If left untouched, rust can eventually eat through the metal in your saw, making it unusable.
Trying to file a saw without a saw vise is dangerous, and can lead to injury.
Saw sets are small, and they can be difficult to see into. If you’re having trouble, make sure that you have a light shining onto your saw, and use a magnifying glass to see up close.
If the saw teeth are still uneven, use the jointer again. Only use the jointer for 2 or 3 passes at most to avoid dulling your saw.
5 teeth per inch: 7"/175mm Regular Taper or 6"/150mm Heavy Taper 5 ½ teeth per inch: 7" /175mm Regular Taper or 6" /150mm Heavy Taper 6 teeth per inch: 7" /175mm or 8" /200mm Slim Taper 7 teeth per inch: 6" /150mm, 7" /175mm Slim Taper and 9" /225mm or 10" /250mm Double Ender 8 teeth per inch: 6" /150mm Slim Taper or 7" /175mm Extra Slim Taper or 9"/225mm Double Ender 9 teeth per inch: 6" /150mm Extra Slim Taper, 7"/175mm Double Extra Slim Taper or 8"/200mm Double Ender 10 teeth per inch: 5" /125mm or 6" /150mm Extra Slim Taper, 6"/150mm Double Ender
Using a file without a handle leaves your fingers unprotected, and it’s much more likely that you’ll cut yourself on the saw blade.
Tilting or twisting the file can cause it to sharpen unevenly. Try to hold it as steady as you can the entire time.
Think of the movement as pulling rather than pushing. Pulling the file through gently will give your teeth a sharp, even point.
If you accidentally file a side you weren’t supposed to, it won’t ruin your saw—it just won’t be super helpful.
Stoning the saw is optional, but many woodworkers swear by it. It removes any rough edges or burrs that might have been created during the sharpening process.
