How to sharpen a dovetail saw?

easterngray · Post by **easterngray** » Sat Jun 02, 2012 8:01 am

Can anyone give me any direction for sharpening my dovetail saw? Thanks - Alec

holsgo · Post by **holsgo** » Sat Jun 02, 2012 10:47 am

There are complete instructions online. But this may require a saw"set" which basically bends the teeth slightly to the outside of the blade body. This is what allows the kerf to pass the blade through. So in short, you need a needle file and a saw set to do the job. Clamp the blade upside down in a vice and....then follow the online directions...

nuhobby · Post by **nuhobby** » Sat Jun 02, 2012 10:52 am

Here is a nice tutorial -- for a crosscut saw and a coping saw -- from one of our members:
https://forum.shopsmith.com/viewtopic.php?t=6296

For a Dovetail saw, most times the preference is for a Rip pattern. In such a case, the file goes perpendicular across the teeth, and not in the zig-zag pattern ("fleam angle") shown for the crosscut teeth sharpening.

This is just the beginning... and sufficient for many cases. But many more links can be found on a web-search, further detailing 'rake' angle and so on.

Good luck!

PS. I've used a couple of blocks of wood to hold sawblades in a Vise or a Workmate, without buying a saw-vise.