Rasp 1428515 215548606 2008-05-28T18:13:19Z 98.25.221.49 fixed a typo {{for|the RASP computing model|Random access stored program machine}} [[Image:Wood rasp.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Wood rasp]] A '''rasp''' is a [[woodworking]] tool used for shaping wood. It consists of a point or the tip, then a long steel bar or the belly, then the heel or bottom, then the tang. The tang is joined to a handle, usually made of plastic or wood. The bar has had sharp teeth cut into it. Rasps generally cut more coarsely than [[File (tool)|files]]. They are useful for rapidly removing wood from curved surfaces. They remove less wood than a [[drawknife]], so they are easier to control. Even though rasps leave very coarse finishes, the cut-away areas can be easily smoothed with finer tools, such as files. There are several types and shapes of rasps. There is a half round, round and flat. The several types of rasps are bastard, cabinet and wood (finest to coarsest). All these varieties can be used to make different shapes. A similar tool to a rasp is a '''Cheese Grater file'''; it has individual teeth like a rasp for cutting wood with the exception that the teeth have a small hole near each of the them to allow shavings to pass through (like a cheese [[grater]]). The advantages include a faster cutting like action, and prevented clogging with material being removed. They come in different styles and shapes including file-plane, round file and shaping/shaving tools. Today with the aid of better manufacturing techniques the cheese grater style rasp/file is again popular. Rasps are not limited to woodwork, however. They can also be used in shaping alabaster stone. In fact, a rasp is the only tool that is prominently used to shape alabaster. Saws and chisels are also used, but only to rough out the shape of the alabaster sculpture. [[Category:Mechanical hand tools]] [[Category:Woodworking hand tools]] [[cs:Rašple]] [[de:Raspel]] [[es:Escofina]] [[it:Raspa]] [[pl:Tarnik]] [[scn:Raspa]] [[sv:Rasp]] [[uk:Рашпіль]]