sharpening hand saws

[markgum]

any quick advice on how to sharpen a hand saw?? I'm searching the web and looks like a simple process to sharpen circular blades so I am guessing it should work on hand saws just the same
If it makes any difference it is an antique Japanese saw, I'm trying to sharpen.

thanks.

 

[bradh]

The process is simple. If you have a steady hand, you can sharpen with just a fine file. They do make sharpening jigs too to keep the file moving in a consistent straight line.
My uncle was a carpenter, he taught me to sharpen by hand. I just take a fine metal file and just touch the cutting edge on each tooth. Makes a big difference it how it cuts.
I suggest you practice on a cheaper saw before you take on that antique one.

 

[mickr]

A fella with the last name of LAW had a video on saw sharpening..It was considered the best on this tiopic..check out Highland Hardware in Atlanta..they have files & other stuff too..a thought just canme to me: the video may be at Lee-Nielsen...good luck

 

[THarvey]

I think this is the article mentioned.

http://www.wkfinetools.com/tCare/sawSharp/sawSharpRef.asp

Check out: www.wkfinetools.com Site has some great articles for tool care and making nice tools.

 

[markgum]

Tim, thanks for the link. there is A LOT of good info on that site.

 

[bitshird]

There was a guy selling a saw tooth setting tool at the flea market, but I'd had too much of that when my dad owned a locksmith and saw sharpening outfit in Vegas in the 60s and 70s. It's easy if you have something to hold the entire blade. just don't get in a hurry

 

[gmcnut]

Years ago I had a saw and tool sharpening business with equipment that I bought from the Foley company in Minn, MN. I did attend their week long school back in 1978. The fundamentals are to have the same amount of set on each side of the blade and all of the teeth should be the same height. Rip cut saws are sharpened at zero degrees and crosscut saws are sharpened at fifteen degrees. With the proper amount of set and properly sharpened you could lay a sewing needle down the valley that is created by the way the teeth are sharpened. I haven't done too many by hand but if you go at a measured pace and find some way to consistantly control the angle that you are holding the file in relationship to the saw you'll get there. Best of luck to you.