Recommend me a riffler.

[Jelly]

I'm after some riffler rasps, but am a bit unsure where to go for them.

I'm looking at Dictum, Tiranti and Axminster and they all seem to have decent enough products, but I'm concerned that I'll lay my money down and receive a rasp which has been inconsistently stitched, leaving small gouges rather than a smoothish surface... That would rather defeat the point of buying rifflers to smooth out imperfections between individual carving tool cuts.

Anyone had any experience? I know the cheaper of the two Dictum brands have had a decent write-up for normal rasps in the past, and will likely get a couple if I buy from there to make the postage worthwhile (and flesh out the set of rasps my grandfather gave me with intermediate sizes and tooth spacings).

 

[undergroundhunter]

I've seen these in the flesh (but don't own one) http://www.antiquetools.co.uk/toolbox.php?category=Toolshop Rifflers, Tony doesn't tend to sell rubbish.

Sorry I cant help more.

Matt

 

[D_W]

I would avoid any of the multi sets that are about 20 quid. I have something similar sold over here, and I've never managed to actually use them for anything. They are far too coarse and either catch or just leave big scratches. (I got them in my first year of woodworking and didn't know better -in fact, I'm not sure I tried them for more than about 30 seconds).

The tiranti rifflers were only sold temporarily here, but they have much shorter and more useful looking teeth. If the teeth project far off of a riffler, pass by it.

 

[PAC1]

I can only recommend the hand stitched ones. I have Auriou and find they do an excellent job at a price!

 

[Jelly]

I would avoid any of the multi sets that are about 20 quid. I have something similar sold over here, and I've never managed to actually use them for anything. They are far too coarse and either catch or just leave big scratches. (I got them in my first year of woodworking and didn't know better -in fact, I'm not sure I tried them for more than about 30 seconds).

The tiranti rifflers were only sold temporarily here, but they have much shorter and more useful looking teeth. If the teeth project far off of a riffler, pass by it.

I think you've confirmed my fears!

The multi sets seem to be very much the thing... What alarmed me with all the ones I've seen is that the teeth are widely spaced and tall.

The individuals are much more expensive, but if I can work out which ones I'll need when I do the practice pieces for each carving I'll be doing I might be able to spend not too much more (the sets are £16-30, and individual hand stitched rifflers can be had for £10-15 each, so assuming I need two or three (and pick the best combination of six shapes), I shouldn't have to break the bank.

 

[Argus]

If you require good quality hand-made tools, I would thoroughly recommend Noel Liogier:

http://www.liogier-france.fr/?lang=en

All best

 

[shed9]

Fine Tools also sell Liogier;

http://www.fine-tools.com/liogier-riffler-rasps.html


EDIT: I'm also looking to acquire some decent rasps / riflers so will be watching this with interest. I've done a bit of research and I've narrowed it down to Liogier and Auriou myself.

 

[Eric The Viking]

We had a group buy of Liogier some years back. I bought a #12 (half round) and a rat's tail (posh, blued steel version). Both are superb. And, being a leftie, it's nice not to have grooves on the work any more.

If the two ordinary rasps I have are anything to go by, his rifflers will be very good, but I looked at getting some a year or so ago - they're not cheap. That said, mine have had a fair bit of use now and still cut very well.

I'd go to Liogier first, if funds ran to it.

E.

 

[Jelly]

We had a group buy of Liogier some years back. I bought a #12 (half round) and a rat's tail (posh, blued steel version). Both are superb. And, being a leftie, it's nice not to have grooves on the work any more.

If the two ordinary rasps I have are anything to go by, his rifflers will be very good, but I looked at getting some a year or so ago - they're not cheap. That said, mine have had a fair bit of use now and still cut very well.

I'd go to Liogier first, if funds ran to it.

E.

If I could find just one riffler design that would do all I needed, then Lioger or Auriou would be an option... If I need two or three then I'd be forced to go for the cheaper hand stitched ones from Tiranti or Antique Tools.

 

[Eric The Viking]

I get the impression Noel Liogier is quite responsive to customer requests.

You might try an email to him, including some "A bit like this but different..." pics, etc. You never know...

E.

PS: I have a sneaky suspicion it's like carving tools generally - a really slippery slope to suddenly having lots of the things ("I just need one that..."). It's one reason why I haven't indulged (yet).

 

[Derek Cohen (Perth Oz)]

Jelly

I have the same experience as David. The cheap Chinese-made sets are very coarse and leave an overly rough surface.

I have a couple of Auriou rifflers, but hardly use them, preferring the Auriou rasps. Rifflers are small, and the ones I have are curved and have fine teeth. Still, they are beautifully made and I would recommend them, if that is what you are looking for.

Regards from Perth

Derek

 

[Harbo]

I have some Liogier and Auriou ones, though my rasps get much more use. They are so sharp and cut so fast I tend towards the finer grades as they leave a very fine, smooth finish.

Rod