nicholson 49 vs 50

[Chris Grimbowyer]

If I wer eto only buy one of these rasps which one should I get? I noticed that in Dean Torges book he says he prefers the 50 but in the TBB3 It says he uses the 49?

[Pat B]

I've owned 2 #49s and really like them. Never tried a #50.

[2treks]

I would get the coarse one(I can't keep the numbers straight) That and a good scraper will do alot of bow work.You can control the rasp well enough to get a pretty clen surface,and then just clean it up with your scraper.

[bjansen]

I like the 50...but never used the 49.  Costly, but they sure are nice!

[Walt Francis]

I went with Dean Torges recommendation and bought the #49 first; had it for ten years before getting a #50.  I use the #49 about 4/1 over the #50 and would recommend it, if forced to choose.  What I have found is the #49 is better for removing material and he #50 better for final shaping (but it still leaves it rough).  Go lightly with the #49 and you get close enough to the same finish as when using the #50 that emery paper will take out the file marks.

[Chris Grimbowyer]

Ok thanx alot guys. I think I will get the 49 (course) because its a little cheaper and as Walt said just go slow with the 49 and it will do the same as a 50. The two rasps I use now are a 4 way and a giant nicholson with huge teeth that go full across the rasp. It was about 40 dollars and leaves a nice smooth surface but it is too large for areas I really need it for like around knots on the belly.

[Pat B]

I like the half round of both the #49 and #50. The round side comes in handy around fades and shaping handles. Good for concentrating the work on a rough spot too if needed.

[Shaun]

Farriers rasp and 49 for most of my rasp work. I own a 50 but generally go right to the cabinet file after the 49 to smooth out rasp scratches.