New tool discovery

[Scoops]

As I was working on profiling 2 necks this week, I thought there had to be a better way. I do indeed use my spoke shave and Shinto to do bulk work, and I really like the little Ibex for fine tuning, but I have nothing for that in between.

So I did some research, and watched some video's and found the Iwasaki Files. Intrigued by what I saw in the video's, I proceeded to purchase some. I purchased 4. A small flat, a large flat, a small curved, and a large curved.

Overall I'm thrilled. Once you figure out how much pressure to apply, every thing with profiling gets much easier and quicker

When I first got them, I used the flats. The flats require a little more time to get used to because the contact area with the wood is larger. I found that this requires a little more finesse with the pressure applied. The other thing I found was that the large flat tended to clog, much like a rasp.

I really like the curved ones, and will become a part of my neck profiling tool set.

If you have a new tool discovery, please share it here.

Thanks

 

[Bruce Johnson]

I've never tried the Iwasaki files, but they sure look good. I do most of my shaping with files, of all different sizes and shapes. Files are my most used hand tools. I've found that a big old Nicholson 12" Bastard half-round file will rip off wood as fast as a rasp, and leave a much smoother surface. Like you said, I use the half-round side more than the flat side.

 

[farace]

Off-topic (apologies), but do they come with any sort of literature indicating they'd be suitable for stone sculpture? I use some woodworking tools for marble and alabaster, including Nicholson files, and if these will stand up to stone I'd be interested. At least the Nicholsons are cheap enough to replace from time to time.

 

[Scoops]

These work well on ebony too

 

[Scoops]

Off-topic (apologies), but do they come with any sort of literature indicating they'd be suitable for stone sculpture? I use some woodworking tools for marble and alabaster, including Nicholson files, and if these will stand up to stone I'd be interested. At least the Nicholson are cheap enough to replace from time to time.

.

This I don't know. I don't have any marble or alabaster laying around.

I just tried on a piece of granite. Essentially no effect from either the Iwasaki or the Nicholson

 

[farace]

.

This I don't know. I don't have any marble or alabaster laying around.

I just tried on a piece of granite. Essentially no effect from either the Iwasaki or the Nicholson

Granite is something I don't touch; it usually requires pneumatic power tools. I like the more tactile nature of using chisels and rasps and other hand tools. I'll have to do some research. Thanks!

 

[Scoops]

@Bruce Johnson

In viewing some of the video's online, it is said that you can get a glass like finish using an Iwasaki.

This probably goes to technique, which I haven't developed yet

 

[HaMMerHeD]

I have some of those, and they are really nice for making adjustments to tight curves.

My primary neck and body shaping tool is this big fella:

Some people say silly things like "You can't beat a Shinto for stock removal". Definitely not the case. Get yourself a 17" Farrier's rasp. One side is crazy coarse, with like 1/4" teeth, and the other side is really good for smoothing out the rough spots.

Of course, it is not a fine adjustment tool. For that I have some Iwasaki and Dragon rasps, and cabinet scrapers.

 

[chinjazz]

Hey @Scoops,

Are these also sold my StewMac? They look like the Razor sharp ones.

I definitely need to look into these regardless.

What do those videos mean when they can get glass like finish? Mind posting the link to the one that say that?

Thanks!

 

[Scoops]

Hey @Scoops,

Are these also sold my StewMac? They look like the Razor sharp ones.

I definitely need to look into these regardless.

What do those videos mean when they can get glass like finish? Mind posting the link to the one that say that?

Thanks!

I got mine at Woodcraft. They are about $30 bux a file there. Yes, it appears as if the small ones are the same as what SM offers. The ones at Woodcraft don't have handles, or at least not that I was looking for. I don't feel like paying 30Bux for a SM handle on the file.

 

[Scoops]

Hey @Scoops,

What do those videos mean when they can get glass like finish? Mind posting the link to the one that say that?

Thanks!

Ok found the vid. It's the guy from Crimson guitars. I re watched the vid. He claims it can be done, but he really doesn't get it there..

 

[chinjazz]

Ok found the vid. It's the guy from Crimson guitars. I re watched the vid. He claims it can be done, but he really doesn't get it there..

Thanks Scoops. I just watched the video. Seems to be a great file/rasp. Sometimes his speaking style puts me to sleep. All in all though I have to consider getting 2-3 in the future.

 

[J.D. Detroit]

Never used Iwasaki files either. I've been shopping around for a few weeks rebuilding my files assortment so this works out great.
Going to grab this 3pc set for starters from Woodcraft. $66/set Vs $98 if buying each individually.

Thanks for the heads up.

 

[Dirk Diggler]

I use spoke shaves and a big tough farrier's rasp for rough shaping, then it's all ROS.
To me that's the best way for fine finishing quickly, well at least for me.

Those do look like very nice useful tools, thanks for the heads up on those.
Dirk

 

[chinjazz]

Hey @Scoops,

I was thinking about this a bit, and I’m wondering if you got your files of the same grit or level? Or all 3?

I see on amazon a set of three half round files (Half-Round Medium, Half-Round Fine and Half-Round Extremely Fine Cut.).

It seems to make sense anyway.

Thanks!

 

[Scoops]

@chinjazz

I have medium all around. They are aggressive.
I will need to go back and get some fine and extra fine