Woodcraft and Iwasaki files

[Robin Henderson]

I just got my Woodcraft flier in the mail and from 4-27 till 5-24 their Iwasaki files are 25 percent off. I own three and they're great...just a heads up for you gun stockers.

[Mauser06]

Thanx for the heads up!!! 


I'm definitely snagging a couple more!  Their small ones are awesome too!

[smallpatch]

Remember, these are VERY aggressive. Buy at least one level smoother than you think you should use.

[Scota4570]

The teeth will cut you, wrap some tape end if you use then with a draw file technique. 

[Sidelock]

I have a couple of these in the shop, never got use to them as a wood rasp as they are very aggressive.  However, I keep them around as these are the best tools I have to quickly shape out a freshly poured tin/pewter nose cap - cuts that stuff like butter, quick and the teeth don't seem to get clogged with the metal.   

[Jerry V Lape]

I have been using them for several years.  I prefer the larger ones for most of the stock shaping.  Since they are aggressive I have learned to not apply the pressure other rasps need.  Just enough pressure to control the movement and let the file do the work.  Definitely protect your forward hand with a glove. 

[smallpatch]

They work GREAT.  Easy pressure, I bought a medium, that I never use.  Way to aggressive.  Fine and extra fine get it done very well.
I've got 5 of them. Been used on probably the last ten guns I've posted here.  Way cheaper than Ariou, and dragons.  Cut fast, leave a smooth surface.

[PPatch]

Good rasps. I was using one just yesterday to shave a brass toe plate even with the bottom of the stock. They work fine on brass if you have a lot of material to remove. And, as with wood, you only apply enough pressure to control the rasp and let the tool do the cutting. The finish isn't as good as on wood so you have to use a file to do the finish work.



dave

[elkhorne]

What lengths are the best? Also is there any reason to get a flat or should one just stick to half round ones? Want to purchase a couple before the sale goes off tonight. Thanks.
elkhorne

[galudwig]

I have an assortment of Iwasaki files; flat and round.  One of my favorite flat ones is the extra fine side float. It's great for getting into tight spots and for general shaping.

https://www.woodcraft.com/products/iwasaki-8-extra-fine-side-float?via=573621f469702d06760016cd%2C5764197769702d3baa0002e9

Another one of my favorites is the 8" half round. It's great for the hollows and shaping around the lock panels and wrist/comb area.

https://www.woodcraft.com/products/iwasaki-8in-half-round-extra-fine-file?via=573621f469702d06760016cd%2C5764197769702d3baa0002e9

I also use a 200mm flat fine cut for smoothing out all around the forestock and lock panels after bandsawing the blank. It works great on end grain and does a good job on shaping pewter nose caps too.

https://www.woodcraft.com/products/iwasaki-file-200mm-flat-fine-cut?via=573621f469702d06760016cd%2C5764197769702d3baa0002e9

[Stoner creek]

I’m a big fan of the half round ones. The 10” one is aggressive without gouging deep. I always go back to the Nicholson #49 when working against the grain. The Iwasaki will tend to chatter working against the grain. You’re going to like it.