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Sharpening saws?
http://w-ww.luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10101&t=18854
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Author:  Frei [ Fri Sep 19, 2008 12:57 pm ]
Post subject:  Sharpening saws?

I found this for files, but does anyone sharpen Gent saws with these, small toothed saws? Any jigs for this task?

http://www.thebestthings.com/newtools/n ... _files.htm

Author:  Brook Moore [ Fri Sep 19, 2008 1:43 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Sharpening saws?

In my younger days, I sharpened and set the teeth on many saws. It is not hard, but it does get a bit tedious as you get into higher tpi. In a way, it is easier than sharpening chain saw teeth. A saw vice is really nice for holding the blade, but you can easily improvise. I have not seen a jig for controlling the angle of filing, and even if there is one, I think it would be a pain - too slow. You just take a stance for the desired angle, and work your way over all the teeth that are within the vice width. Do every other tooth, the ones set leaning away from you, so your stroke is the same. Same number of strokes on each tooth. Reposition the saw and repeat. Flip the saw around to the other side and get the rest. On an older saw, make sure the teeth are all jointed to the same height, before you start. I think that 15 tpi was the smallest I ever did; it does get trickier as the teeth get smaller, so it would be a good idea to practice on an old 8 tpi crosscut. You will want a saw set also, but these are readily and cheaply available used. Don't set the teeth unless the saw is binding too much, and better to start with less, rather than risk too much set.

Brook

Author:  cphanna [ Fri Sep 19, 2008 5:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Sharpening saws?

Brook gives good advice. I still sharpen my own saws, with one exception: My little hobby saw. The tooth per inch count is just too small and fussy to worry with it. Much easier to buy a new blade. You don't need fancy jigs to do this task, and you can fairly easily make a wooden saw sharpening vise out of scraps in your shop. FINE WOODWORKING magazine has run a number of articles about this over the years, with useful illustrations. I'm sure if you Google around "saw sharpening" for an hour or so, you will find several very useful articles that will inspire you. One other thing: If you touch your saws up fairly frequently, you'll get to the point that you can do each tooth with one or two strokes of the file. Much easier than waiting until you need a full jointing, setting, and re-filing of everything on every saw. Good luck with it. It's pretty easy. Go for it.

Author:  Frei [ Sat Sep 20, 2008 12:23 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Sharpening saws?

Cool, so these files will work I guess, on small teeth? I have a small, fine, spark plug file, but it is pretty squarish.

Author:  Miketobey [ Sat Sep 20, 2008 7:07 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Sharpening saws?

Google "Cian Perez." Cian(Sean) has built a library for galoots- folks who hang onto handtools. There are several tutorials there with great pictures. I can vouch for the accomplishments of all of the authors. Saw sharpening is complex until you have experienced it a couple of times. If you pick one of these tutorials and start on a beater, when you go to your good saw, you will get the desired results.mike

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