Hot rasping - Quick Tip - basic blacksmithing

When it comes to minor stock removal on hot material you should consider hot rasping. As the name implies, it is simply the act of using a rasp on hot iron. The tools are old worn out farriers rasps and course files. There is no electricity required.

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Blacksmithing and related activities can be hazardous. These videos are not a substitute for competent professional instruction. Your safety is your sole responsibility. Always use appropriate safety equipment including eye and ear protection when working in the shop. Follow manufactures safety guidelines for the use of all equipment. In the event something shown in one of these videos seems unsafe, it is up to you to make the appropriate changes to protect yourself.

[AnonYmous-iitc]

I’d love to see more of these “quick tips, ” John. This is great. I’ll search to see if you have more already, given this is 3 years old. Thanks.

[MatthewBuntyn]

You looked pretty motivated, in this video

[michaelhayes]

I had wondered as I was watching your other videos whether I could hot file since at the time I did not own a rasp, and you answered my question before I ever committed to ask it. I love watching your movies, and have learned so very much in the last couple years. You have inspired some of my work, and helped me get started as a hobbyist. Thank you!

[jojomama]

Plenty of folks, especially the younger ones, would do themselves a favor by paying attention to this one...thanks!

[pascualvasquezjr.]

These short videos on techniques are very useful as they can be applied to a wide range of work.👍

[scottwallingwindyacresiron]

I tried hot rasping not to long ago. You are right you can remove a lot of metal fast. Its becoming my go to thing. Still like the angle grinder though. Thank you for another good video

[RustyPearson]

Another item to be looking out for at car boot sales and markets. Nice one!

[RayFromTheHayclan]

Nice video. Good practical Knowledge. I used it today while making a half inch drift. Keep them coming.

[ronthacker]

yet another great teaching video. one of my reasons for subscribing.

[shadowcastre]

Great tip as usual!

Thanks for the video...

[scottreynolds]

I like your style! Love to hot rasp. But my old farrier rasps don't seem to cut too
I asked my farrier supplier about using these for steel and his reply was that they don't work.
A course half round I have seems ok.
I get the old farrier rasps by the bucket.

[michaelmerrigan]

John, re: the chisel split element and the flat farrier rasp not fitting. Have you ever thought of, or tried, heating the rasp and shaping it on a block of wood to fit the contour of the curve of things like the split element; that is fuller the rasp along it's file side length so the rasp side resembles a half round? The file side would no longer be of much use for filing flat pieces, but one could have more than one old rasp in the shop.

[insperatus]

Aww shoot. I ordered myself a new farrier's rasp just last week, been looking forward to its arrival. Maybe I'll have to dull it up a bit before I can use it, seems a waste.

[drason]

I ran into a lady on Facebook, who had several BUCKETS full of farriers rasps. I think she was selling them on a blacksmith group page. Maybe 2-3.00 each. I do not have a link, so try searching the blacksmithing groups

[thedude]

When I watched this video it gave me the idea of hot sawing when I make forks I start the split with a chisel and then put it in the vise hot and cut though it with a hacksaw. What are your thoughts on this?

[bobloblaw]

I have an unrelated question to Hot rasping but about flux. I see people mentioning Borax which I think is a brand name. Is this the laundry additive powder that can be purchased at Walmart or something different? Another informative video, thank you.

[yubnub]

I understand hot-rasping is much faster, but how much faster would you say it is? Estimate

[manga]

a 1/4 inch in a few seconds that pretty fast, but one funny thing john they way you hold the file at that end flat like that it looked like a paddle heh, no ones in that much trouble that they get the tool shed instead of the woodshed have they? hehhehe

[antheaxe]

sorry to be stick in the mud but you fortgot eye Protection knows that it's commensens, but this is also internet ther be idiots out ther . So ear, air and eye Protection when you use angalgrinder and big and small grinding machinens