Port-A-Band not working

On the fact you've cut other rasps in this manner doesn't mean this rasp should cut in the same manner. I think (I'm no expert) that most all very old rasps/files where hard thru 'n thru, while many of the newer files/rasps are only mild steel with case hardened teeth. This would allow the file/rasp to easily cut with portaband once the teeth were cut thru. This file/rasp you're trying to cut could well be an old rasp that is hard all the way thru and just getting thru the teeth doesn't help.

Again, try cutting the rasp with a file to see how hard it is. Bring it up to a dull cherry red, then cool VERY slowly.

Ken H>
 
On my Swag I put a large concaved washer on the thumb screw that holds the work rest part of the table (attached to the saw) to the rest of the table. Problem solved for that part anyhoo.
 
KenH and Horsewright I appreciate the help. Ken, I will take this rasp and run it through my Atlas forge and see what happens then--Horsewright, that definitely sounds worth a try to get a tighter grip on my saw to the table. I've ordered some new blades also, and I'll make a quick post once I get this figured out to my satisfaction.
 
Now you're on the right track - I'll bet your porta-band saw cuts other mild steel just fine, just not that rasp you're having problems with? That suggests the problem is with the rasp and not the porta-band saw. Let us know how it works after you anneal in the forge.

Ken H>
 
I was looking at my Milwaukee and thought about the problem with the tight blades.......are you certain that you ran the blades in the dedicated channel on the back of the saw and not on the outside of the channel I can see how its possible for this to happen and its just enough to make it more difficult to close the handle.
 
Busto, I can't swear to it either way without going down to the shop and looking--I've called it for today, but I'll definitely check in the AM, thanks for the tip!
 
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