How to sharpen and set an old handsaw

Step by step

1. 1

   Step 1: Count the teeth and check the type

   Count teeth per inch near the middle of the blade. Look at the tooth shape: rip saws have chisel shaped teeth filed straight across, crosscut saws have knife points filed at an angle. Most old household saws are crosscut, around 7 to 10 points per inch.

2. 2

   Step 2: Clean the plate

   Scrub off rust with wet and dry paper wrapped round a block and a little oil. Keep going until the etch (the maker's logo) is just showing, then stop. A visible etch adds a lot of value to a good saw.

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   Step 3: Tighten the handle

   Snug up the saw nuts with a split screwdriver or a filed down old screwdriver. A loose handle makes it impossible to saw straight.

4. 4

   Step 4: Joint the teeth

   Clamp the saw teeth up in the vice and run a flat file lightly along the tops of the teeth, end to end, until every tooth has a tiny shiny flat. This makes every tooth the same height.

5. 5

   Step 5: Shape and sharpen

   With the triangular file level, file every second tooth from one side at the saw's angle, then turn the saw and do the others from the other side. Take the same number of strokes on each tooth and stop each one the moment its shiny flat disappears.

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   Step 6: Set the teeth

   Use the saw set to bend every second tooth slightly one way, then turn the saw round and do the rest. The aim is a cut just wider than the plate. Light set is better than heavy set for fine work.

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   Step 7: Test cut and wax

   Cut a scrap of pine. If it drifts to one side, lightly stone the teeth on that side with a fine stone. Wipe the plate with paste wax so it glides and doesn't rust.