Popular Woodworking 2004-11 № 144, страница 74

Once available in dozens of patterns, the rasp has all but disappeared. But the stage is now set for a comeback.

One of the most useful wood-shaping tools - the rasp - is on my personal list of endangered tools.

Flip though any early 20th century hardware catalog and you'll be astonished at the variety of rasps that were once available to the woodworker, shoemaker, farrier and even the baker (for removing burnt crust from the bottom of a loaf).

For example, a 1922 hardware catalog from the Hibbard, Spencer & Bartlett Co. in Chicago lists dozens of rasps in lengths from 6" to 16", in three different tooth patterns and a variety of shapes.

But until recently, modern woodworkers had few choices when buying rasps. Nicholson makes a couple quality tools, the #49 and #50. There are imported rasps from Europe and China. And then there's the Microplane - a tool invented in 1990 that's really in a class by itself.

But 2004 is turning out to be a good year for rasps. Auriou, a French company that has been making rasp s by hand since 1856, has begun importing its huge line of tools to the United

by Christopher Schwarz

Comments or questions? Contact Christopher at 513-531-2690 ext. 1407 or chris.schwarz@fwpubs.com.

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