WoodNet Forums: Liogier rasp, pass-around test

Isaac : "Do you know how the coarseness of your handlemaker's rasp compares to the one sold by Tools for Working Wood? They have about 20 teeth per inch. From what I have read, the coarsest handlemaker's rasp you offer is a #9. Is that quite a bit coarser? If not,would you be able to make one that is even coarser? I love the shape of these rasps, but find myself wishing for one that would really take material off more rapidly."

I never hold a rasp for TFWW so I can not answer your question about the comparison of coarsness. Also because the coarseness depends on the density of teeth (or their sizes which is more or less the same criteria) as you said, but also it depends very much on the quality of the stitching : sharpness of the teeth ; their shapes, their orientation and their arrangement. In fact a key issue in rasp producing is about getting the better possible coarseness (we say "aggressivity" in French) with the smallest teeth possible (or highest density possible), in order to maximise BOTH the efficiency of the tool in removing material (in function of the pressure of the left hand, for right handed persons) AND the smoothness of the obtained surface.
Maybe DereK Cohen from Perth could answer your comparison question.
But I would say grain #9 is already quite a rather coarse grain. But if you want I can do one for you down to (or up to ?) grain #6.

Nib : "What would be a good complement as a third, finer rasp for people who already own Nicholson 49 and 50 rasps?"

I would pick a Cabinet Maker, 8" or 10", grain #12

Henrypig : "pour les vendre, vous devez parler avec Mr. Rob Lee, non? "

Je lui ai déjà proposé, il a dit qu'il allait y réfléchir. Ce serait très gentil de votre part de lui envoyer un message pour l'encourager dans sa décision...

Mongo : "Can they be sharpened in some fashion like the traditional rasps? And if not do you get about the same life overall or longer because you dont have to sharpen?"

I am always very cautious about resharpening methods so I am not sure which one do you refer to. But anyway the answer is that Sapphire rasps can not be resharpened, but so far I haven't met someone who has felt the need to resharpen one.

FordPerfect : "If the path these rasps take ends up in Canada, I would love to take a look at the right handed rasp"
Rich's Woodcraft : "Noel had originally asked me about this exercise and I suggested he go the US route. If there are a few north of the border types interested I would start this up with him for us. Those in Canada send me a PM if you are interested and if there is enough I will set I up with Noel. "

I will fully support Richard in his suggestion if need will be.

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