Early Access Video: The TRUTH about saws.
Added 2020-09-05 11:01:01 +0000 UTCFriends:
Do you ever get confused about saws? Do you hear descriptions of saws and get flustered? Well, I can take some of the mystery out of these tools with this week's video.
I'll explain which saws you sharpen and which ones you throw out and why. And I'll finish up with a buying guide so you can get started buying the saws that are right for YOU.
Happy Saturday!
--Rex
Comments
I wonder if one contender in your shootout might be a worn-out hardpoint saw that you temper in your home oven. One nice thing is that the martensite in the teeth will be much more prone to break down than in the rest of the blade, so I don't expect the (already softer) parts to temper quite as rapidly.
Joel Hollingsworth
2020-09-08 20:58:52 +0000 UTCThank you sir.
Matt Evans-Koch
2020-09-07 08:03:26 +0000 UTCProbably this one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cN8yMAXp54s
Griffin Pope
2020-09-07 06:34:37 +0000 UTCI found some time ago (if I remember correctly, recommended by Paul Sellers) traditional skew back panel saw by Spear & Jackson, use it for some time, mostly for rough cuts, and I'm rather happy with it. But knowing what I know now about S&J compared to other saws (like your video about tenon saws), it probably could be better. Waiting for that video :)
Łukasz Jasiński
2020-09-06 20:54:17 +0000 UTCSounds like an interesting idea.
Łukasz Jasiński
2020-09-06 20:52:02 +0000 UTCGreat video Rex. I have a box of saws that need to be sharpened, many of unknown origin as they are really rough. I've been through almost all of your video but haven't seen the video on restoring a vintage saw. Can you direct me to that video? Thank you for your down to earth videos on woodworking for mere mortals. Take care and have a great week ahead.
Matt Evans-Koch
2020-09-06 18:48:23 +0000 UTCEven making one yourself isn't that hard.
stlmch
2020-09-06 18:38:03 +0000 UTC2nd on the scraper video
Kevin Randolph
2020-09-06 17:32:35 +0000 UTCIf I remember correctly I've asked this question before, but it seems it is a good moment to repeat it. Is it possible to cut new teeth in a hard point saw after removing old ones when they get dull with a grinder?* Could you, please research this option in the upcoming video you mentioned at the end? *Well I suppose the answer is "yes" and my real question should rather be: is the tempered part of hard point saw good enough to hold such custom teeth?
stlmch
2020-09-06 15:46:17 +0000 UTCExcellent video as usual. Thanx Rex. I have 2 Great Neck miter saws thatI've used quite a bit over the years. I also just picked up an old Disston. All are in need of sharpening now, so once my bench is done, a saw vise is my next project. I'd like to see how the GN and Stanley miter saws fare in the shootout. I know they're not in the same category as the Veritas, Lee-Neilsen, or BearKat, Their plates are THICK compared to the ones above, but I think they make fairly good cheap saws for someone just starting out in woodworking. BTW, I just found out about a new company that makes saws. Florip Toolworks of Empire Michigan. I heard good comments about their saws. They're "affordable" but he has a 20-week backlog of orders, so you probably won't be able to get a saw for the shootout.
Michael Bennett
2020-09-06 04:15:30 +0000 UTCI bought the GreatNeck N2610 - 26 Inch 12 TPI Cross Cut Hand Saw off amazon and it is supposed to be resharpenable, at least I could resharpen mine, it was around 26 bucks and it got me started. The only downside for me really is that is tends to flex and buckle rather easily but it seems like a nice option for the weekend woodworking warrior. Thanks for the videos really having fun trying out some of the projects!
Audel
2020-09-06 02:19:27 +0000 UTCWell done Rex, even though we might think we know all there is to know about saws, its always refreshing to hear some one discuss info about them as well can always learn more and or get reminded about tools in our craft. Always look forward to your shows as its down to earth and informative.
Brian Shaw
2020-09-06 02:16:41 +0000 UTCTage Frid said that when he bought a new saw, always a frame saw ‘cause that’s what they use in Denmark, the first thing he did was to re-file the crosscut teeth into rip teeth.
Paul thran
2020-09-06 01:55:45 +0000 UTCYoutube has been messing with ads on many channels even bypassing previous configurations about the advertisment placement that the youtubers had put in place.
Tsani Rósenov Sábev
2020-09-05 21:59:46 +0000 UTCI think you'll enjoy this video which explains this exact topic. https://youtu.be/JnKug-Avz14
Tsani Rósenov Sábev
2020-09-05 21:46:20 +0000 UTCgreat video BTW.
Deron Kosloski
2020-09-05 18:27:41 +0000 UTCI am finding with new western style panel saws that they have become way over priced, whether they are New or Antiques. I used to go to the hardware store, and buy a decent crosscut and/or rip saw for $25.00 or $30.00, usually a Stanley. now you can't find one for less than 70.00 - 80.00, if your lucky. Most sell for 125.00 to 200.00 nowadays, what happened? To me it seems the invention of the hard point saw , which I don't like BTW, jacked up the price of the once standard western panel saw. The hard point saws do not have the same feel as the Western style saw. Nothing against Japanese tools, but I feel more comfortable with Western style tools.
Deron Kosloski
2020-09-05 18:25:11 +0000 UTCThis video cleared up quite a few "I wonder if" questions for me, much appreciated. I have a dozuki for tenons and a ryoba for general cuts - I've arrived at these mostly through a combination of budget and fumbling, so nice to know I'm probably good for most of the cuts I need to make (and what to do about sharpening!). Of course I still am curious about resharpenable because it seems a useful skill, but I'm happy to wait for the results of the shootout. :)
Qorgyle
2020-09-05 18:15:19 +0000 UTCHow about frame saws for larger cuts? They seem to be a lot easier to find then new panel saws and are normally re-sharpenable.
