Horse Rasp on Aluminium

Hi Guys,

On the web I have found sites stating a horse rasp can be used for aluminium for really rough smoothing out. Is this the case and does anyone do so and if so do they recommend chalk, WD40, paraffin or anything else to stop the teeth clogging.

Chris

Perhaps you could do a comparative test, Chris

... and share your findings for our benefit

MichaelG.

Why a horse rasp? - A woodworking rasp is a quarter of the price,

I have been using the same ones for five years on aluminium and they have never clogged.

Toodlepip

I think what you need is a millenicut file . It will remove metal fast but will also produce very fine finish on the edges of sheet metal esp aluminium. I can remember my father using one on aircraft skins.

Thanks Lee (and everyone) yes it looks like a millenicut file is the tool required. One ordered thanks guys. Note they are advertised as not clogging so that answers that question as well.

Much used in the aircraft industry. Be sure to wear some stout gloves if not used to these things. Fresh out of college and in my first job, I came home in the evening with a series of semi-circular cuts on the palm of my left hand.

Brian

noted Brian thanks

Chris, You said you found some information on a website so whilst I am probably a bit late mentioning this to you but shock-horror, not everything you read on the internet true!

Sorry if its come as a surprise to you.

Ian P

Edited By Ian P on 17/07/2020 21:14:11

Yep Millenicut files are the ones you want. I have a selection from my apprenticeship in the 60s. With careful use and storage they are still good. They will clog but the al.alloy needs to be the soft sticky kind, rather than the harder tempers, and yes beware of the left hand pain, we used to wrap the last couple of inches with masking tape, but probably a stout glove is better.

best of luck!!

cheers

Bill

Dreadnought or Millenicut, have never used a horse rasp but I think the tooth form would not work well ? Dreadnought are capable of removing material very efficiently, Millenicut give a finer finish.

Regards John