of the links [di ligno I believe] at what I think is a reasonable cost.
Take care, Mike
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