What is the Difference Between Files, Floats, Rasps and More

The world of files, rasps, floats, rifflers and others can be very confusing. today I want to look at files, rasps, floats, rifflers and more to see what are the uses and what are the differences. Also, where can you buy files, rasps, floats, rifflers and others?

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[ianhunt]

It's crazy watching some of these videos as a machinist trying to get into hand tool woodworking. I can't help but look at some of these super expensive specialty tools and think to myself- "well heck, I could just make one of those on my lunch break."

[karm]

I learned about rifflers when I tried my hand at flute making. learned a lot doing that mostly that I am nerve/tone death.

[BillCoale]

Thank you so much for "blurring through this" in the way that you did...what an excellent overview! Your depth and breadth of knowledge is obvious, which makes it even more impressive that you're able to summarize it so succinctly.

[daz]

As a jeweler, I can tell you I have never used a riffler for woodwork or ornamental steel. However, for jewelery work, the little needle rifflers are fantastic! When you need one, nothing else will do. A triangular scraper tool is also the best tool for cleaning up solder overruns correctly without gouging the metal surface irregularly. Most people these days probably use burs in a flex shaft or rotary tool (and you can tell when they do!), but some of us appreciate the Zen of using genuine hand tools. Great video!

[AFN]

I’ll second the “go get a four in hand”. I got a whole lot done with one of those. None of it pretty, but it all worked, and that thing never gave out on me or anyone I knew who used it for over 15 years

[HandlebarWorkshops]

Every time I use a file I end up thinking, "Is it dull, or do I just not know what a sharp file feels like". I've never bought a file new, so I have no real reference.

[mattv]

I've been fascinated by files lately. One of my favorite tools is a satin chrome plated file. I don't even know what the advantage is, but it's a joy to look at and to use.

Lee Valley carries some hand stitched rasps for $30-40. They probably don't have the fine craftsmanship of a $80+ rasp, but it's worth a try.

[MichaelOlsen-Engineer]

James,

You have done a wonderful "Intro" video covering the major categories of hand mills (files, rasps, floats, and riflers) for woodworking. Yours is one of the most comprehensive, "correct", and concise covering of the topic I have seen in over 40 years of joinery. It is always a pleasure to watch your videos, and to occasionally re-watch you older one to see how much you have grown as a craftsman.

A good followup might be a slightly more detailed look into each category separately. For example, regarding files, you could speak the conventions of: naming (mill vs bastard vs burnisher), sizing (number vs length), cross section (flat, round, square, taper, etc.) and the respective general uses, and finally care & maintenance. As I rarely use the other categories myself, I am not in a position to make suggestions about their follow-ups.

One suggestion I might make is to try and slow your speaking down just a touch. Sometimes when you get going, I feel like I'm being dragged a ski boat that suddenly turned on a turbo charger. Quickness is needed, but so is clarity. In the Army we had a saying about working with speed: "Slow is smooth, smooth is accurate, accurate if fast." That is, if you slow down slightly so that your presentation, especially your speech, is smoother, you will find you can maintain your excitement while both significantly improving your clarity, and decisively reducing the feeling of being rushed. I have also noticed that when I was forced to go through the same process, I was for more relaxed personally, and that showed to my audience as both stronger confidence and humble empathy.

All that said, You are a remarkable, vibrant, enthusiastic, and humble member of the craft. I am deeply honored to know you and to call you friend.

[justinalang]

That was a great break down of the subject. Thank you.

[misters]

Thank You for showing your rifflers, I have seen them at estate sales, and figured they were for very intricate work, but had no idea what they were called...

[RichardMerrillHawk]

You can use rifflers for wood sculpture, but they also used them for marble in the old country. Love the floats and the curved-tooth file, and as always the jokes.

[andrewking]

I found some good deals on files and rasps at pawn shops as well. The upside is you can pick through them and buy just the ones you want, the down side is you have to pick through them all to find the good.

[russvolk]

I’m truly sorry I didn’t catch this video a year ago as it would’ve saved me wasted money. Great video and love your channel!

Btw, plz don’t throw away files😢🙏🏻 Knife makers could repurpose a great many files and other hobbyists could use them too. Bushcrafters for instance use them for fire starting kits

[thinkFishcatchFish]

I don’t own a single file, but understood everything you said. Great video 👍

[jlmfoy]

I've seen Stavros Gakos using that longer float I thought he'd made it himself. That was really interesting James, thanks. Regards Jim UK.

[puddinggeek]

Excellent video. Really useful information. Keep up the good work.

[mikeking]

Floats and curved tooth files are also used for auto body work and are great on "Bondo" and "lead" (which is actually wiping solder).

[professor]

Wow, James, this video could not have been more timely for me! Big time thank you!
Fyi, I recently picked up a load of good quality files and rasps (Nicholson, etc) for just a buck or two a piece at a local swapmeet. Thanks to your video, now I know exactly what I scored! Thanks again.

[T.v.d.V]

Auriou makes hand stitched rasp. They warn against using steel brush for cleaning.
They advise normal brush because it is more friendly for teeth.

[justplanebob]

This was very useful, James. Grandpa's toolbox had lots of files and rasp's. I found out from my oldest sister that he sharpened lawn mower blades and saws which explains the saw files in duplicate and triplicate.