For a beginner friendly guide on sharpening saws, see our sister site, Common Woodworking: commonwoodworking.com/sharpening-a-saw/ For more information about Paul Sellers and the projects he is involved with visit: paulsellers.com
which saw setting pliers would you recommend to buy today? the old ones that everyone is suggesting seem to have been running out of stock unfortunately
i don't understand , wasn't you supposed to sharpen the blade instead of making it flat with a perpendicolar movement? I tought you had to follow the blade to work agaist it :/
Hi Paul, love your videos. I have a question or two I understood that rip saws were 7 ppi and down and cross cut were 10 and up. Yet on your blog it said this For any saws that are 10ppi plus we sharpen them to a rip cut pattern for both ripping and cross cut work. This covers all the saws that we use daily at the bench. It is only when we go for less ppi than 10 that we would sharpen cross cut.. have I been doing things wrong . Also I thought that when sharpening a rip saw I done every second tooth and then reverse it . But on the video of you converting a crosscut to a rip cut you done every tooth from one side. . And help to clear things up . I have both rip and cross cut as well as dovetail . Regards pat
@@paddyharte4677 Hello Paddy. You're wrongly informed. All saws can be sharpened for either crosscut or ripcut. The length and number of teeth per inch are immaterial. Large toothed saws must be rip or crosscut pattern. I discriminate when the teeth get small, ie the reference 10ppi.apA smaller toothed saw will happily crosscut and ripcut with a ripcut pattern which is easier to sharpen. Yes. A ripcut pattern can be sharpened all from one side because of its square across. A crosscut cannot. We skip every other tooth and then work from the opposite side to create the three- pointed fleam tooth pattern.
Paul, I need to preface my comment with a hearty "thank you". My grandfather was a farmer, but every winter, her would go camp with the logging crews. He was a sawyer, and told me stories of how he'd sharpen two man cross cut saws while the rest of his crew would tend mule team and drink at night. I wasn't old enough to realize the goldmine of knowledge I had at the time, but I remember watching him sharpen my first axe when I was a boy. I've never been able to do it as smoothly as he did. I spoke with my mother two weeks before he died, and I told her I wanted him to sharpen my handsaws just so I could watch. Thank you for stepping in. My saws, my work, and I thank you.
@@benjamincrossman5937 the sub-titles completely block the view of actual meat of the video?! I could see not one peak at the edge of saw, file angle, or hand position. Might as well been watching a senate empeachment hearing!!!
@@geraldcouch4600 I understand I'm very late to this comment, and maybe this addition is new to TH-cam, but you can hold down left mouse button on the subtitles and move the subtitles around where ever is convenient for you.
Paul, I have viewed many, many videos on numerous topics but I have never seen any that compares to yours. Your voice, the method of presenting useful information is to be commended. Your experience is such that I cannot help but feel I am sitting in a special classroom watching someone who knows how to impart his knowledge. Thank you. Please keep imparting your knowledge to your numerous followers.
So, I bought a beat up old rusty saw from a flea market for $2 this past weekend. I followed your instructions, and now have a totally awesome saw!!! Holy crow, it cuts through wood like a hot knife through butter!!!
PAUL IS ONE OF FAVORITE PEOPLE ON PLANET EARTH. PEOPLE LIKE HIM ARE TREASURES TO OTHER CRAFTSMAN. WHAT A GREAT PERSON TO SHARE HIS VAST WEALTH OF WOODWORKING KNOWLEDGE.
I have watched this a ton of times, implemented your teachings one step at a time, and successfully returned many “trashed” saws to working order. I am today going to make a tool similar to your tiny file-like finishing paddle from the last sharpening step in this video. Each time I sharpen, the results are astronomically better than the last. I am excited to see the improvement I get by using the final step of your incredibly successful process. Thank you as always, -CY Castor
Thank you for publishing Paul. As I said in one of your Q and A videos I’m having a very lovely afternoon now reminiscing on time spent with my father. He was a saw doctor and many in my family have no idea what that entailed. He tried to teach me but I never had the patience as a child. He left me his tools when he passed on several years ago and I put most of them away in a box and have never touched them since. Thanks to you I’m going to get them out, clean them up and actually use them to repair the lovely saws he left me too. I dearly thank you from the bottom of my heart for giving me the impetus to do that. As someone else said your style is very much like having your father teach you. I feel he is teaching me again vicariously through you. I am so pleased to have found your channel. All the best to you sir.
