Files and Rasps
Our selection of steel files and rasps includes a full line of tools for use on wood and metal. Although some people will say that files are for metal and rasps for use on wood, there is some overlap. Some people confuse rasps with files and vice versa. While both have metal teeth, the teeth on files are laid out in rows across the face of the file at an angle. Whereas rasps have teeth straight across the face. File types are differentiated by the distance between rows of teeth. The closer the rows, the finer the file's cut is. Coarse files are often called Bastard files and fine files are called smooth files. The same applies to rasps, in the sense that the as the rows get closer and the teeth get smaller, so does the cut of the rasp. Patternmaker's cabinet rasps feature random teeth placement and leave smoother surfaces. These are the premier woodworking rasps. The coarser files available work well with wood. These are wood files and cabinet files. Wood files are more coarse than cabinet files, which are used for fine smoothing. Both of them are half round tapered files. Files either have teeth laid out in one (mill files) or two directions (flat files, sometimes called double cut files).
Woodcraft rasps are very useful half-file, half-rasp tools. The Half-round rasp side quickly removes stock while file side is great for smooth and less coarse removal. Use on wood, soft metal, and other materials. Nicholson mini hobby file set consists of 6 mini sized files including three square, round, flat, half round, and equaling. Great for small areas or where larger files will not fit.
Diamond files are hardened steel with grit consisting of special ground diamond particles. These are industrial strength files. Use for filing large areas, metals, plastics, and composite materials like fiberglass, epoxy etc. Smaller diamond files are used on glass, ceramics and metals. Japanese Shinto rasp sanders cut like a rasp, but leave behind a smooth finish like the material has been sanded. Adjustable, with fine teeth on teeth and coarse teeth on the other. Needle files are used to reach into tight areas for larger files will not fit. Used often for delicate work, sold in sets.
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