> -----Original Message-----
> From: Alan N. Graham [mailto:ang1235@s...]
> 
> Suppose that we set the teeth first, before jointing or 
> sharpening.  
> Jointing before setting results in a tooth edge which will rise slightly
> from the outside to the inside of the saw blade when seen from 
> the end (see
> horrible ascii art below). Setting before jointing would result in a flat
> bottom tooth.
> 
> 	/\\           __
>      \\  \\          \\ \\
>       \\  \\          \\ \\
> 
>    Joint then set    Set then joint
> 
> I haven't even attempted to calculate how this would affect the other
> characteristics of the tooth.
> 
> Now, obviously, there must be a reason that jointing is always the first
> step. However, it's not immediately obvious to me. 
> 
> Anyone like to explain what I'm missing about this picture?
> 

Maybe setting first then jointing removes the set you just applied,
especially if the teeth are very uneven or a lot needs to be removed
to get a straight or slightly breasted edge along the teeth.

Personally I do it in the order:
 - joint
 - sharpen (one pass from each side)
 - set
 - lightly stone to remove burrs/uneven set
 - test cut
 - smile at what an improvement I have made
 - tell family members how clever I am :-)

-- 
Peter Williams