Such a high quality for a 11 year old video, damn impressive, definately a lot of work here, especially with camera sliding along with a file and a lot of other details
This video came at the right time. I just recently bought an old saw with proper wooden handle at a flea market for only €2,-. Can't wait to sharpen it using these instructions! Thanks!
Paul Sellers... that was the first video I've ever watched on this subject... and you are an EXCELLENT teacher! Thank you so much from the state of Ohio (USA). Your voice, cadence... just your manner are as good as could ever be hoped. There is no need for anyone else to post a video on sharpening a saw. Nuff said!
In my effort to learn how to sharpen a hand saw, I have watched over 30 youtube videos out there on the subject. Your video is the most informative, detailed, and professional saw sharpening video out there. Thank you very much. Your shooting board video is also amazing.
Just sharpened my first saw it cuts like new and found it very therapeutic and satisfying thank you for this easy to follow guide can not wait for the cross cut
This is a University level presentation. You remembered me some of my beloved Medical professors during my medical student years. Now, as retired Orthopaedic Surgeon, I watched this video with the same enthusiasm. Well done!
I had never attempted to sharpen a saw but after watching this video I gave it a go with my relatively cheap and dull backsaw. I was amazed and believe it cut twice as good as new. I then watched the crosscut saw video and soon enough I had what seems like a entirely new assortment of saws.
I bought a $5 saw from Harbor Freight this morning. It literally wouldn't cut with the factory teeth. Reshaped the teeth as you suggested. It cuts like a dream. Can't thank you enough. BTW, am also sharpening my chisels and plane blades as suggested, they are also performing better than ever. John
Excellent information. I learned all of this back in the late 1960s and was wondering if you were going to show how to set the blade offset as without the each saw tooth offset it does not matter how sharp a saw is it won’t cut until one sets the teeth. Your video is the first one that I have seen to show this and the offset tool. Most people would not have a clue what the offset tool is and just buy a new saw when their saw gets dull. Again thank you for the upload.
Thank you for changing my whole thought process of woodworking. I am finding it peaceful and enjoyable again because of you. I bought 4 nice Disston handsaws today and a Stanley 8 C planer and look forward to cleaning up my little woodshop . This video was what I needed . Best videos on TH-cam !!!
As always it is an absolute pleasure to watch a fine craftsman in action and have real information from someone of such great standards. Thank you Mr. Sellers.
I’ve just sharpened a very blunt saw I got over 30 years ago and used it to rip down a 4ft 6x6 oak beam 😱 Didn’t take that long. Cheers Paul, you are a fantastic teacher. Can’t wait to sharpen my tenon saw now
Excellent tutorial. Some 40 plus years ago I needed a saw to cut door jams up to place lino, went and bought the most expensive, and I think it's even called a signature edition, and hit a nail virtually the first time using. Used it a few times since but was kinda dull so was never grabbed. So after watching and some careful observation, a good file, making a holder, and some elbow grease, I have a very nice, sharp, classic of a saw, that'll be the first to grab from now on.
Thanks for another fine, informative video. I had been bypassing this video for a while now. Partly because I learned how to sharpen saw blades and many other tools with various cutting edges in a course I took in college called wood technology (best 12 units I ever took). But mostly, it was the length of the video that had me staying away. Now that I've seen it, I must say, it went quick. I found myself getting that disappointment feeling when I looked at the red time bar to see over a half an hour had already played and it was almost over. You're a great teacher, Mr Sellers. ..a good shop teacher with all 10 fingers is a really great teacher. I like how you get the point across thoroughly, leaving no stone unturned along the way and nothing to question at the end. The things you post obviously come from experience. Most of the other woodworking videos on here are done by people who seem to have just learned what they now expect to teach. Some guys go on n on about jobsites, customers, blah, blah, blah.. but all their videos are about building shop furniture, like they're just now getting into woodworking.. Lol the reason I finally watched this video was because I had just got a reply from someone who posts a lot of videos, most of them are of her doing stuff wrong. I saw one of her videos about coping. Right out of the gate, it was obvious she didn't know what she was talking about. I wish I could remember what she said the reason was for the 45° back cut was , she definitely didn't say it was to reveal the profile of the molding. I couldn't help it, but I had to go straight to comments to explain it but she had comments disabled.. todays video was about sharpening multi tool saw blades. I waited til the painful end before I left a simple, respectful comment saying there was more to it than what she said. My memory on the subject is well rusty but what's rusted is all terminology, not technique. ..anyway, she replied with a bunch of double talk as if she knew what I was talking talking about and it didn't apply to her. I'm still wondering if I should set her straight or let it go... Thanks for being a pillar of truth in this tube full of uncertainty. You're a fine craftsman. ..one of the very select few people here on youtube for whom I would condider being an apprentice..
