TESTED: Kutzall rasps

Review: Damion Fauser

Known for their burrs and shaping tools for grinders and power carving tools, Kutzall are no strangers to shaping wood, and have recently released a range of handheld rasps for use on wood, rubber, rigid foam and more.

Available in 150mm (6K) in either half-round or warding profiles and 200mm (8K) flat, in either coarse or fine cutting action for each size and profile, there is a reasonable range of cutting options available. I was sent the coarse and fine 8K flat tools for review.

With tungsten carbide teeth, I found these tools cut fast with no degradation in cut quality after some time cutting. Further, with the random spacing of the teeth, the cut surface is much cleaner and required far less subsequent work than when using cheaper mass-production rasps, with factory-cut consistent tooth patterns.

I tried these tools on some hoop pine and Tasmanian blackwood with great results. Those who are familiar with rasps will know to keep the teeth clean with a brass bristle brush – I did find these tools bogged up a little faster than I was expecting, but cleaning was easy and fast.

In terms of comparison to the traditional cut gauging system, I would suggest the coarse pattern to be around a No.3 or No.4 and the fine to be around a No.8 or No.10.

The tools have an integral moulded and powder-coated handle, but with little in the way of ergonomic attributes I would suggest that for longer sessions the user may need to wear gloves and/or supplement the handle with some additional padding such as tennis racquet grip for some comfort.

At 19mm wide and 4.5mm thick, the tools are rigid and have substantial heft in use. One particular feature that impressed me is the ability to cut in any direction, unlike a traditionally- made rasp which will dull quickly if used in the reverse direction. I found I was able to cut significantly faster and with more confidence being able to keep the tool engaged on the wood and working back and forth.

These rasps are perfectly positioned, in terms of both quality and affordability, between a generic manufactured rasp and the more boutique hand-stitched tools from makers such as Auriou.

Review tools supplied by Carbatec, www.carbatec.com.au

Damion Fauser is a Brisbane based furniture designer maker who also teaches woodwork classes. See damionfauser.com