Question for all you bowyers

[Matt Stuckey]

I'm working my way into bowyering and have been aquiring some of the tools of the trade.  Today I came across Nicholson Mighty Rasps 16", rasp on one side file on the other,  for $13 or 6 for $60. I picked up 1.  Farriers act like they wear these out on a regular basis.  Should I plan to get more, or will one last a long time for typical bowyering, boardbows and selfbows.

thanks,
Matt

[ks_stickbow]

I while back I found a couple dozen pretty aggresive rasps at $.63 each. I bought them all....that was 6 years and about 30-35 bows ago....I'm on rasp #2.

the farriers rasp they ware out but not as fast for us as for a ferrier. I've wore one out so far. I also need to add is these were all cheap tools made by the Jay Ayy Pann Company. I imagine a quality tool like the nicholson will last double my cheapo's


about the only file I wear out on a regular basis is the chainsaw file I use to cut nocks...not sure why this one does not last for me, but I usualy replace that one every year.

[sidebuster]

I have several but I plan to buy Nicolson #49 & #50.  Both new cost $100.00.  They claim these two in particular are some the best to own. The Nicholson #49 and Nicholson #50 are the last hand-cut rasps still made in the USA

[Pat B]

The farrier's rasp I have I got used from a farrier. I have had it for many years and it still cuts good. There is so little difference between a Nicholson #49 and #50(I'm a neophyte) one or the other will suffice. I have a #49 and love it. A good scraper will complete your necessary tool box. Many other tools can be purchased and might be used but are not necessary.
Jeff, I go through chain saw files quickly also. (?)  Pat

[ChristopherO]

Funny you should ask this question as just a few days ago a blacksmith friend of mine gave me a "used" farrier rasp.  A little rusty but perfectly good.  He said when they get dull they pitch them and get another.  He had a bunch.  In no way was this tool dull for the hickory I used it on after that.  Having had horses it makes sence that farrier's go through them so fast.  A horse will only stand still for so long.  You better get the job done fast or the horse and your back will wear out pretty quick.   Find a farrier and you can find a good rasp pretty cheap.

[Ralph Renfro]

Jeff, go to a hardware store, Home Depot, or Lowes, and pick you up an 1/8th ceramic tile cutting blade. You'll give the chainsaw file a pitch. It easier, faster, and you won't ever wear one out. You can put it on a junk hacksaw frame or spring for a shorter blade that's already on a plastic coping saw type handle.

[horatio1226]

I use the used farriers rasp and love them. I also agree with Ralph. The tile blade in the hacksaw frame works great. I also use it for cutting nocks in arrows and grooving arrows for stone points. Alot faster than chainsaw files.

[Matt Stuckey]

Thanks guys, sounds like this one will last me a while.

[Matt Stuckey]

I just tried it out, and it moves a lot more wood than the Nicholson 4 in one i've been working with.  I might actually turn these boards into bows now.

[Chisler]

I'd get a couple at that price and give 'em to the next person you introduce to this craft.