{"id":1550,"date":"2012-02-25T23:57:44","date_gmt":"2012-02-26T04:57:44","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.rpwoodwork.com\/blog\/?p=1550"},"modified":"2016-01-30T17:30:53","modified_gmt":"2016-01-30T22:30:53","slug":"choosing-rasps-part-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rpwoodwork.com\/blog\/2012\/02\/25\/choosing-rasps-part-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Choosing rasps, part 2"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Moving up the rasp food chain to the hand-cut<\/strong> variety reveals the true capabilities of rasps. These have teeth that are cut (“stitched”) into a polished steel blank by a skilled craftsman<\/strong> using a metal pick and a hammer. The teeth are cut in diagonal rows but the handmade process introduces an important bit of randomness<\/strong> in their placement which creates a tool with control and smoothness in use that is unmatched by machine-made rasps.<\/span><\/p>\n

It is the feel on the wood and the feedback<\/strong> through the woodworker’s hand which makes these rasps so effective. The teeth cover the surface across the entire width, typically at least 1-1\/4″ in a 10″ long model, helping to give a direct sense of where the tool is cutting. Because these tools are used for shaping, their superb sensitivity<\/strong> in the hand is paramount.<\/span><\/p>\n

There is an increasing number of hand-cut rasps available<\/strong> but I will comment only the Auriou<\/a> brand which I have used for several years. I use the 10″ #9 and #13<\/strong>, a combination which has been marvelously effective in shaping legs, one of my favorite things to do in the shop. They’re not cheap but have proven well worth the investment. Here are two sources: Lie-Nielsen<\/a> and TFWW<\/a>. Here is a close-up of the #9 and #13 teeth. Click to enlarge.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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It pays to store rasps<\/a> so they don’t bang against each other, and keep them clean with the method described here<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here is a list, not necessarily exhaustive, of other hand cut rasps available.<\/strong> Also, here is a suggestion to Popular Woodworking<\/em>, Fine Woodworking<\/em>, and the other woodworking magazines: this would be a good topic review, especially since there is a considerable range of prices. In the meantime, reader comments are welcome.<\/span><\/p>\n