You have a favorite pattern makers rasp?

[Rick Gifford]

I've decided I am done using my old cheapo rasp's for patterns and general wood shaping. Spend more time sanding the bad cuts left behind. I really need to upgrade some of my handtools, and I'm looking for good rasp's now.

Looking around I see Nicholson's patternmaker rasps 49 and 50 would be a good choice.

Anyone have a different direction I should look?

Actually I wouldn't mind finding a quality set of woodworking files and rasps if there are suggestions for that as well.

Thanks~

[JayStPeter]

It seems like since Auriou has temporarily been unavailable, the Gramercy (http://www.toolsforworkingwood.com/Merchant/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=toolshop&Product_Code=GT-CMRASP.XX&Category_Code=CQC) is the next up from the Nicholsons.

[Jay Knepper]

I've heard that someone has bought Auriou and the original owner has a major role in the new organization. I've never used one, however.

Personally, I love my Nicholson cabinetmaker's rasp.

[Mike Henderson]

The Nicholsons are excellent first rasps. I find that I often need a more coarse rasp to hog off wood so I bought a coarse Nicholson - don't remember the number - but just a cheap, coarse rasp

Mike

[John Fry]

I have both of the Nicholson patternmaker's rasps, a #49 and #50. BUT, I also have been using the Dragon rasps in fine and coarse. These are great, hand struck rasps and now I find myself reaching for them over the Nicholsons.

http://www.stewmac.com/catalog/images_1lg/4151_1lg.jpg

I buy them from Stewart MacDonald (http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tools/Files/1/Dragon_Hand-cut_Rasps/Pictures.html#details) and they come in both 6" and 10" rasps in coarse and medium.

[Gary Keedwell]

John...Thanks for the heads-up. I put my order in for the catalog...1st I ever heard of Stewart MacDonald.:)

Gary

[Mark Singer]

The 49 and 50 are really good . I have used them on many pieces including chairs and curved legs, etc, I have Auriou as well. I would start with the Nicholsons.