Compact, simple to use, infinitely adjustable – and free. By Robert W. Lang Pages: 74-75 From the April 2008 issue #168 Buy this issue now Every time we bring a new band saw into our shop for testing, I make the same observation, which is actually a complaint. My co-workers know it by heart, and … Read more
Two fences allow you to position the cutter and keep the bead’s quirk in line. By Geoffrey Ames Pages: 82-83 From the February 2008 issue #167 Buy this issue now If you have ever attempted to scratch a profile onto a chair leg or other curved piece, you probably noted that a scratch tool with … Read more
Work smart across the grain with a simple push block. By Robert W. Lang Pages: 70-71 From the December 2009 issue #180 Buy this issue now One of the first vehicles I owned was a 1964 Ford Econoline van. I bought it cheap at a police auction then proceeded to over-accessorize it with all manner … Read more
These simple shop-made helpers will make marking less of a chore. By Rob Porcaro Page: 64 From the November 2009 issue #179 Buy this issue now Marking out dovetails for hand cutting goes much easier with these helpers. Held in place while hooked over the end of a board, these markers allow you, with one … Read more
A great router table for little cost and just a few hours to build. By Robert W. Lang Pages: 74-75 From the June 2009 issue #176 Buy this issue now The original version of this router table was born out of necessity. I needed a router table at a job site, and I didn’t have … Read more
Get started with hand tools without spending a bundle on a bench or vise. By Robert. W Lang Pages: 22-23 From the April 2009 issue #175 Buy this issue now A major stumbling block on the road to enjoyable woodworking is “lackoftoolaphobia,” the fear of not being able to do something without the best possible … Read more
A must-have device for sharpening saws.
By Robert W. Lang
Pages: 52-53
From the June 2010 issue #183
Buy this issue now
One of the cardinal rules of woodworking is that the purchase of one tool begets the need for several others. Sawing by hand is both easier and more accurate than many people think, provided the saw is sharpened properly. Old saws can be an incredible bargain, and if you’re a frugal sort you likely won’t want to spend a lot on sharpening equipment.
There are three things you need: a triangular file to make the teeth sharp, a saw set to bend the teeth away from the body of the blade and a vise to hold the blade while you work. A file costs about $5 and a new saw set less than $20. But a new saw vise will set you back more than $120 – unless you make your own.
This was the problem we faced a couple years ago when we held a hands-on saw sharpening class at the 2008 Woodworking in America conference. We needed 50 saw vises and we didn’t have a lot of time or money. So we looked at some vintage vises, consulted a saw guru and came up with this design.
Any hardwood will do; we used odds and ends we had in our shop of ash, poplar, cherry and oak. Most of the joinery is simple butt joints reinforced with yellow glue and #8 screws. The jaws sit in shallow rabbets in the two uprights, and should be held in place with screws only. You will likely want to modify the jaws at some point to accommodate a different saw, or tweak the way the jaws hold the saw blade.
A saw vise does two things: It puts the blade at a convenient height and the jaws keep the blade from vibrating as you file. Before you follow our plan, however, give some thought to the type and size of saws you plan on working with, and don’t be afraid to change the size or shape of the jaws.
Lacking 50 bench vises at our conference location, we made the base so we could secure the saw vise to a workbench with a couple Fstyle clamps. The addition of a square block secured below the base will allow you to hold the saw vise easily in your bench vise.
Video: Watch Thomas Lie-Nielsen’s video on “Techniques and Sharpening.”
Web site: Read detailed sharpening instructionsin Pete Taran’s “Saw Filing – A Beginner’s Primer” on VintageSaws.com.
Buy: Shop for saw sharpening supplies, including files, sets and a modern saw vise from Tools for Working Wood.
In our store: Purchase “The Perfect Edge,” Ron Hock’s new book on sharpening.
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