Rasps

Rasps are the hand tools that are used for removing material from the surface of wood to give it desired shape or finish. The shape of rasps resembles to that of files with the exception of shape of its steel bar which is usually round in its shape. It consists of a steel bar which further consists of sharp and coarse projections called its teeth. On the top, it has a long projection called tip of the rasp which is used to attach handle to it which is usually made of plastic or wood. Rasps are usually used to rapidly remove material from the curved surface of woods. As it has very course teeth it does not provide very smooth surface. The coarsely cut surface can be smoothened by using sand paper or files having very small teeth.

The rasps are of three main types namely

1. Bastard rasps


2. Cabinet rasps


3. Wood rasps.

Rasps can also be classified according to the shape of its steel bar as:-

1. Half round rasps


2. Round rasps


3. Flat rasps

Apart from these their can be many more kinds of rasps based on different combinations of teeth patterns, coarseness, shape and thickness. Rasps are mainly used by pattern makers, cabinet makers. Sculptors, staircase makers etc. Rasps finds their utility mainly in the applications where surface finish need not to be as smooth as made by sandpaper and even not as rough as made by a saw.

The teeth of a rasp may get blocked if used for a long time which can result into a substantial decrease in its performance. A variety of help tools are available in the market which can easily remove the waste blocked into its teeth. Surform file is another tool that can be used in place of rasps. It is similar to a rasp in its shape and operation with one exception, that is, it has small holes under its teeth which does not allow the waste to get blocked into the teeth.