What is this tool ?

[Digster]

I have a file like tool, about 30cm long plus wooden handle. the abrasive side has raised curves about 2mm apart runnnig along the length of the tool, similar to a rasp. I have been using this for woodworking. Does anyone know what the correct name is for this tool? Thanks

[chasbo]

I think its called a "Dreadnaught" from your description, usually used in car body work repair. When lead loading was used to fill joints this tool was used to initially shape the lead.

[sddsddean]

Is it a Surform http://www.hartvilletool.com/shared/images/products/medium/SureFrmMicroPlns.jpg

[tony1941]

It may be an Aven Trimmatool. A sort of early competitor to the Surform, but a much more "elegant" tool. I have one which is treasured. Search on google, but look for "Cached" pages only to see a picture.

[Narolines]

That's definitely a Dreadnaught rasp, used in woodworking for removing material quickly when shaping a part before following up with finer tools and scrapers. I'm sure they were used in car bodyshops too, but I have no experience of them. Among my fairly large amoury of rasps & files (I make musical instruments, among other wooden things) I have a superb dreadnaught which originally belonged to my great-grandfather, and I use it a lot for shaping guitar and violin necks; you can still buy them (I have several more modern ones) but the quality's not a patch on my lovely old Victorian one with a beautiful rosewood handle.

[heathfield]

Is it one of these, like Narolines refers to?

http://www.tool-up.co.uk/shop/diy/scan/se=6987/sf=cat

Thanks, Narolines, I didn't know these existed. I'm familiar with Tony's 'Trimmatool, (I've had one for about 40 years and it's still a great tool!), but I think I'll get a 'Dreadnaught' or two in addition!

[Digster]

A dreadnaught it is then !! its not a surform as it has the wooden handle on the tang similar to a file. Many thanks all. Digster