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Hand-stitched rasps producer

3K views 16 replies 11 participants last post by  Liogier 
#1 ·
Hello everyone,

I am a producer of hand-stitched rasps in France. It is a family know-how for 4 generations and I am perpetuating it for 25 years now.
I joined your community to have the opportunity to teach and learn about hand-tools.


Noel Liogier
 
#3 ·
Hi Noel

Welcome to the Router Forums!

Rasps are certainly a type of hand tool that interest me. I don't know that much about them beyond the basic's of selecting one that has a shape appropriate to what I want the work piece to end up like.

What does 'hand stitched' mean in the context of hand tools.

On a curious side note, I recently did some research on hand planes. The Stanley tool company has been producing 'rasps' they label as Sure Form products. One of our government agencies that is task with consumer protection published a ruling saying that this product should be called a rasp rather than a plane because of the way it shaves the wood.

Fully understanding that I was purchasing a rasp and not a 'slicing blade' style plane, I bought one of the small 6" units (photos attached of the handle and blade) from curiosity.

It does an excellent job of quickly planing down rough cut lumber. Of course I should point out I have been using it on cedar, which is on the softer end of the softwood spectrum.

Are there any specific websites you would recommend that have in depth info on working with rasps and files?
 

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#11 ·
What does 'hand stitched' mean in the context of hand tools ?

Are there any specific websites you would recommend that have in depth info on working with rasps and files?
Hand stitched (or hand cut) means that the teeth (and actually the whole tool) is hand made. 99,9% of the rasps in the world are mass-made by machines in Asia, but the results, for various reasons, has very little in common with my rasps.

Rasps (for wood and soft material) and files (for metal and hard materials) are two different worlds. I am much more in rasps than files. I don't know a website that explains in a clear way everything about rasps. You will find already quite some information no mine website (sorry as a newbe I'm not allowed to post the address), but I need to improve it with videos showing how to use them.
In any case, if I can answer to your question, I'll do my best.
 
#5 ·
#6 · (Edited)
Hi

I have one or two of them but I always called them a cheez type rasp, the ones I have are the drum type that fit in the drill press or hand drill..
And not worth a hill of beans :(

==
 
#7 ·
Agreed, Bob.
Don't even think about their "sanding disk" that's supposed to work with an ROS. Worthless.
The flat ones are pretty good, though.
 
#8 ·
Welcome to the community Noel! Great to have another hand tool guy join. Especially one with your skills. I just viewed your website and have to say I'm impressed. Exceptional quality and craftsmanship. The Titan series is most impressive. I've only ever 'test driven' a quality rasp, but can say there is a world of difference between ordinary run of the mill rasps and high end ones such as yours..just a joy to work with...

One of these days I'll find the money to invest and will certainly take another looks at your line.....:)
 
#9 ·
G’day Noel

Welcome to the router forum.

Thank you for joining us
 
#10 ·
Thanks for the link to the video Gav. Impressive craftsmanship. I googled the company name after watching the video (looking for prices) and saw some blogs about their product. All were agreed that they are the best in the world.
 
#12 ·
Hello again Noel,

After watching the video Gavin recommended it was easy to understand how the word stitch applies to rasps. Ultimately I ended up looking the word stitch up in a dictionary.

I would like to learn more about the details of selecting the best rasp with regards to the relative 'hardness' of the material being worked on. Are there different types of 'teeth' for softer vs. harder materials? Speed of cut is another reason tooth shape might be different I suppose.

In addition to being able to select the proper tool for the job, specific tips on how it should be moved across the material being shaped are of course welcome. Technique decisions such as choosing short or long strokes, adding or avoiding a twist of the wrist are the kinds of tips I am curious about.
 
#13 ·
Teeth on tools for wood have a different shape than teeth of tools for stone. Both can be made in 15 different sizes. But first you have to chose the right shape and lenght of rasp, and also the range (Tradition, Titan, Sapphire).

Maybe the easiest way to do would be for you to tell me what you intend to do so I can suggest the rasp best suited for the job.
 
#14 ·
Noel, it might be easiest for everyone if you posted photos of different types of rasps and their uses. You can send me an email by left clicking on my name and I will be happy to assist you with the posting. Please use Routerforums as the subject matter in case it gets diverted to my spam folder.
 
#17 ·
That is kind of you, but the easiest way would be to have a look at my website as there is all the photos and explanations there.

As a newcomer I am not allowed to post a link but I will dare to "spell" it if you don't mind : www(dot)liogier-france(dot)com

Now the information on the website are just basic. Feel free to ask questions if need be.
 
#16 ·
Hand-stitched rasps are clearly made by craftsmen and cut like a thing of beauty...

The very slight randomness to the location of the stitches makes for a slightly random pattern.. leaving a smoother surface than a machine cut where the teeth are in rows, even if they are coarse and quick cutting.

A good hand-stitched rasp is a controlled wood eating machine.. :)

Noel, I am greatly enjoying your post! Living in Alaska I had not previously heard of your company but own a few from Auriou.
 
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