Acoustic Guitar Construction

My daughter is ever so slowly expanding her hand tool collection.

I have 3 of the Auriou (sp?) rasps and one of the Japanese "saw blade" rasps (Shinto?). They all perform excellent for my needs, but are a bit more than current budget allows.
I'm wanting something of decent value, not the "el cheapos." I don't want stuff that makes work harder than it has to be, but I also cannot afford the premium stuff. Like everyone else, she can decide whether she wants to "upgrade" later.

I have seen mention here and there of the Microplane rasps, and would like more detail from someone who uses them.
For the money, do they seem to wear OK?
In comparison to a solid rasp, how do they feel in use? (She's young and new to woodworking, so I think this is important.)
Do they seem like a good overall investment in the tool arsenal, or would we be better served waiting for the other stuff?

Thanks in advance.
Rob

I have one of these:



Not impressed --- (I like stuff used with motors) anyway other tool designed for the same purpose out perform this unit. So I am skeptical of the hand tools with this type of cutting action. $.02

I used one to do the rough carving of a neck and they work OK, removing wood quickly but cleanly. One needs to be careful because when used with too much pressure the micro blades can flatten. Having said that, I have moved mostly to the more expensive rasps you were refering to.

The micro rasps are inexpensive and the blades can be changed out.

Thanks for the responses, guys.

Probably gonna just let her keep using mine for now while she saves up for the better ones that she can call her own.
B-day coming in a couple months, so that's a possibility, too.
I greatly appreciate the input.

Rob