Iwasaki carving files/rasp

[Gaeckle]

Anybody use one of these things? How are they? Do they stay sharp or go dull like a bad date?

[Acer Saccharum]

Hey, dopey, use the search feature.

http://americanlongrifles.org/forum/index.php?topic=27762.msg283509#msg283509

 

[Jerry V Lape]

I started using them about a year ago.  Nice clean finish almost as clean as a scraper.  The most useful ones are the larger ones in the medium cut.  The fine and extra fine are hard to tell apart by their cut on hard maple.  I have a half round but haven't used it yet.  I doubt they will dull very fast as they are very hard.  I like that they cut all the way to the edge.  Use a glove on the forward hand until you learn how aggressive you can go.  

[Acer Saccharum]

Thanks for that feedback, Jerry.


Since I don't use the very tip of the rasp for rasping, I grind the teeth off so I have something to hold onto without endangering my western extremities. I've experienced the rasp suddenly stopping, and the left hand keeps going. You really can't do that a lot without leaking vital fluid all over your stock.

[Gaeckle]

Hey, dopey, use the search feature.

http://americanlongrifles.org/forum/index.php?topic=27762.msg283509#msg283509

 

Gee whiz, Tom.....there's a search feature? maybe I'll use it to find half the stuff I put down and can't remember where I put it!

Thanks Tom.

[Acer Saccharum]

I wish search feature would work for all those things I put in a 'special place' so I'd be more likely to find them.

[Longshot]

Back to Iwasaki..........
I've got both the flat and half-round, I believe they are fine cut cut, and have to say that there is definitely a 'zen' to using them effectively.  Yeah, I know, thats true about many hand tools, but these hungry little sharks come with personalities new to my experience.
I'd say they are very good in the correct application, and yes, they will bite their handler!

[gwill]

I have both the flat and round files in fine cut and the flat file in medium cut. Now that I've learned a bit about how to use them I couldn't do without them. Great tools - easier for me to get a smooth surface on curly wood than with a scraper. Probably says as much about my skill with a scraper as it does the tool!

[P.W.Berkuta]

I have both the flat and round files in fine cut and the flat file in medium cut. Now that I've learned a bit about how to use them I couldn't do without them. Great tools - easier for me to get a smooth surface on curly wood than with a scraper. Probably says as much about my skill with a scraper as it does the tool!

Interesting -gwill, as I like scrapers and cutting tools to shape my stocks I am tempted to do more recearch on these Iwasaki tools - thanks for the info.

[KLMoors]

I use the flats and 1/2 rounds a love them. They do take some getting used to. When you run at just the right angle, they will leave a real smooth finish while still removing a lot of wood.

[Bill-52]

I've been using both the larger (C-size) flat and half round medium cut for a couple years. They're both great - they have an aggressive cutting action but leave a clean, semi-smooth finish.  The trick, I've found, is to use less pressure.  They actually cut better with a softer application.  Too much pressure and they're apt to grab, easily emptying out your work shop band-aid box quicker (Tom).

I had forgotten Iwasaki also has smaller files until I read this post.  I'll have to look into them as the A-size files may be very helpful in the smaller shaping jobs.

Bill

[mjm46@bellsouth.net]

I love those rasps. I think they work great on maple. I even use them to work down brass. Keep the old ones that don't cut the best on wood and use them on your brass.