Rasp
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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]]
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[[pl:Tarnik]]
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[[uk:Рашпіль]]