Replies

1. 
   jackiechan | Nov 10, 2002 07:50am | #1

   Jase,

   No need to go to eBay, Lee Valley (http://www.leevalley.com) sells everything you need.  Here are the links for both a handsaw sharpener ($28.00)(http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.asp?page=32955&category=1,43072,43086&abspage=1&ccurrency=2&SID= and a saw set ($13) (http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.asp?page=32956&category=1,43072,43086&abspage=1&ccurrency=2&SID=

   Leonard Lee's (owner of Lee Valley) book The Complete Guide To Sharpening gives step by step instructions with pictures.

   Hope that helps!

   Dan Kornfeld - President/Owner, Odyssey Wood Design, Inc.

2. 
   domermatt | Nov 10, 2002 09:32am | #2

   I have an old set - Stanley #42 I believe. It works great for every saw.  Also, you might want to practice on a cheaper saw if you've never done this before. And be patient, backsaws take a long time for their short length.

   Matt Mulka
3. 
   silver77 | Nov 10, 2002 09:45am | #3

   Before I bought a sawset I would invest in a Japanese saw. They call a backsaw a Dozuki. I have my grandfather's handsaws and all I'll use is a japanese saw.

   cheers,my 2 cents worth.

   silver 

4. 
   Shepherd1800 | Nov 10, 2002 05:26pm | #4

   I have used the plyer type saw sets but I don't like them.  It is difficult to see what is going on and the driver crushes the teeth into the anvil.  Years ago I used an old saw wrist (saw wrench) to set teeth, but alas I sold it.  So recently I made one from a piece of mild steel, it has 3 different sized slots (for different thickness teeth) on both sides of the end.  One side is filed thinner for fine teeth and the other side is thicker for coarser teeth.  There are small holes in the end of each slot and each hole is filled with lead to prevent the teeth from coming in contact with the steel.

   I have snapped off a tooth or two with the plyer type but this 'old tool' has never broken a tooth.  It is tricky getting use to the saw wrist but I think it gives you a better feel for the set of the teeth.

   Stephen Shepherd

1. 
   UncleDunc | Nov 10, 2002 07:54pm | #5

   Stephen,

   I hope you don't take this as a criticism. I just couldn't keep myself from trotting out my little bit of linguistic knowledge. I have always seen the word as 'wrest,' from the same root as 'wrestle'. 'Saw wrench' is a good description of how to use it. Come to think of it, 'wrench' may also derive from the same root.

   Edited 11/10/2002 11:55:26 AM ET by Uncle Dunc