“It’s one thing to sharpen a vintage saw but doing it well is another”
I’ve watched many Youtube videos and every time it’s usually done by people who have sharpened limited numbers of saws and usually not a great range either. It’s a skill that when taught correctly has significant benefits for those who are dedicated enough time to master it, and helps woodworkers in more ways than may be first apparent.
These online videos usually show the basics and not the finer details required to become competent enough to master what is arguably the hardest skill in a woodworker’s armour, because it also requires dedication. There never seems to be the same reading of the way to perform the task and too many unrequired steps to achieve the same result. This can be very confusing to beginners and even those with more woodworking experience!
Sharpening any old vintage saw at will, requires developing the feel for things and using pointers that are very important to get this skill right on a consistent basis. If you develop bad habits it’s even harder to master and should be taught with a number of exercises to build muscle memory.
It all starts with the setup and let’s just say many online tutorials may seem ok until you try them and these usually have significant consequences on files and their lifespan etc.
It’s always easier to follow a well-sharpened saw and much harder to correct a bad one. The first step is to learn how to follow on, learning how to sharpen a rip consistently with equal depth gullets at the same rake and how to adjust this throughout the length of the saw for better performance.
FACT: Mastering saw sharpening helps you master what saw type is to be used and where. This simply means you can produce a range of saws precisely for the types of wood you intend to use making the process of cutting wood by hand far more efficient.
FACT: Once mastered you can freshen up and set a good saw within 30 minutes.
FACT: Hand sharpening lasts longer than machine-sharpened saws due to finer filing, similar to why you hone a chisel after doing the primary bevel.
FACT: Less clogging on cross-cut saws when you have formed a sloped gullet.
FACT: This skill saves you money long term and allows you to work with better quality saws. It’s far more Eco friendly.
FACT: The Disposable age of hard point saws will eventually come to an end, Your Carbon Footprint will count for or against you.
FACT: Using the correct techniques ensures tooth heights are spot on, eliminating bounce and grabbing for example whilst being able to refine as a set helps with drift, it can also assist with an easier and cleaner start to a cut.
Can you learn to sharpen a saw well in two hours?
Learning the theory is all well and good but unless you have been sharpening saws for a few years like myself it’s difficult to master by ‘just giving it a go’ and requires consistent tutorship over a period of time to stop those ‘who think they know better after a short time’ from start adopting poor practices (Like seen on many Youtube Videos). Yes, you might be able to sharpen a saw but certainly not well enough to get the best results or a true understanding of these old saw’s capabilities. Besides, with limited knowledge, the results will be inconsistent and it won’t be long before that saw becomes what I call a nightmare to salvage.
So NO it can’t be taught in 2 hrs anymore than a woodworker can learn what type of tools to use when and where in different circumstances combined with what woods to use when and where.
I was unsure when I held my first saw-sharpening course but having done this now it was pretty intensive over a 3-day period in the right environment, with a very good set-up and all the right tools needed.
Those serious about adding this skill to the repertoire will need 3 Days days of tuition and guidance but ultimately it’s down to the individual to take what they have learned and practice as often as they can. This then completes the 1st stage of their journey and then the 2nd stage can then be developed with cross-cut saws.
This 2nd stage involves much more whereby you should be able to read how a saw has been sharpened and can correct it by forming correctly shaped teeth. This stage involves working on the fleam and slope forming the sloped gullet and a consistent file action is needed, which only comes with practicing the 1st stage.
How and why I learned the skill of Sharpening Old Vintage saws
This was probably one of the most frustrating skills I’ve learned to date having spent a day with an old timer who had sharpened saws for a living his entire working life. What did I learn? ‘The very basics’ but if I was to do it again I’d certainly wish was able to have learned more than was shown. However, I was grateful to be given what time Trevor had given me, especially when he was in his late 70s.
I endured the process of training on my own in probably the best environment possible here at Tooltique. I also had the added incentive of the ever-growing mountain of saws that needed treatment. Those who know us here would understand my reservations about selling a vintage saw that wasn’t fit for purpose.
Anyway, every day for a year I dedicated a little time to perfecting the craft, and many saws were sharpened and sharpened again before I started to get a better understanding of each type and each issue I faced. That was 8 years ago and as time went on the skill became easier after refining these skills into what I produce today. It wasn’t the fact that I couldn’t sharpen a saw in the first year it was how long it took to get them right and I didn’t always have the solutions to what I faced.
Experience counts in this regard but now I’m well and truly on the other side it’s the most satisfying job I do here. I love history amongst many other things and it gives me time to listen to those podcasts I would never get to hear unless I undertake this task. (It also drowns out the noise of filing). So yes, I do enjoy nothing more than an afternoon sharpening saws!
When you master sharpening a saw?
This involves being able to grab any old saw and do what you want to it! Bespoke saw sharpening.
Learning to sharpen old saws which have additional characteristics to new saws ensures those who learn this way can do both new and old. Those buying and wanting to maintain any premium quality saw should learn this skill, not for others but to accentuate your woodworking skill set further.
About My Vintage Saw Sharpening Course.
There are limited course dates available each year and each course is limited to 2 No: people to ensure full attention is given to those taking it. Dates will be organised according to your availability once you have registered your interest.
The comprehensive course covers many areas from how to select an old saw, properties, types, sharpening, setting, straightening back saws, set-up, files, accuracy, file action, positioning, vision, and many more tips and methods to help and put into practice.
These 3-day courses focus on rip saws, shaping teeth, and the importance of consistent file action needed to be able to progress onto the crosscut saw sharpening. You will be actively sharpening saws throughout your visit along with being shown by active demonstrations.
A second 2-Day Crosscut Sharpening course is available to those who go on to master the first stage at a later date.
- The 3-Day Rip Saw Sharpening Course is run here in Norwich UK 9.30 am – 3.30 pm
- Files & other Tools needed are provided for use
- Tea and coffee are supplied (Local shops if you want lunch)
- Cost £495.00
Note: Only one space is available for Easter’s course.
- The 2-Day Crosscut Saw Sharpening Course is run here in Norwich UK 9.30 am – 3.30 pm
- Files & other Tools needed are provided for use
- Tea and coffee are supplied (Local shops if you want lunch)
- Cost £345.00 (Note only available to those who have completed our 3-day Course)
After the Saw Sharpening Course
At the conclusion of each saw sharpening course, I discuss areas where the practice is needed to help your development of the skill, it is recommended that those doing this course continue to regularly practice. Obviously the more practice you apply after each course the quicker you will be ready to undertake the second part of the course.
Accreditation:
At this stage, I have only put in place these two courses and as time goes by there may be those who would like to gain accreditation for their sharpening skills which could be used to help gain reputations in this field. It’s something that can be discussed with those who successfully complete both courses and tests can be taken to help grade your skills.
By doing this we could recommend those holding accreditation to other woodworkers in your area. Saw sharpening certainly suits those who are looking for a less stressful income in retirement. Online Business Support and advice can also be given if needed, again this is something that can be discussed at this stage.
