What Are Woodworking Rasps And Files?

Rasps and files may be the first items that new DIYers think of buying. But like pliers, chisels and files multiply magically, and most skilled woodworkers stock a variety.

In this article, we'll explore these unsung heroes of the woodworking world, explain why pegs are so popular with woodworking professionals, and explain what you need to build your own collection.

What is a file?

A file is a hand tool with rows of metal teeth on the face. The size and pattern of the teeth determine the amount of wood removed with each pass.

Single-cut file teeth work in one direction only, while double-cut files have a criss-cross pattern for more aggressive wood removal. The face of the plate is hard with small valleys ("grooves") between the rows of teeth to collect debris.

What is a scraper?

Rasps are similar in size and shape to files. They are used to make rough cuts on wood surfaces and remove material quickly.

Here lies the difference. Instead of the sharp rows of teeth in the larva, slugs have distinct raised teeth. On some scrapers, the teeth are spaced too far apart. Other graters resemble a cheese grater with a hole at the base of each tooth to remove large amounts of material. These, called "shermics", can be shaped like a traditional hand file or incorporated into a flat block-shaped body.

When to use rasps and files?

Typically, the rasp is used before the file, just as you sand with coarse sand before moving on to fine sand. Raps quickly removes material and leaves a rough surface that needs to be smoothed and refined with a plate or sandpaper.

Awls and files come in a variety of tooth shapes and styles for all the curves, shapes and angles found in woodworking. When manufacturers describe files and bits, they usually refer to the tooth size, shape and profile, or "cut" of the tool. The latter can describe multiple design elements in one file or rasp.

Size basically refers to the length of the tool. A tooth profile is usually described by a common notation. Listed from soft to coarse, they include smooth, second cut, bois and thick.

Here are common types of wood steps and files:

rappers and files

Flat bites are smooth uneven surfaces, like the flat of a hand. Flat file smooth and flat surfaces. On each side, one side is usually toothed (cut) and the other side toothless (cut). The raw edge can touch the work surface without removing the wood, which is useful when working at an angle.

Wrap and round files

Round molds and files have a circular profile. They are ideal for working inside corners and creating or smoothing holes. They are usually shortened to accommodate different sized holes/bends. Fine round molds and files may be called needles or rat tails.

Rappers and semicircular files

They have a semicircular profile. A flat hemispherical back provides more stability and control with often different stiffness than a curved front. Like a flat file or chisel, a semi-circular side may or may not be cut.

Rasps and detail files

Detail tools have narrow faces to fit into tight spaces. They may also come with curved, angled handles or pliers to facilitate hard-to-access reaches.

The best scraper and file

In tooth size, shape and profile, there is enough variety in files and scrapers to fill an entire shop. If you're just starting out, we recommend getting a few basic shapes and sizes, then supplementing with special files or rasps as needed.

Here are some good options for beginners.

Libraton Three Piece Rasp Set. Comes with two sizes of flat straw and half-round wooden stem. We like that the back of each is a scraper with fine teeth for shaping metal objects. As a bonus, the set comes with a choice of 28 sandpapers.

Andgoo is a two- piece combination file and rasp . Save yourself a trip to the toolbox with these combination files and raspers. When the mud runs out, flip it over and finish the job with the bullet. It comes with a flat tool and a hemispherical tool, each with a double and a double-edged file on one end.

Kalim 6" Double Cut Flat File: This classic profile is a good all-around flat file to have on hand. It comes without a handle, so you'll need to supply your own. Overall length of file including pliers is : 7-12"

Cobalt Three-Piece File Set - A beautiful introductory set containing three eight-inch files, all with their own handles. A flat burr file has a flat single cut on one side and a second cut tooth pattern on the other. The half round has a second cut pattern and the round file has a hybrid for faster material removal.