How to Sharpen a Veneer Saw

I use both a chisel and veneer saw to cut veneer. The chisel excels at cutting one layer of veneer at a time, but the veneer saw is necessary for cutting straight lines through multiple layers.

To sharpen a veneer saw, hold it perpendicular to the bench and use a fine file to sharpen the teeth, following the angles already established. Then, with the saw flat on the edge of the bench, file a bevel onto the outside edge of the blade so that each tooth comes to a sharp point. Then hone off the burr on the back of the saw.  Now you’re ready to make perfect cuts every time.

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Veneer saws are not ready out of the box.

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You need a sharp veneer saw to cut through stacks of veneer as shown here.

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First, sharpen the teeth with a fine file, following the angles already established.

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Then file a bevel onto the outside edge to bring each tooth to a sharp point. Knock off the burr from the back, and you’re ready to make perfect cuts.

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

Norton Water Stones

This kit includes everything you need to sharpen all of your blades, with water stones in four grits and a separate stone to keep them flat.

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Honing Compound

This honing compound is great for loading into a buffing wheel and polishing an assortment of metals.

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Rockler Silicone Sharpening Stone Tray

At 6 in. wide, with plenty of length for standard waterstones, they have grippy dimples that keep the stones stable and level, plus wide channels all around to catch the water. They also lock together, side by side, so I can have all of my stones available at the same time.

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