Hi Paul, just sharpened my first saw,. I was a bit nervous about doing it but your explanation made it really simple, it now cuts great! Thank you for all the informative videos you have really helped me progress with my woodworking.
I came here looking for "sharpen the saw" as a metaphor for self-improvement. But there's something about seeing the real thing behind a metaphor that brings it to life. Good craftsmanship has value beyond its immediate domain.
Hi "Quest." I've spent my life working with technology. Computer screens, circuit boards, transistors, etc. etc. It's provided an outlet for creativity that has made me very happy, but I've never done much with my bare hands. Just recently I've picked up this interest in woodworking, and Paul is amazing - watching his videos is like watching a Bob Ross painting video, and the prospect that I could learn to bring beauty out of wood myself just has me so amazingly excited. Yes, it's the real deal behind your metaphor, but it also is literally your metaphor - what a great way to improve one's self. I'm hooked, and it's largely thanks to Paul.
I keep learning even at an old age.. I never relay paid much attention as my Father always sharpened the saws sitting on the tailgate of the truck, Of course I learned enough but always wondered?? Now I know.. I know were the saw set is in my shop & have a few dozen old saws that where great grandpa's that all need sharpening.. And I even have the file too.. Thanks Paul!!
I recently purchased my first dovetail saw. An inexpensive model. After watching a few videos on sharpening the saw I applied the techniques. I still was not happy with cut speed or quality. I then figured you must have the instruction I need and sure enough I found this video. I resharpened the saw today using your technique and it cuts like a dream. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. It is much appreciated.
Thank you sir for Your wisdom in woodworking.. I am just dipping my toe Into woodworking and have found that your videos are far superior in both quality and content. I love the detail shots and explaining things in detail that most videos pass to quickly over or asume it's understood.. When often times it's not:) every orgional question I had at the start of your video you addressed in a very patient and understanding manner. I could watch your video here over and over again. I hope you keep the content comming sir cause I will watch and absorb all that I can:) thanks again and I look forward to more input and explination:)
Thank you Mr. Sellers. You give a clear and straightforward lesson on handsaw sharpening. I have a new appreciation for handsaws now so my collection of saws in dire need of sharpening will get a new life.
Paul, thank for these videos. I hadn't touched a saw or chisel since I was at school in the late 70's and watching you was like being in my class again when I was 13, learning skills not many people seem to retain due to the prevalence of power tools. Thanks.
We are foolish to let knowledge like this fade from our culture. We have this high and mighty civilization, and chances are we'll keep it, at least for a long time. But it's always possible for a nasty asteroid to come along, or a more severe pandemic, or a nuclear war, or whatever - and in the aftermath of such a cataclysm it will be the people with these skills who can keep some grace and beauty in the world. This knowledge is precious indeed. It's a simple thing - how to create beauty and joy with one's *hands*. What could be more remarkable? I have several woodworking masters that I watch and try to learn from, but Paul is my very favorite. It doesn't hurt at tall that he reminds me to some degree of my late father - that's just gravy on the potatoes. The accent isn't the same of course - my father lived his whole life in Alabama, USA. But something about the eyebrows and hairline really hits a button with me.
