Need some help deciding which files/rasps/etc I need.

[Moab]

I'm scratch building some solid hull ships  with an approximate  length of  8 inches and beam of 1.75 inches.  I've cut out the basswood blanks and there's a great deal of wood that needs to be removed to shape the hull properly.  I need recommendations for what types of files, etc. I need in order to hog out lots of wood. All recommendations are appreciated...Moab

[Jaager]

Needle files are a bit small for what you need.  You could take a look at luthier tool suppliers - they have medium range files with a range of bite.  StewMac  is not economy but you can get a lay of the land as far as some possibilities for what is available.  A lesion  that I can't seem to learn - when filing - apply downward force directly above the surface being cut.  Applying it between the hold point and the cut point tends to make a small file into two pieces - even the expensive Swiss ones.

 

That Basswood is going to fight you all the way.  The fibers are going to want to roll.  You might consider starting over with Yellow Poplar.  It is easy to cut. but holds a sharp edge.  It is also about the least expensive hardwood and  10/4 and even 12/4 lumber is available.

[Roger Pellett]

Not exactly answering your exact question but I like using these small spokeshaves to shape solid hull models

 

 

[Bob Cleek]

31 minutes ago, Roger Pellett said:

Not exactly answering your exact question but I like using these small spokeshaves to shape solid hull models

 

Roger, I've got a set of those very same spokeshaves. They're lovely. The sort of tool that just makes you feel good using them. I have the three spokeshaves in their original box. (They come up on eBay occasionally. Their no longer made, as far as I know.) I don't have the aluminum plate you have pictured above. It looks shop-made. What's it for?

[Jaager]

This just put me in mind of an alternative.

If you have more money than time:

 

Micro-Make™ / MicroLux® Palm-Size Belt Sander  - will eat wood fairly fast.  mine wants to throw the belt immediately - I hold a square of wood on the side of the housing that overlaps the belt which keeps the belt at home.

 

Micro-Make™ / MicroLux® Heavy-Duty Right Angle Disk Sander / Drill

with

3-Jaw Keyless Chuck, 1/64 Inch - 1/8 Inch Capacity

There are a number of available disk attachments 1" / 2" / 3" diameter with 1/8" shanks

 

These are DC machines and require a proprietary transformer power source.  The manufacturer seems to be a German company Kaleas.

MM appears to be the US agent..

Now, if they would also make a 45 degree Angle Disk Sander, - for contour sanding inside a hull.

[Roger Pellett]

Bob,

 

My spokeshaves were bought 55 years ago.  The professional model makers that built wooden models for the University of Michigan’s Naval Architecture towing tank used them.  Three of us were building a model to be towed for our senior design project so we each bought a set.  

 

I later replaced the slotted screws with the socket headed cap screws screws to make the blades easier to tighten.

 

The aluminum plate is home made and allows the two straight blades to fit into my sharpening guide at the proper angle.  Otherwise, the blades are too short.

[Keithbrad80]

For removing large amounts of wood I use cabinet files. I have a 10” cabinet file and a 10” wood file from lee valley tools. I like them because they have some weight to them so I don’t have to strain my arm over time. They also have a good bite so they can really remove some material. Both of mine are half round, They seem to be the most versatile for shaping the hull. If you really want to remove material you can use a wood rasp, mine is also from lee valley tools. Files leave a cleaner finish than rasps. Also, make sure to use a file card often to clean your files. 
 

 

Lee Valley Tools half round files:

https://www.amazon.com/Nicholson-File-Card-Brush-Pack/dp/B001KVM2H2

 

Lee Valley Tools wood rasp:

https://www.leevalley.com/en-us/shop/tools/hand-tools/files-and-rasps/rasps/20135-wood-and-cabinet-rasps?gclid=Cj0KCQiA34OBBhCcARIsAG32uvOXAPM4-JpTUYynzJCJs_s48d4jb39vuPd8O2slPNNOMje9nK_mbp0aAv5hEALw_wcB
 

File card:

https://www.amazon.com/Nicholson-File-Card-Brush-Pack/dp/B001KVM2H2
 

Bradley

[goetzi73]

1 hour ago, Keithbrad80 said:

For removing large amounts of wood I use cabinet files. I have a 10” cabinet file and a 10” wood file from lee valley tools. I like them because they have some weight to them so I don’t have to strain my arm over time. They also have a good bite so they can really remove some material. Both of mine are half round, They seem to be the most versatile for shaping the hull. If you really want to remove material you can use a wood rasp, mine is also from lee valley tools. Files leave a cleaner finish than rasps. Also, make sure to use a file card often to clean your files. 
 

 

Lee Valley Tools half round files:

https://www.amazon.com/Nicholson-File-Card-Brush-Pack/dp/B001KVM2H2

 

Lee Valley Tools wood rasp:

https://www.leevalley.com/en-us/shop/tools/hand-tools/files-and-rasps/rasps/20135-wood-and-cabinet-rasps?gclid=Cj0KCQiA34OBBhCcARIsAG32uvOXAPM4-JpTUYynzJCJs_s48d4jb39vuPd8O2slPNNOMje9nK_mbp0aAv5hEALw_wcB
 

File card:

https://www.amazon.com/Nicholson-File-Card-Brush-Pack/dp/B001KVM2H2
 

Bradley

 

Just an addition:

 

Personally I'am using Iwasaki files for cabinet-making and ship modelling. These files are superior to normal cabinet files. The teeth cut aggressively, but leave a very fine and smooth surface.

You may have a look here:

https://www.highlandwoodworking.com/iwasaki-carving-files.aspx

 

Götz

 

[Moab]

Guys; thank you for all the info. Very helpful...Moab

[Don Case]

If you get a piece of a 40 grit sanding belt and DS tape it to a stick it makes a very good rasp

[Bob Cleek]

I've found a staircase maker's rasp very handy for rough shaping solid hulls:

 

 

https://www.mrmtool.com/10-Staircase-Makers-Rasp-•-Half-Round-Bent-Second-Cut_p_1142.html

 

A similar "hoof rasp" used by farriers is also, and probably more widely available.

 

 https://www.evohoofcare.com/Bar-Sole-Rasp-1_p_16.html