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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: Tom L on August 20, 2008, 10:41:00 PM

Title: What Rasp?
Post by: Tom L on August 20, 2008, 10:41:00 PM
Going to start my first "alone" selfbow soon. I need a rasp. I am looking at a farrier's rasp on the Raptor Site. Tell me what you think. I will also need a drawknife. What do you selfbow builders use?
Tom
'
Title: Re: What Rasp?
Post by: Shaun on August 20, 2008, 10:47:00 PM
There are some fine (and expensive) rasps out there, like Nicholson #49 & #50, Dean T's hand cut dragon rasp, and others. But, nothing wrong with a farriers' rasp at all. I made several with only a 4 in 1 rasp before I got my first farriers'.

Antique stores are a good place to find draw knives for around 15-30 bucks.
Title: Re: What Rasp?
Post by: Bjorn on August 20, 2008, 11:00:00 PM
I have the Raptor Farrier's rasp-great tool! The Nicholson 50 works well-I find the 49 too agressive. I agree with Shaun about the antique stores for drawknives, and the auction site too.
Title: Re: What Rasp?
Post by: Eric Krewson on August 20, 2008, 11:54:00 PM
My primary rasp is a Nicholson #49, $31 from Jamestown supply right now. I have a #50 as well but like the #49 the best. I like aggressive!
Title: Re: What Rasp?
Post by: Crimson mist on August 21, 2008, 01:24:00 AM
I like the shinto rasps for the initial material removal and an autobody file for general smoothing
Title: Re: What Rasp?
Post by: Auzoutdoor on August 21, 2008, 04:43:00 AM
I use one of Deans and am not sure how I did without it.
Cheers KIM
Title: Re: What Rasp?
Post by: **DONOTDELETE** on August 21, 2008, 06:27:00 AM
If you know anyone with a horse, find out when their farrier comes. They can also re-sharpen them for you Too.
Title: Re: What Rasp?
Post by: John Scifres on August 21, 2008, 09:23:00 AM
Nicholson #49 for me.  But, I used Torges' UBR at MOJam and liked it.  It'll be my next one.
Title: Re: What Rasp?
Post by: Apex Predator on August 21, 2008, 04:52:00 PM
I've got two very old St Crispins 4 way rasps that are stilll pretty sharp.  I use them for all my bows, including glass.  I bought a new Nicholson 4 way and it dulled immediately on the glass.  Does anyone know where I can buy another St Crispins.  I have never heard of them.
Title: Re: What Rasp?
Post by: Dano on August 21, 2008, 05:46:00 PM
Don't let the price scare you off of buying a good rasp, I've got #49's and #50's, and an old #41 that I used to like, but the UBR10 is the best by far, cuts wood like butter, if the wood is dry the UBR never clogs, if it does an old tooth brush does the trick. I bet this rasp will hold up to all kinds of punishment. And I'm not a paid spokesperson   :goldtooth:  
I do wish Deano would get a half round made.
Title: Re: What Rasp?
Post by: Glenn Newell on August 21, 2008, 06:46:00 PM
The rasp Dean Torges sells is a ripper, I have the nicholson #492 as well...Glenn...
Title: Re: What Rasp?
Post by: DirtyDan on August 21, 2008, 07:58:00 PM
Lee Valley Tools makes a big rasp based on the same random pattern toothing that Nicholson's 49 and 50 uses.  It really moves wood fast--much better than a ferrier's rasp.  Round on one side, flat on the other.

Dan Spier
Title: Re: What Rasp?
Post by: Mechslasher on August 21, 2008, 09:25:00 PM
i use an old farrier's file for stock removal, roughing out, and floor tillering.  i then switch to a #49 to get the bow to brace.  then switch to a scraper with a veritas scraper holder for final tillering.  i have very little final sanding/finishing when i tiller with a scraper.
Title: Re: What Rasp?
Post by: Tom L on August 22, 2008, 12:33:00 AM
Sounds like the Nicholson #49 is what I need.
Title: Re: What Rasp?
Post by: onemississipp on August 22, 2008, 08:18:00 AM
I'll be getting Dean's soon..

 http://www.bowyersedge.com/stock.html
Title: Re: What Rasp?
Post by: Buckeyehunter on August 22, 2008, 10:17:00 PM
I prefer a nicholson #50 and a farriers rasp from tractor supply for $24.00.
Title: Re: What Rasp?
Post by: Steve Kendrot on August 25, 2008, 07:52:00 PM
If your going to spend the money on a Nicholson, I'd spend the extra 20 and get Dean's UBR. You get both Nicholsons in one rasp and it is a nice tool. I Igot it after using a cheap hardware store rasp and it made all the difference for me. Better control, and much easier to remove the tool marks. A half round version would be very nice though. The UBR is flat on both sides.
Title: Re: What Rasp?
Post by: Walt Francis on August 25, 2008, 09:09:00 PM
I have most of the files mentioned above and like and use all of them.  If I was going to get only one, it would be the #49, because of its versatility.  The best, and easiest to use, is Dean’s file but like mentioned above I’m waiting for the half round model to come out.