Your youtube vids are amazing. Youre obviously a master craftsman. Im a welder by trade, no longer able to work due to a broken back, so im a stay home day now. Ive been learning knife making, that moved me into blacksmithing, to then medieval armour making, and now trying to turn my hand to learning wood working, with the goal of becoming okay at joinery especially dove tails. But ive been going through all your classes and thorouhhly enjoying. Look8ng forward to buying some timber today to make my own saw that i watched you make thismorning. So i primarily need to tool up at the moment, so ive got to make a mallet, a marking guage and that wonderful saw. Im doing all this for 2 reasons, 1. To keep my mental health in a good place and 2. To learn as much different things i can so im able to teach my young son as many different skills i can. I thank you for taking the time to make these classes and i look forward to going from a clueless newbie to a reasonable wood worker, but using as many old school skills and tools i can. Thank you. Youre wonderful at teaching and explaining everything you do.......
Great tips, thanks for the micro-bevel with the diamond hone trick. I have been cross cutting my dovetail saws, I'm going to try one with a rip cut. I had not seen the progressive rake angle before, it makes total sense !
Thank you very much for this. My father owned a hardware store and growing up I used to watch his saw sharpening machine go back and forth on the saw. I never knew you could do it by hand.
Hi Paul. Thanks for all these great videos. I'm from a boat building family that my dad decided to go min a completely different direction as in insurnce sales and not boat building in Port Washington, NY! I'm now disabled from cancer and am now back into doing some "playing" to keep busy with all these old wooden planes and chisels and Stanleys from the early 1900s and what granddad taught me to use and sharpen.The problem is and I do get carried away typing>>>> next comment>>
This video also clearly explains why cuts are started with the toe of the saw so that the wood fibers are sliced by the lower cutting angle of the front teeth rather than aggressively pushed out of the way by the vertical cutting teeth further toward the heel. Yay learning!
Wow, am I impressed. Nice demeanor, terrific information and even great focusing. Many videos have very poor, frustrating focus. Excellent. I'm going to look for more of your videos.
Paul, thank you for a very well explained video on saws. I had never realised the saw was so complex. You’re a great teacher. Had seen your tutorials on planes,also great.Keep it up. Tony.
Paul, Just bought an old Diston back saw that am in the process of restoring. I have also just purchased a saw set and wasn't quite sure what setting / how much I set the teeth, also didn't understand why you took the saw and removed some of the set by striking between 2 hammers . Have been watching your videos on how to build a woodworking bench and have just purchased wood to start building over the summer. Great Videos!
I recent came into possession of 22" 12 PPI Atkins saw that I have been cleaning up (the saw plate was solid black when I got it). Though I have watched several other videos on saw sharpening I hated all of the various jigs and guides they used and being forced to choose between crosscut and rip cutting. Thanks to a mention from wranglerstar I decided to give Paul Sellers' crazy techniques another look and boy am I glad I did. Although I did not have a diamond hone to touch up the back of the teeth I was able to do everything else as this video instructs and am absolutely delighted with the results of my first saw sharpening. I used a Stanley No. 42 saw set and it is capable of applying a slight set that doesn't need corrected with a hammer. Thanks Paul!
I have just recently viewed your series on restoring hand planes and now I am watching you sharpen hand saws. I find them very enlightening and informative. I like the basic techniques you use and the useful attachments you make. Thanks for all your efforts and I shall continue viewing your other videos.
Paul Sellers is one of the few woodworkers on TH-cam who has actually spent a lifetime honing his craft. I scratch my head a bit when someone starts making instructional videos after spending a couple years as a hobbyist.
We've added English subtitles to this video. We work hard to reach as many people around the world and help them learn woodworking. We need your help to translate our videos subtitles to your language and progress our work. Please contribute translations here: th-cam.com/users/timedtext_cs_panel?tab=2&c=UCc3EpWncNq5QL0QhwUNQb7w
Fantastic. Utterly brimming with useful information. I hate it when someone tries to teach but doesn't explain the reason a given technique should be utilized. Paul Sellers tells the how AND why. Cementing the knowledge into the pupil. So long as that knowledge is desired by the one watching and listening. Bravo. Thank you sir. Do you sell DVD's with your workshop instruction? If not, you should. With a good marketing company you could surely expand your income. Also consider looking into Patreon to make opportunity for grateful viewers to pay for the service you are providing.
