Thanks for asking!
I've located several tutorials that describe how to clean and sharpen,
and "set" antique saws. It looks as if you're in for some interesting
work. It's been a fascinating search and read. It appears that
sharpening saws by hand hasn't changed all that much since Colonial
times. Sharpening techniques apply to the type of blade, rather than
the type of saw, itself.
Saw Filing - A Beginners Primer
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"The guide below has been prepared with the first time filer in mind.
The resulting work is a compilation of 10 years saw filing experience,
coupled with the study of various period works on the topic. Most
people think that sharpening a saw with a file is a skill that is just
too complicated to undertake. In reality it is not, although there are
some details that you must pay attention to at all times."
These illustrated instructions introduce saw sharpening tools (saw
vice, files, file handles), then explain how to use them, guiding the
process step-by-step.
Pete Taran, author of the article, is an associate editor of the Fine
Tool Journal, as well as noted sawyer and toolmaker.
Vintage Saw's Saw Filing Treatise
http://www.vintagesaws.com/library/primer/sharp.html
How to Clean A Saw
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These instructions are geared to newer handsaws in particular, but the
information on handle and blade cleaning and care is applicable to any
saw being restored to usable condition.
"The good news is that with a very small investment, you can obtain
all the materials that you need to clean and rejuvenate your saw. You
will need a thin bladed screwdriver to remove the handle, some mineral
spirits to lubricate the blade, some silicon carbide sandpaper to
remove rust on the blade, a razor blade holder, some boiled linseed
oil to give the handle some protection, some steel wool, paper towels,
rags and paste wax."
How to Clean a Saw
http://www.vintagesaws.com/library/saw_clean/saw_clean.html
The How's of Setting Saws
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"For any saw to cut properly requires just the right amount of set.
Too much and the saw requires too much effort to use, too little and
it binds in the cut. In this article we'll investigate what set is,
figure out how much is needed, and discuss how to properly apply it."
Setting Saws
http://www.vintagesaws.com/cgi-bin/frameset.cgi?left=main&right=/library/library.html
Sharpening Handsaws
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Bob Smalser takes Pete Taran's sharpening instructions one step
further. He shares instructions and pictures as he passes along
sharpening skills to the next generation. Several follow-ups are also
available, including an article on improving rake angle while
sharpening.
Sharpening Handsaws
http://www.woodcentral.com/cgi-bin/handtools.pl?frames;read=31412
Rake Angle Control when Sharpening Saws
http://www.geocities.com/plybench/shop_projects.html#file_pointer
According to the pros at Wood Central, Leonard Lee's Guide to
Sharpening covers sharpening Pit Saws, as does the Wood Wright's
Companion, by Roy Underhill.
The Complete Guide to Sharpening, by Leonard Lee (Amazon)
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1561581259?v=glance
Amazon's Search Inside The Book feature yields a reference to the
specialized tools developed for sharpening pit saws.
Wood Wright's Companion: Exploring Traditional Woodcraft, by Roy Underhill
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0807840955?v=glance
Further Resources
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Video:
Handsaw Sharpening - Hosted by Tom Law
"The tape covers Rip (including dovetail) and cross-cut saws. Each
tape comes with a Quick Reference Guide that you may want to keep in
your shop and "Facts on Files", a publication of Simonds Industries.
Tom delivers easy to follow instructions and great tips."
Handsaw Sharpening Video
http://www.toolsforworkingwood.com/indextool.mvc?prodid=AQ-1019V
http://members.bellatlantic.net/~vze2nwp6/saw/saws.htm
Books and Pamphlets:
Bassler, F.M., Why a Saw Cuts, Henry Disston & Sons, Inc, Philadelphia, PA, 1916
Disston Saw, Tool and File Manual, How to Sharpen a Hand Saw, Henry
Disston & Sons, Inc, Philadelphia, PA, 1952
Grimshaw, Robert, Saw Filing and Management of Saws, The Norman Henley
Publsihing Co., 132 Nassau St, NY, NY, 1912
Holly, H.W., The Art of Saw-Filing, John Wiley, 535 Broadway, NY, NY, 1864
Paquin, Jules, Sharpening Saw--Principles, Procedures and Gadgets,
Fine Woodworking Magazine, May 1980
Payson, Harold, Keeping the Cutting Edge: Setting and Sharpening Hand
and Power Saws, WoodenBoat Publications, Naskeag Road, Brooklin, ME,
1988
Taintor, C.C., Suggestions on The Care of Saws, Taintor Manufacturing
Company, 113 Chamber Street, NY, NY, 1908
Search Strategy | Google Search Terms
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"antique saw" sharpening
"pit saw" sharpening
vintage saw sharpening
vintage pit saw sharpen
I hope you find this information helpful. If you have questions about
the material or links provided, please, feel free to ask for
clarification.
---larre |
