What Rasp?

[Tom L]

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
'

[Shaun]

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.

[Bjorn]

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.

[Eric Krewson]

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!

[Crimson mist]

I like the shinto rasps for the initial material removal and an autobody file for general smoothing

[Auzoutdoor]

I use one of Deans and am not sure how I did without it.
Cheers KIM

[**DONOTDELETE**]

If you know anyone with a horse, find out when their farrier comes. They can also re-sharpen them for you Too.

[John Scifres]

Nicholson #49 for me.  But, I used Torges' UBR at MOJam and liked it.  It'll be my next one.

[Apex Predator]

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.

[Dano]

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    
I do wish Deano would get a half round made.

[Glenn Newell]

The rasp Dean Torges sells is a ripper, I have the nicholson #492 as well...Glenn...

[DirtyDan]

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

[Mechslasher]

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.

[Tom L]

Sounds like the Nicholson #49 is what I need.

[onemississipp]

I'll be getting Dean's soon..

 http://www.bowyersedge.com/stock.html

[Buckeyehunter]

I prefer a nicholson #50 and a farriers rasp from tractor supply for $24.00.

[Steve Kendrot]

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.

[Walt Francis]

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.