This is without doubt the very best video on both sharpening saws, and the theory behind the technique, I very much like the progressive rake tooth, and the micro bevel, I do hope this video goes some way to saving the many excellent saws which are languishing out there blunt, I think this may just save a lot of good saws from the landfill, as most people only know the awful hard point things which are so dead and lack any feedback, throw those in the landfill instead ! Chris B.
Paul, let start put by saying thank you. You video and explanation is top notch! I use to sharpen large circular saw blades for cutting steel. I ran 13 sharpen machines at the same time. I have sharpened drill bits and other various tools over the years, but never a hand saw. Now you passed your wisdom and know how on and I want to give it a go. Sharpening is a bit of an art and less and less people have the skills to do this kind of work. I can just imagine that this would have been common knowledge of carpenters and tradesmen, back in the day to maintain their tools. Unfortunately we have moved to a throw it away society, and it is just easier for people to just by new. With a bit of patience and practice anyone could master your technique.
The "microbevel" technique that you used was actually typical of that used in American. Called the 'American' crosscut technique by the Brits, it was once widely used by the Disston and Sons saw tool firm. In addition to this secondary rake, a deep and round gullet was also part of the sharpening technique.
Hello Paul...I just cut my first teeth and sharpened a progressive pitch tenon saw for the first time using your techniques in your videos...thanks for making what looks like voodoo clear and understandable....cheers from Australia.
Thanks for the video. I'm a carpenter joiner and my grandfather taught me to sharpen my saws and his methods were a bit different and simpler than yours. There are many details I never knew or thought of that you have addressed and I will be adding them to my sharpening methods from now on. Thanks again.
I love your vids. I dig the saw sharpening, straightening and setting vids, but since I acquired a few handsaws recently, I would love to see a full saw restoration video! I have surface rust, a cracked handle and missing bolts.
Great video! The small diamond file you use to apply the micro bevel to the rear of the teeth cuts both ways. So unlike a file that cuts only on the forward stroke, you can drag the diamond lap file backward on the draw stroke and double the amount of work it does for the same number of strokes.
I really enjoy these videos, because even in the most monotoneous process hes saying something about the hows and whys and you can learn so incredibly much, it is outstanding!
I like how he reluctantly ends up using a secondary bevel system but does so nonetheless also "if you miss a tooth you won't hurt anything" is great and I'm trying to have this sort of mindset as much as possible generally speaking. it's easy to lose sight of the bigger picture when you're stressing over two thousandths of an inch. ..life lessons all over the place in woodworking just like everything else 😊
This is how I learned woodworking. You need to know how your tools work before you can actually use them. Next thing you need to be able to take care of your tools. Very nice to see you explaining this in a way that even beginners should have no problem understanding this.
You do seem to be very knowledgeable of hand tools. Perhaps you could do a series of videos on specific tools, their designs and uses, how to identify each design and common care tips for them. An example is " what is a rip saw, how to identify a rip saw, and how to care for that tool properly. Do the same for crosscut saws and so on.
Thank you, Paul! My box mitre saw was pretty dull. Sought instructions online for how to sharpen it today (hard to find!) and found this video. The method is simple and well shown and explained. I have all the necessary tools. I had never sharpened the saw before, and indeed when I acquired it over 40 years ago it was used! I even pulled out my saw set today, which, believe it or not, I made myself from scratch after having carefully examined one available at a local hardware store over 40 years ago when I needed to sharpen my crosscut saw. However, I didn't bother setting the teeth on my mitre saw today. They have some visible set. If the saw seems to bind much I suppose I can pull out the saw set and go to work on it, but right now, it seems OK.
My dad showed me this when I was very young (70+ now). I was less than interested as I was going to play ball. He's gone , but I've got some of his saws. Your video just reminded me.
Hi Paul,I cant get enough of your woodwork videos,could you please let me know the make and model of your saw set tool .it looks like the one my dad used for many years ,he was a joiner and a very good one at that . I wish I had his skills . Please keep the films coming ........doug
For a beginner friendly guide on sharpening saws, see our sister site, Common Woodworking: commonwoodworking.com/sharpening-a-saw/
For more information about Paul Sellers and the projects he is involved with visit: paulsellers.com
As for all of your videos this is so informative. Great knowledge from a master.
