For any type of woodworker, such as cabinet or furniture makers, rasps are a must-have tool. This type of file, designed specifically to shape and form wood products, is as essential as saws and lathes when it comes to woodworking. Teeth size and pattern, thickness, length and coarseness are all important aspects to consider when you're shopping for rasps.

Whether you need a rotary rasp, a needle rasp, a riffler rasp or a cabinet rasp, for instance, depends on the type of woodworking you're doing. You might even need rasps designed for more specific uses, such as a staircase maker's file rasp or a half-round bent rasp. As you gather your rasps information before making a purchase, consider the following:

1. Select a variety of rasps, from those that do rough cuts to those that are needed for more detailed work.

2. Choose quality rasps from the top manufacturers that stay sharp and last a long time.

3. Save money by buying rasps in sets rather than individually.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Tackle any woodworking job with a full set of rasps

As you'll quickly learn if you don't know already, one or two types of rasps will not be enough for any woodworking shop. You'll need one type of rasp to make rough cuts, another to do corners and tighter spots and still another to do detail work. Have a variety of rasps in your shop and you'll never have to turn down any woodworking project.

I recommend: Highland Woodworking features a sizable, diverse inventory of rasps, including half-round, flat, tapered, extra-slim and double extra-slim styles to make any kind of pattern you desire. Mikes Wood and Metal Tools sells many round, cabinet and riffler rasps at discounted prices.

Find a rasps provider that offers you tools from top-name manufacturers

As with other tools, you may wish to stick with proven manufacturers when it comes to rasps. Nicholson, for example, is one of the top makers of rasps in the United States. If you're looking for quality and endurance, choose rasps made by the best.

I recommend: Find rasps manufactured by Nicholson at The Complete Sculptor. Their rasps list includes round and cabinet rasps in the most common sizes--six-, eight, 10- and 12-inch. Robert Larson Company, a recognizable name in the rasp manufacturing business, has riffler rasp sets available at prices that will easily fit any budget.

Buy rasps in sets to get all the tools you need at affordable prices

You can purchase rasps individually, which may be necessary if you're in the market for a special rasp such as that used by staircase makers. But, in most cases, it's probably more practical and cost-efficient to buy rasps in sets, especially if you want to stock your woodshop with a good variety of rasps.

I recommend: Hartville Tool offers three-piece to eight-piece rasp sets as well as handles and cleaning accessories, some for under $10. Woodworker's Supply sells eight-piece riffler rasp sets for both fine and rough wood work, enough rasps to fill many of your needs for less than $25.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Use a file card and brush with stiff nylon bristles to unclog any wood chips and keep your rasps clean.