I was wondering if I could use a block plane In place of a shurform rasp or will a regular wood rasp do? Thanks
A 4in1 rasp or a nicholson 49 or 50 will do.
What will you be using it for?
Tillering and shaping the limbs
Shape them with a course wood rasp, smooth it out with a sureform, them do your tillering with a scraper.
The best tool to use for self bows; the bowyers edge. Or a spoke shave/toothing plane.
After floor tiller all I use is a rasp and scraper. The closer I get to tiller the less I use the rasp.
I could never get a sureform to work for me. I have 2 rasps, a cabinet makers rasp that is very course and takes a big bite and a Torges UBR10 rasp. It has a medium cut on one side that takes a decent bite and the other side is very fine and cleans up the surface pretty nicely. After that it's all scrapers and sandpaper.
I like my UBR10 too, don't even bother with the nicholson anymore. It's a little pricey for some, but a great tool investment.