File / Rasp which one

[Hillbilly]

A farrier's rasp hands-down for most work. It has the rough side that will really hog off wood, and the fine side that is less aggressive. It is also big enough to do some serious work. You can get a new one for about $20 or less. I also have a Nicholson #49 that is great for touch-up work on small areas like the handle and fades, but the farrier's rasp is the workhorse for sure.

[aero86]

i bought a wood rasp from a ranch and farm store here for like 3 dollars.  works pretty good too

[Pappy]

I get the farriers rasp from a horse shoeing buddy of mine,if he hit a nail or something with it he throws them in a bucket and I get them for 5 bucks a piece,If I could only have one file that would be it,once you learn how to use it you can take off a bunch of wood and can also angle it right with the finer side and finish up pretty darn smooth. I do like the 49 like Hillbilly said for handles and fads.
   Pappy

[John K]

Yep Farriers rasp, is what i reach for, i got a buddy that is  a Ferrier, i get his old ones for nothing ! 

[Orkraider]

someone asked if sureform was the same thing as a stanley surform; yep, they're one and the same. Here, at Menards, you can also get the cheap "tool shop" brand version of the same tool, costs less, uses the same blades, works fine.

I want to get me a farriers rasp now, I'll be on the lookout.

[CraigMBeckett]

Oakraider,

Thank you for clearing that up, thought their may be a tool out there I knew nothing about.

My preference is for big rasps, have a number of them of differing cut, all are second hand obtained at various garage and disposal sales. I find the surform useful on some woods and useful for some jobs but useless on others.

Craig.

[Traxx]

Farrier Rasp,But im a bit Bias.LOL

[Gordon]

I have both a 49 and 50. If I had to chose just one, it would be the 49 because it is a bit more versatile.

[El Destructo]

Farrier Rasp,But im a bit Bias.LOL

Yeah...but we all don't spend all day cleaning and scraping stinky ole Frogs either........

I too use a ferriers rasp from start to damned near finish on all my  Bows....best tool I have everworked with at removing ans shaping wood...but I must concur with SailorDad also...I have a Stanley Flat Sureform...and if you spend some time to learn how to wield this Weapon...it works quite well at Bow Building too...works quite well on Woods that like to gouge easy...and at reducing knots....JMO

[Far East Archer]

Shinto rasp works well for me.
Can cut hard wood like ebony and ipe easy, almost too aggressive if used on less hard woods like ash so I use the finer side.
I like it because its light weight and I can get new blade replacements.

[Eric Krewson]

I like quality tools. I am a bit of a tool snob but have used almost everything out there. Working only osage a sureform just didn't hold up, clogged easily and was frustrating for me to use. I first bought a #50 pattern makers rasp and was at awe at how well it cut wood. Next I bought a #49 which was a vast improvement over the #50. The #49 gets my vote.

[horseapple]

Eric, save up your money and try one of Deans UBR 10 rasp, you'll be amazed.

JD