The mention of hand tools inspires visions of finely crafted planes or dovetail saws. Hand tools encompass a broad range of shop necessities. Not all of them are pricey works of art. In my shop, a small set of files and rasps are trusty side-kicks to create complex shapes.
RASPS & FILES.
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| Coarse rasp, Medium rasp | Half-round file, Round file |
The overall shape of rasps and files are similar. The shape of the cutting surfaces sets them apart. Rasps have individual teeth punched into the surface. The cutting edges of files are linear and run diagonally across the blade. I would argue that having both types of tools are important for shaping a workpiece well.
I don’t woodwork to save time, but my shop time is precious and I would rather avoid fruitless effort. When I need to shape a surface, I reach for the coarsest tool that can do the job. Here I’m working on a custom saw handle that serves as a good example of how these tools work.
TWO RASPS.
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| Heavy shaping should be done with a fast-cutting, coarse rasp. | A finer rasp (then a file) are used to refine details and remove tooth marks. |
After cutting out the handle, I’m focusing on two tasks: Removing blade marks and then shaping the edges for a comfortable grip. A coarse rasp cuts wood quickly. The prole of the rasp is a half-round. This two-in-one design is more versatile. The rasp has a handle at one end. However, you should also grip the tip of the rasp for better control (Step 1).
With all these tools, make long strokes using the full length of the tool and along the edge. A few slow motion swipes will help you develop the moves. Don’t be alarmed at the condi-tion of the surface. The medium rasp softens the furrows and refines the shape in just a few minutes worth of work. Step 2 shows the difference in the surface texture. This rasp also has a half-round profile. (Turn to page 66 for sources.)
A BRACE OF FILES.
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| A round file tucks into tighter curves than the half-round file. | A file card has fiber bristles on one side and wire bristles on the other to keep files and rasps clean. |
A half-round file cleans up the stubbly surface left by the second rasp. By now you have the idea. Once you create a uniform pattern, the work is done. Step 3 shows a round file that completes my set. It’s job is only for tight spaces. Then it’s sandpaper time. Files and rasps come in a range of formats (check out the ones below). However these four should never leave your side.
REFINING WITH RIFFLERS
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| One of Each. The blades on rifflers feature rasp or file teeth on curved surfaces with flat, round, triangular, or square cross sections. | Blending. Rifflers work best in tight spaces to shape surfaces and ease transitions from adjoining sections. | Rifers come in sets. |
