Any one know where you can get these. No stores I have been in even know what they are.

Thanks
Bill

Might try Woodcraft. I think they have one called Shinto that may be the one you are talking about.

I use the Nicholson Cabinet makers rasp #50. It higher but well worth it. I've never used the Shinto so I cant compare it.

Japan Woodworker carries the Shinto rasp and so does Woodcraft. Many of the self-bowyers I know use this tool, as do I.

Guy

Found them, thanks

The Shinto rasp is good but IMO you cant beat the Nicholson 49 and 50. Buy a wire file cleaner while you are at it.

If you can, try one out first before you switch.  i really like some of the japanese ideas on wood and metal working tools, but they are sometimes different enough that you buy a "rasp" and you get a "heavy rasp" or a "light rasp", close, but not quite what you had in mind.

CHuckC

11" Shinto rasp, two sided, coarse and fine: $34.50

Nicholson #49: $50.99 + handle
Nicholson #50: $67.99 + handle

For that price difference I'll stick with the Shinto.

Guy

Nicholson rasp are no longer made in America.
I have read that quality control does not exist.

I lost my 49 and have yet to replace.

Yep, the Nicholson line is made in Brazil I think. they don't come close to the old American files. Breaks my bow makin' heart.
It looks like I will be after a German or Japan file when the time comes.
It wont be a Shinto rasp either. Not my cup-o-tea.
they do remove some wood tho.

Here's the one I use when building bows.  I don't use the handle which gives me better control.  Love it and couldn't imagine working on a bow without it.

http://www.leevalley.com/US/Wood/page.aspx?p=65692&cat=1,42524

jsweka, that's how a friend of mine uses the same one. He makes bows for a living and that's the tool he's chosen.
Personally, I like the 11" with a handle.

Guy

Love my Shinto ....just takes a little while to learn to control it.

QuoteOriginally posted by jsweka:
Here's the one I use when building bows.  I don't use the handle which gives me better control.  Love it and couldn't imagine working on a bow without it.

 http://www.leevalley.com/US/Wood/page.aspx?p=65692&cat=1,42524  

I like the Shinto rasp, too, and it's holding up well after about a dozen wooden bows.  Woodcraft has them on sale every so often.  Mine was less than $25, but it doesn't have that handle bracket.

I don't like the Shinto rasp at all. I buy farrier rasps at tractor supply for $20.00. Work great.

I just got 6 of the straight handle 11" Shinto saw rasps in for the self bow classes I teach. I have found from past classes that this tool is popular with the students. Now the students wont have to fight over one.

My only wish is that they offered a half round surface with the saw style rasp.

I hope to launch a bow-making tools page on my website soon. These will definitely be on there.

I also buy farrier rasps at tractor supply for $20.00.

I buy the farrier's rasp at a local ranch/farm supply.  We don't have a tractor supply.

Shinto is my go to rasp. Love them and go through at least one per year, that's a lot of bow work for me. I use my 1/2 round Nicholson's for fades and handles only, they just don't remove wood like a Shinto does.

I like a farrier's rasp for getting the bow to floor tiller.  After that I go to a finer cut Nicholson and my Shinto.  Nice to just flip the Shinto over and go from coarse to fine cut.