What tool would you use for coarse filing of wood?

Using a wood rasp for coarse filing of wood is highly effective due to its design and purpose. A wood rasp features a rough surface with coarse teeth that can rapidly remove material from the wood's surface, making it ideal for shaping and smoothing rough areas. This tool excels in working with hardwoods and is particularly useful for creating contours or for removing significant amounts of material quickly.

In contrast, a wood file, while also useful for smoothing surfaces, typically has finer teeth meant for more detailed work rather than aggressive material removal. Sandpaper provides a smoother finish but is not designed for coarse filing; it is slower and better suited for fine finishing once the bulk of the material has been removed. A hand saw is a cutting tool used to make straight cuts rather than for shaping or filing. Therefore, the wood rasp stands out as the best choice for coarse filing due to its specific design tailored for that task.