Rasps And Files: Shape And Smooth More (And Sand Less) With These Simple Tools.
- Rasps Easily identified by their prominent triangular teeth, rasps excel at initial shaping and sculpting operations on wood. ...
- Files for working wood Files are used to refine the rasped surfaces, but they can also serve as stand-alone shaping tools. ...
- Files for working metal ...
- Rifflers ...
- Protect yourself and your tools ...
- File and Rasp Starter Set ...
What is the difference between a rasp and a file?
The primary difference between a rasp and a file is that rasps are primarily for wood, but files are for metal. The terms file and rasp are often confused. Generally, a file is intended to be used on metal whereas a rasp is a tool specially meant for wood.
Why do we use rasp tools?
The reason is that the teeth of a rasp have a mountain peak-shaped profile which allows for an aggressive cut but will not rip the material. Unlike a file or a riffler, a rasp has less tendency to clog up. This makes a rasp the preferred choice when it comes to working on wood.
What kind of rasp do you use for carving?
This rasp file set comes complete with rubber handles and 6 different bastard files for wood and other soft stuff carving. These include a half round file, a round file, a triangular rasp, a square file, and 2 flat files. This file works specially with soft surfaces like plastics, 3D printed objects, or even soft metal.
What kind of rasp do you use to deburring holes?
The fully round wood rasp is effective at deburring holes. This rasp file set comes complete with rubber handles and 6 different bastard files for wood and other soft stuff carving. These include a half round file, a round file, a triangular rasp, a square file, and 2 flat files.
What are files used for?
Files are cutting tools used to remove/smooth rough and sharp edges from cut metal. They are also used to file metal to shape or size. For each type of material there is an ideal tooth form that gives the most efficient cutting action.
What is a file vs rasp?
1:4319:14What is the Difference Between Files, Floats, Rasps and More - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSurface. Basically preparing it for the card scraper. They come in all different shapes and sizesMoreSurface. Basically preparing it for the card scraper. They come in all different shapes and sizes from the standard mill file which will have hatching on both sides as well as both edges. You can get
What is a file in woodwork used for?
A file is a hand tool primarily used for Smoothening and Sharpening other tools, and for fine finishing wood. The most common types of files are flat files, round files and hand files. The coarseness of a file is described by the type of cut it is.
What are metal rasps used for?
Rasps are more commonly used as a shaping and stock removal tool and used more often on wood or soft metals. They have individual teeth that are raised above the surface allowing for faster removal of material. Rasps are great for shaping wood furniture, tool handles, cabinets, and sculpting.
Are files good for wood?
Mill files may be used to shape wood (they perform best on hardwood); however, wood files will not withstand use on metal. File lengths are given in inches, measured from the end of the file, called the point, to the heel (see illustration). Use large files for large surfaces, small files for small surfaces.
Can you use files on wood?
A doublecut file has two sets of opposing teeth. A double-cut file will remove wood faster, while a single-cut file leaves a slightly smoother surface. For use on wood, a double-cut file is your best bet.
What are the files used in carpentry?
The type of file used for woodwork is a rasp-cut file. A single-cut file has a single row of teeth cut across its face in one direction, while a double-cut file has two rows of teeth sliced diagonal to each other. Both single-cut and double-cut files are used for metal.
What is a file for wood called?
The Wood Rasp Also known as a woodworking file, the rasp's primary use is to cut shapes into timber. Cabinet rasp for shaping and smoothing wood and timber.
Do you need a rasp?
Rasps are an effective, inexpensive precision tool that belong on every drywaller's tool belt, whether you're a pro, a hobbyist, or a first-timer. You might be able to get something put together without one, but if you want your results to look smooth and professional, a rasp is indispensable.
Can I use a rasp on metal?
Whereas the file is used on both wood and metal, rasps are used mainly on wood and stone but never on metal. The file is used to shape, refine and to smooth out surfaces, the rasp is used to take larger shavings of material off.
How can I tell the difference between a wood file and a metal file?
Differences Between Wood File And Metal FileBASIS FOR DIFFERENCESWOOD FILE (RASPS)METAL FILE (MILL FILE)Suitable forWoodMetalsTeeth& cutsDistinct or randomly-spacedClose cuts or parallel cutsClogging tendencyVery lessVery highNo. of varietyLimited or very lessLarge, depending on workJun 10, 2022
What does rasp mean?
Runtime application self-protection (RASP) is a security technology that is built or linked into an application or application runtime environment, and is capable of controlling application execution and detecting and preventing real-time attacks.
What does a rasp file look like?
0:072:22Files, Rasps & Rifflers - Basics & Tricks Of The Trades / How toYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipA. File is a sophisticated rasp. And riff ler is a specialized rasp with ends curved and profilesMoreA. File is a sophisticated rasp. And riff ler is a specialized rasp with ends curved and profiles varied to follow shapes and contours and create detail.
Why is it called a rasp?
The tool called a rasp is a special kind of wood file that's much coarser than sandpaper, and when you use it, you rasp. If you've ever cared for a horse's hooves, you may have also used a rasp to file them. The "speak gratingly" meaning of rasp comes from the "scraping" sense of the word.
What is the full meaning of rasp?
Definition of rasp (Entry 1 of 2) transitive verb. 1 : to rub with something rough specifically : to abrade with a rasp. 2 : to grate upon : irritate. 3 : to utter in a raspy tone.
What are rasps and files used for?
Both files and rasps are meant to be used between the rough cut of a saw and the smoothing of sandpaper — not instead of either one.
What is a raster file?
Rasps are files made specifically for wood.
What is a flat file taper?
For flat surfaces, straight edges. Traditionally, a flat file tapers in width and thickness from the middle of the belly, a mill file tapers in width and thickness throughout, and a hand file tapers only in thickness — the point is square (called a blunt). For handsaw teeth, squared holes.
