7.6. Rasps and Files

Rasps and files are hand tools for flattening and smoothing. Rasps have coarser cutting edges, files have finer ones.

Parts of rasps and files

Figure 11 Parts of rasps and files

Kinds and dimensions of rasps

Tool	Length in mm	Cross-section in mm	Application
flat rasp 1 width, 2 thickness	200...350	20 × 5...36 × 8	Rasps serve for coarse smoothing of round portions and recesses.
half-round 1 width, 2 thickness	200...300	18 × 6...30 × 10
round rasp 1 width	200...250	diameter 8 and 10 mm

Kinds of dimensions of files

Tool	Length in mm	Cross-section in mm	Application
rectangular file 1 width, 2 thickness	200 and 250	20 × 3.5; 25 × 4	for fine smoothing of round portions and recesses, reworking of rasped surface
flat/round file 1 width, 2 thickness	like rectangular file
triangular file 1 width	100...200	side length 6...17	especially as saw sharpening file, edge angle 60°, edges slightly rounded for machining the tooth gullet

Special kinds, e.g. as special saw and mill files

Recommendations for maintenance and use

Use only tools the tangs of which are straightly and firmly seated in the haft (stab injuries). Work in grain direction, if possible. Choose tooth spacing*) according to the wood quality (use files with coarse cut for soft or damp wood). Clean the tools from impurities by dipping them into hot water, brush them with a hand brush. Clean metal files with file brushes made of fine copper wires.

*) Cuts: Cutting edges lying closely one after the other and recessed or cut into the metal base body by machine.