Essentials
A vise to hold the saw
Specialized saw vices are available and the heavy duty vintage models perform well. You can also make your own saw vice out of wood but a machinist vise works in a pinch. Pad the jaws with hardwood strips at least 0.6" thick (so the steel isn’t marred) held in place with double sided tape. Clamp the plate close under the tooth line. An unsupported plate chatters and causes the file to skate. The hardwood strips should stand proud of the vice and be chamfered along the outside edge to give suitable access to the teeth for filing.
Taper files and a handle
Saw files should closely match their ppi counterpart, but it's OK to use saw file that doesn't match exactly. We recommend Bahco files because of their smooth finish and reliable heat treatment. our Rake and Fleam Guide is built around them. A full set of saw files as given below. If a taper file is out of stock it's okay to go with the next size larger. Don't forget to pick up the corresponding file handle, which we automatically add to your shopping list along with the file.
The Rake and Fleam file guide
This tool turns guess work into repeatable results. Set your rake and fleam on the guide and keep the reference edge parallel to the saw plate for consistent results tooth to tooth.
Buy now →Saw set pliers
A well-adjusted plier-style set bends the top third of each tooth to a repeatable distance from centerline. Veritas makes an excellent saw set but other modern options are built poorly so if you're trying to save moeny, purchase a vintage Stanely 42, 42x, or 42w saw set or a vintage Miller Falls No. 214 off saw set on eBay. These are all excellent option but for finer tooth configurations finer than 14 ppi, the piston that presses the teeth needs to be ground down somewhat to apply a chamfer to each side, so that it fits between the tiny teeth. The piston is hardened steel and a diamond plate is suited for the task.
Additional Essentials
- Hearing and eye protection. Filing is loud and throws fine steel dust and the occasional broken file tooth. Wear both, every session.
- Task lighting.You'll be reading a tiny flat on every tooth. A bright, adjustable lamp low and in front of the saw makes the difference between seeing the flat disappear and guessing.
- Sharpies (black and silver). For marking the teeth before you start, and a tick on the file after each sharpening.
Nice to have
A magnifying light
Combine magnification and task lighting to more easily see tiny saw teeth and even tinier flats.
Arkansas stones
A fine or ultra-fine Arkansas stone laid flat against the sides of the tooth line evens the set and leaves the kerf walls smooth.
Packing tape or painters tape
A strip along each side of the plate below the tooth line keeps the steel from picking up vise marks or scratches from stoning the teeth.
Matt Cianci’s Set & File
The best single book on saw sharpening. Cianci covers jointing, shaping, setting and filing in depth. Highly recommended for those that want to go further than this website.