How to measure file size?
Files are measured from the point to the heel. Sizes begin at 4 inches and get longer by 2-inch increments. Match the file length to the workpiece,
How to use a file?
To use almost any file, grasp the point between your thumb and first two fingers with one hand, and grasp the handle on the back end with your other hand. But you'll have to supply the handle for most files; they come with just the bare tang. There are several handle choices.
Is a rasp file coarser than a file?
Coarseness is relative — a large file is generally coarser than a small one, even if both are labeled the same, and a rasp is always coarser than a file.
Pros and Cons
Keep in mind that files used on wood will be quite limited. So, for woodworking purposes here are the pros and cons.
Uses
A rasp offers a far greater purpose in the woodworking shop compared to the typical file.
Pros and Cons
The rasp is made especially for wood which is why it offers considerable advantages.
Step 1: Identifying Files and Rasps
A short (non-comprehensive) list of files, as pictured below from left to right: Flat rasp - has large, coarse teeth to quickly remove material Flat file without a handle - allows you to remove burrs and rough edges Multi-use rasp and file - has two files and two rasps on one tool Fine flat file without handle - this tool is for finishing and scratch and gouge removal Triangle file - allows you to get into corners and clean up edges that have notches Small round file - cleans small round holes and inside curves Medium round file - as above, but with coarser teeth Large round file - as above, but coarser still For more information: Wikipedia Rasp Entry Wikipedia File Entry Briefly, a file is for detail work while a rasp removes larger quantities of material..
Step 2: Using a File or Rasp
Push the file in one direction only. Remember, it' s not a saw -- this file was meant to cut on the away stroke. Put pressure on the return stroke and you'll dull the file and mangle the cutting edges. Here, Lynne is filing out the corner of a sign she cut on the plasma cutter.
Step 3: Cleaning Files and Rasps
Finally, once you're done, make sure to clean the file. For light work, you can use a file card or wire brush to flick out the metal chips caught in the file's teeth. In this case, the aluminum chips are practically welded to the file, so we've got to resort to tougher stuff.
Why use a rasp file?
Rasps make deeper and coarser cuts than files because they have separate and triangular, rather than parallel, lines of teeth. Rasps scrape away wood rather than plane it away as files do. The rasp is well suited for shaping wood quickly. Files have gullets or spaces between the teeth that fill with wood chips. One advantage a rasp has over a file is that the teeth resist clogging, but rasps are only available in a limited variety. The size and distribution of teeth determine a rasp’s degree of coarseness and the amount of wood it can remove. All cut rapidly but will leave a rough surface.
How to keep files from rusting?
Since files, like most other steel implements, are prone to rust, it’s wise to keep a few bags of silica in the drawer to draw off moisture.
What is a riffler file?
Riffler comes from a French word meaning to file or scrape. A riffler is a small, double-ended file, rasp, or both, with a gripping area between the cutting edges. It is fashioned to work in tight spaces. Common end shapes include straight, curved, and knife-like. Rifflers come in a variety of profiles, such as oval, triangular, square, round, and half-round.
What are the parts of a file?
A file has three main parts: the length, which is the cutting surface covered with teeth; the tang, which is where the handle is attached (never use the tang as a handle); and the heel, which is the transition between the length and the tang. Files come in wide variety of types and profiles.
How to cross file wood?
Cross filingis done at an angle, not straight across as the name might suggest. Hold the file with both hands and apply enough pressure so the teeth do not catch on the wood grain and cause the file to skip over hard and soft grain changes. Working at an angle is critical when using rasps. Filing parallel or perpendicular to the grain will tear and break the wood, leaving the surface ragged, with a lot of follow-up work required. Cross filing will prevent that from happening.
These Versatile Tools Have A Wide Range of Carving Uses
Files
- A file has three main parts: the length, which is the cutting surface covered with teeth; the tang, which is where the handle is attached (never use the tang as a handle); and the heel, which is the transition between the length and the tang. Files come in wide variety of types and profiles. Types of files:You need to understand both the cut of the teeth, that look like lines, and how coarse or s…
Rasps
- Rasps make deeper and coarser cuts than files because they have separate and triangular, rather than parallel, lines of teeth. Rasps scrape away wood rather than plane it away as files do. The rasp is well suited for shaping wood quickly. Files have gullets or spaces between the teeth that fill with wood chips. One advantage a rasp has over a file ...
Rifflers and Specialized Tools
- Over the years, files and rasps have evolved into more specialized tools, such as rifflers, Microplane® rasps, and needle files. Riffler comes from a French word meaning to file or scrape. A riffler is a small, double-ended file, rasp, or both, with a gripping area between the cutting edges. It is fashioned to work in tight spaces. Common end shapes include straight, curved, an…
Using Files and Rasps
- Draw filing, a finishing stroke, requires you to hold the file in both hands at right angles to the wood and push across it with light pressure. Since the teeth of files cut only on the push stroke, lift the tool up on the return stroke. A beginner’s problem is overdoing the push stroke operation, resulting in an unwanted hollow. Cross filingis done at an angle, not straight across as the nam…
Care and Maintenance
- While files are made from ultra-hard steel and tempered hard to give the teeth a long life, they do tend to be brittle and are easily broken. Files are not designed to pry, hammer, or clash with other metal tools. Use them for what they were designed for, and they should last several lifetimes. Keep files hanging up and away from other tools. If wall space is at a premium, then keep them …
About The Author
- Roger Schroeder, of Amityville, NY, is a retired teacher, accomplished author, and the founding editor of Woodcarving Illustrated. Discuss this material on the Woodcarving Illustrated forums. Read more about tools for beginners!