quote:

Originally posted by slivers:
The traditional rasp for shaping is the Nicholson #49 Patternmakers File, which has pretty much gone to hell since production left the US. I have not tried an imported #49, it may be OK for a hobbyist. The reports aren't stellar. Boggs Tool sells Brazilian made #49s that they have sharpened for about $50 or so,last I heard. There are some others made in Europe, Liogier and Auriou, which are "patternmakers". Other than a 'patternmaker" a couple or three different length double cut half round in various lengths, and a couple ( or 3) of double cut rat tails are handy. You can't have enough different files. A good selection of chisels and gouges is a must have, but not the "cheaply made" kind. Most of those that are acceptable are European imports, too. Don't be shocked at the prices, good tools aren't cheap to buy. You could always make chisels and gouges if you're handy that way.

quote:

Originally posted by Duane Wiebe (CG&R):

quote:

Originally posted by slivers:
The traditional rasp for shaping is the Nicholson #49 Patternmakers File, which has pretty much gone to hell since production left the US. I have not tried an imported #49, it may be OK for a hobbyist. The reports aren't stellar. Boggs Tool sells Brazilian made #49s that they have sharpened for about $50 or so,last I heard. There are some others made in Europe, Liogier and Auriou, which are "patternmakers". Other than a 'patternmaker" a couple or three different length double cut half round in various lengths, and a couple ( or 3) of double cut rat tails are handy. You can't have enough different files. A good selection of chisels and gouges is a must have, but not the "cheaply made" kind. Most of those that are acceptable are European imports, too. Don't be shocked at the prices, good tools aren't cheap to buy. You could always make chisels and gouges if you're handy that way.

Those pre sharpened off shore 49's from Boggs are a darn good product. Cuts as well..maybe even a little better than a new original. I think the sharpening technique is the trick.

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Originally posted by slivers:

quote:

Originally posted by Duane Wiebe (CG&R):

quote:

Originally posted by slivers:
The traditional rasp for shaping is the Nicholson #49 Patternmakers File, which has pretty much gone to hell since production left the US. I have not tried an imported #49, it may be OK for a hobbyist. The reports aren't stellar. Boggs Tool sells Brazilian made #49s that they have sharpened for about $50 or so,last I heard. There are some others made in Europe, Liogier and Auriou, which are "patternmakers". Other than a 'patternmaker" a couple or three different length double cut half round in various lengths, and a couple ( or 3) of double cut rat tails are handy. You can't have enough different files. A good selection of chisels and gouges is a must have, but not the "cheaply made" kind. Most of those that are acceptable are European imports, too. Don't be shocked at the prices, good tools aren't cheap to buy. You could always make chisels and gouges if you're handy that way.

Those pre sharpened off shore 49's from Boggs are a darn good product. Cuts as well..maybe even a little better than a new original. I think the sharpening technique is the trick.

Good to know! As it is, I just keep having my Nicholson USA made #49s sharpened. 28yrs ago I worked in a supply store and one of the suppliers we used was a Nicholson distributer. I bought a box quantity ( a dozen, I think) of #49s and various other files (in box quantity)through the store. When the old wood floored hardware cleared out their inventory before closing the door, I cleaned them out of USA made Nicholsons', too. Ya' can't have too many hand files! I know those re-sharpened USA Made #49s that I've had Boggs work over cut very well!

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I’m going to try my hand at a semi-inlet stock, then see where things go from there.

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Originally posted by gunmaker:
CORRADI Italian GOLD Precision Rasp

removes wood like a meth fueled beaver and leaves a finish like 100 grit sandpaper

I file right and left handed so the fancy hand cut stuff would drive me nuts. The Corradi does plug more frequently than my #49 as the gold has a higher tooth density. The soft brush side of the file card gets it gone in short order. Unless you run it too long and burnish the wood into the teeth. I bought a Corradi copy of the #49 and it is very sharp and eats wood as well, just no comparison to the GOLD rasps. I used the new #49 a few times and now it just sits on the shelf and the gold takes first chair.

They are not cheap, but they are quite sharp and mine are all very flat & straight.

quote:

Originally posted by gunmaker:
CORRADI Italian GOLD Precision Rasp

removes wood like a meth fueled beaver and leaves a finish like 100 grit sandpaper

I file right and left handed so the fancy hand cut stuff would drive me nuts. The Corradi does plug more frequently than my #49 as the gold has a higher tooth density. The soft brush side of the file card gets it gone in short order. Unless you run it too long and burnish the wood into the teeth. I bought a Corradi copy of the #49 and it is very sharp and eats wood as well, just no comparison to the GOLD rasps. I used the new #49 a few times and now it just sits on the shelf and the gold takes first chair.

They are not cheap, but they are quite sharp and mine are all very flat & straight.

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Those pre sharpened off shore 49's from Boggs are a darn good product. Cuts as well..maybe even a little better than a new original. I think the sharpening technique is the trick

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Originally posted by SDH:
I've got a draw full of vintage #49 and #50 Nicholson rasps. I'd gladly sell them for $20 each + shipping.
Let me know if you are serious~~ I'll count them tomorrow.

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Originally posted by Kolo-Pan:
One would think that knowing they have a substandard product they would do something about it.

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Originally posted by slivers:

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Originally posted by Kolo-Pan:
One would think that knowing they have a substandard product they would do something about it.

I'm almost surprised that Nicholson didn't look for production in India or China as making (and selling) tools is all about profit these days. Craftsman wrenches no longer made in USA. Just look that up on Ebay! You'll find that used USA made Craftsman sells for a higher price than 'new' made Craftsman, just as an example. So many times quality has been sacrificed over profit from what were once premium made US manufactured goods, from files to washing machines and refrigerators or about any consumer goods for that matter. As for the Nicholson #49, the maker is counting on the consumer no knowing the difference, just that he paid $50 for it instead of $75.... Gotta' keep that stock price up!