OldTools Archive

Recent Bios FAQ

271220 Christian Gagneraud <chgans@g...> 2020‑06‑13 Re: How to file a BackSaw?
On Sat, 13 Jun 2020 at 11:09, Frank Filippone  wrote:
>
> I have a 50-60's Diston backsaw I must sharpen to use.  Is it filed rip
> or crosscut?
>
> On this particular saw, it looks like....both..... depending on where I
> look......
>
> It is pretty dull, and needs a full cleaning as well.... Lots of work to
> get a really nice saw back in shape.....
>
> But how do I file it?

Hi Frank,

Use a magnifier glass if you cannot see with your bare eyes.
Rip cut teeth should show a line, cross-cut should shaw a triangular knife.

Paul Seller has a few interesting video about saw sharpening (and saw
teeth): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc3EpWncNq5QL0QhwUNQb7w

Blackburn tools have very good online materials, check out:
http://www.blackburntools.com/articles/saw-tooth-geometry/index.html
http://www.blackburntools.com/articles/practical-cross-cut-saw-angles/index.html

On one of his videos Paul Seller claims that there is not much
difference b/w cross-cut and rip cut for fine saw (i guess above 14
TPI).

Filling for rip cuts is easier, so unless you intend to use your saw
with a mitre box and your saw has fine teeth, I would say that a rip
cut filling is your best bet.

Backsaws need a perfectly flat tooth line, i use a level (fro
flatness), and i check for flatness with a feeler gauge. I usually try
to reach b/w +- 0.2mm to +- 0.1 mm.

Chris

Recent Bios FAQ