Filing A Handsaw

[cabinetman]

Here's some good info for beginners on handsaw filing.
vintagesaws.com

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[leehljp]

That brings back memories from long long ago! I doubt that my relatives knew all of the terms but a couple of them could file a saw to be better than new. Being able to have enough experience to do that without guides was remarkable. Great eye hand coordination.

[chopnhack]

Good post, thanks C-man

[vaking]

I am afraid most saws that you can buy today have hardened teeth. I doubt you can file those by hand. If this is correct this skill is becoming as usefull as plowing with the horse. There is a reason C-man's link points to site dedicated to vintage saws.

[Daryl]

I have several old saws, I might not use them much but I do have Grandpa's old vise and sawset.

[chopnhack]

I read the article Alex and the author actually mentions the use of the hand file on hardened teeth. Hardening of steel is an old practice, certainly not new to vintage saws. The author mentions that the side of the file will sharpen one or two sets of teeth max. I think its valid information today as it was then if you use manual tools. I still in a hurry will use my handsaw and I can cut a straight perpendicular line. I have used the skill in building outdoor joinery on big stuff like 2x12's.