Est. 1998 — 27 years of woodworking knowledge
Proper cleaning of Rasps
Ed DeLauter
>Is there a correct established method for cleaning
rasps? I know a file brush is used for files. I have a wire brush that I have been using on my Nicholson 49 but was wondering if there might be a
downside (dulling effect on rasp teeth) to using it. The rasp is pretty dang expensive and I want to avoid any unnecessary wear.
Cheers,
Ed
Re: Proper cleaning of Rasps
William Duffield on the Cohansey
>I use a brass wire brush.
Re: Brass Brush
Ed DeLauter
>Thanks Bill. I didn't know about brass wire brushes. I guess I've lived a sheltered life. Ha.
Cheers,
Ed
Re: Proper cleaning of Rasps
joel
>According to Michel Auriou, the owner of Auriou tools, the last full line maker of French hand made rasps and riffler rasps (since 1856 or so)
NEVER use a metal brush of any kind. Brass or otherwise. USe a short stiff natural bristle brush like a nail brush. Works faster, and there is no chance of dulling the rasp.
This was BTW news to me but I think the nail brush I am using now (2 bucks?) works better than what I was using.
Re: No Metal Bristles
Ed DeLauter
>Joel,
What you relayed from Auriou makes sense. Although
I wouldn't of thought the brass would have a dulling effect. Natural or synthetic bristle is
undoubtedly the safest. Your input is very appreciated. Even simple tasks have more than one
angle it seems.
Cheers,
Ed
Being proactive
Bob Hackett
>I treat all my files and rasps(WWing and metalworking both)with either beeswax or Dryslide before use.These products make it much easier to keep these tools clean and also prevent rust.
When using beeswax I warm the file over the heater or just put it in the sun during the summer months,this helps melt the wax into the tool.Alittle goes a long way here.
This trick works especially well when working aluminum.You can use soapstone or chalk for metalworking too.
Mainely,Bob
Brushes
Bill Houghton, Sebastopol, CA
>My local Ace hardware carries, in the painting department, brushes that are about the size of toothbrushes for Frankenstein's monster, in steel, brass, and some kind of synthetic fiber, nylon or something. Wooden handles, about $1.50 as I recall.
I've been using a steel wire brush on rasps, but I think I'll get one of the fiber brushes next time I'm up there.