KosmicValkyrie
2020-09-05 17:20:05 +0000 UTCThat's Youtube, not Rex. Rex doesn't make a penny off the ads. Bypass them asap or go for youtube premium which remove ads and gives you music.
Tom Manseau
2020-09-05 16:55:58 +0000 UTCDiamond files are relatively cheap. I would think you could sharpen a shock hardened saw with one.
Bill Smithem
2020-09-05 16:23:22 +0000 UTCAs usual, Excellent content and delivery! I have several of the older classic saws around here, but I can't lay hands on any of them - they're lost in the barn or one of the sheds. Gonna do an intensive search for them now, and also the sharpening vise that grandpa left me.
Howard Tuckey
2020-09-05 16:23:18 +0000 UTCFirst, loved the video! Very informative. Bit of a cliff hanger though!! Can't wait to see some shootout videos :D Howeever, at the end of the video, you made your standard statement about not having sponsorships - which I really admire about you. I've got a tight budget myself, but am able to subscribe for the $2/m Patreon. I'm hoping I can budget out some more later, it's worth it to support you, because you're supporting me educationally, and uhhh... not sure how to say? Your videos give me enthusiasm about wood crafts. You're a great influence for myself and many others. With that said, there was an ad on this video, for a roofing company. I'm not sure if it's something YouTube tossed on there per the video or per my account; if it's something from Patreon, or what. I was a bit dismayed when I seen it, but was able to quickly remove it. I'm not sure if you're aware of it, or even able to control it.
Jeremy Denslinger
2020-09-05 16:07:31 +0000 UTCOne problem I have run into is finding a good saw (tooth) set. I have an old vintage one but it doesn't seem to do anything. The ones I see on Amazon don't usually have good reviews. Do you have any recommendations? Maybe a bit about tuning up an old saw set in a future vid? Keep up the good work, Mr Rex!
Mark Morgan
2020-09-05 14:59:07 +0000 UTCRex, thank you once again for a great topic and another great video! Getting into saw sharpening seems a bit tedious, but I agree it’s definitely a skill I need to develop and you have taken the the worry factor out of it. I have a question: could one of the new, hardened non-sharpenable-(new word?) saws be anealed and drawn back on the teeth (straw color/about 400 degrees) with a torch so that they could be sharpened? Would that be something you’d be willing to experiment with (assuming you haven’t already) or is it maybe something not worth getting into? Have a great Labor Day weekend!
Sean O'Neill
2020-09-05 14:53:52 +0000 UTCId love to see how to repurpose a dead saw into scrapers. To be completely honest I'd like to see one from both an old saw and a modern saw. I've seen ones that are "mushroomed" over and ones that have a flat/square edge. Don't know which one is for what use and it seems like something we should all know
Gary Fetrow
2020-09-05 14:05:31 +0000 UTCI’d love a followup video on the difference between rip and cross cut teeth and how to sharpen them.
Henrik Ubbe
2020-09-05 13:43:59 +0000 UTCI think all of those things could be done but I'm not sure it's worth the effort. I've found a few new handsaws that can be sharpened and they're not expensive.
Rex Krueger
2020-09-05 13:20:03 +0000 UTCAt that age, it's probably sharpenable. If the teeth don't look darker than the rest of the saw, you're probably good. Try a file on one of the teeth. If it cuts, you're good.
Rex Krueger
2020-09-05 13:19:05 +0000 UTCI have a saw which is 30 or so years old, it is a pretty rough cut saw. How would I know if it was sharpenable or not? Is there a way to tell?
Bill Rhodes
2020-09-05 13:15:13 +0000 UTCGreat video! My Dad used to take his saws to a guy who had an informal business as a “Saw doctor”. They came back with the teeth set and polished. Could you cut off the teeth on a blunt hardpoint with an angle grinder and file and set new teeth? How different would that be from a re-sharpenable saw? Could you also spot harden the new teeth with a mini spot welder like those sold for terminating lithium batteries? Keep up the enthusiasm! It’s great to watch!
God of Ramblers
2020-09-05 12:15:34 +0000 UTCnice work, as usual. I'm very much into sharpenable saws right now, since I saw an (somewhat old) tutorial of Ron Herman (called Sharpen Your Handsaws) where it is shown how to slightly adjust the saw's set with a file, so the saw is going to cut straight. I was never able to cut straight before knowing this trick!
Mihai Luţescu
2020-09-05 12:03:09 +0000 UTCAwesome vid. I have that exact kind of saw that you have in the vise that I gotta sharpen. Although I did most of my work with a ryoba before.
Tim Zhukov
2020-09-05 12:02:52 +0000 UTCAwesome video. I was wondering what you think of frame saws. I know at Highland woodworking you can get a new ECE frame saw and two additional crosscut and joinery rip blades for about $120 after tax and shipping
James Crandall
2020-09-05 11:30:13 +0000 UTCThanks for the video. Very informative about the hardening process. It would be fascinating to see how you would turn the spent saw into scrapers. And how to use card scrapers. I have never used one and they are a mystery to me. I love the inexpensive Japanese saw that I got after one of your earlier videos. - thanks again!
Robert Bullock
2020-09-05 11:20:40 +0000 UTC
