Wednesday, October 17, 2018

How to use rasps and files to shape wood











In this video I show you how to shape wood fast, cheap and easy using those wonderful hand tools called rasps and files.

You can find the files I used here:


Rasps are actually files that are more aggressive and usually they are used on wood.

To shape outer curves I use the flat rasps and files. 

First I establish my guide lines, using my finger as a guide. Then I use the middle tangent  of my shape’s curve to remove material fast and easy. After that I remove material from the sides to kind of blend several flat lines to a curve.

After the rasp has done it’s job. It leaves a really rough surface. So I use the file to clean the rasp’s cut marks. 

I finish the piece with 100grit sandpaper.

Shaping inner curved parts is actually the same procedure. Only now you must use the cylindrical versions of the file and rasp.

Another thing you have to consider when shaping inner curves is the end grain areas of the wood. You can easily damage your stock going against the end grain.

You don’t have to use super expensive files, but don’t use the cheapest. I actually use a mid range set.

I hope you found this back to basics woodworking tutorial useful.

See you soon in an upcoming video!




Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, that at no cost to you, I get a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.

No comments:

Post a Comment