Are you planning the video on crosscut?
Many many thx for your work.
which saw setting pliers would you recommend to buy today? the old ones that everyone is suggesting seem to have been running out of stock unfortunately
i don't understand , wasn't you supposed to sharpen the blade instead of making it flat with a perpendicolar movement? I tought you had to follow the blade to work agaist it :/
Hi Paul, love your videos. I have a question or two I understood that rip saws were 7 ppi and down and cross cut were 10 and up. Yet on your blog it said this For any saws that are 10ppi plus we sharpen them to a rip cut pattern for both ripping and cross cut work. This covers all the saws that we use daily at the bench. It is only when we go for less ppi than 10 that we would sharpen cross cut.. have I been doing things wrong . Also I thought that when sharpening a rip saw I done every second tooth and then reverse it . But on the video of you converting a crosscut to a rip cut you done every tooth from one side. . And help to clear things up . I have both rip and cross cut as well as dovetail . Regards pat
@@paddyharte4677 Hello Paddy. You're wrongly informed. All saws can be sharpened for either crosscut or ripcut. The length and number of teeth per inch are immaterial. Large toothed saws must be rip or crosscut pattern. I discriminate when the teeth get small, ie the reference 10ppi.apA smaller toothed saw will happily crosscut and ripcut with a ripcut pattern which is easier to sharpen. Yes. A ripcut pattern can be sharpened all from one side because of its square across. A crosscut cannot. We skip every other tooth and then work from the opposite side to create the three- pointed fleam tooth pattern.
Paul, I need to preface my comment with a hearty "thank you".
My grandfather was a farmer, but every winter, her would go camp with the logging crews. He was a sawyer, and told me stories of how he'd sharpen two man cross cut saws while the rest of his crew would tend mule team and drink at night. I wasn't old enough to realize the goldmine of knowledge I had at the time, but I remember watching him sharpen my first axe when I was a boy. I've never been able to do it as smoothly as he did. I spoke with my mother two weeks before he died, and I told her I wanted him to sharpen my handsaws just so I could watch.
Thank you for stepping in. My saws, my work, and I thank you.
One of the times we can truly appreciate the skill of the film crew for their tight framing and excellent lighting. Great video.
And the subtitles, which so few TH-cam channels bother to do.
@@benjamincrossman5937 the sub-titles completely block the view of actual meat of the video?! I could see not one peak at the edge of saw, file angle, or hand position.
Might as well been watching a senate empeachment hearing!!!
@@geraldcouch4600 if you had worse hearing you’d think differently about it. Or watch it twice :)
@@geraldcouch4600 You could turn off the subtitles.
@@geraldcouch4600 I understand I'm very late to this comment, and maybe this addition is new to TH-cam, but you can hold down left mouse button on the subtitles and move the subtitles around where ever is convenient for you.
Paul, I have viewed many, many videos on numerous topics but I have never seen any that compares to yours. Your voice, the method of presenting useful information is to be commended. Your experience is such that I cannot help but feel I am sitting in a special classroom watching someone who knows how to impart his knowledge.
Thank you. Please keep imparting your knowledge to your numerous followers.
I fully agree. Thanks Paul for sharing with us your strong experience.
I watch a lot of videos here on TH-cam and have found, that by far, Paul is the best teacher I have ever run across. Just simply excellent!
Agreed. Woodworking expertise aside, Paul is an unbelievably talented teacher!
Amen! Well said everyone
Yeah it's really a gift to us all that he is providing this kind of instruction basically for free to us. Seriously it's great.
So, I bought a beat up old rusty saw from a flea market for $2 this past weekend.
I followed your instructions, and now have a totally awesome saw!!! Holy crow, it cuts through wood like a hot knife through butter!!!
PAUL IS ONE OF FAVORITE PEOPLE ON PLANET EARTH. PEOPLE LIKE HIM ARE TREASURES TO OTHER CRAFTSMAN. WHAT A GREAT PERSON TO SHARE HIS VAST WEALTH OF WOODWORKING KNOWLEDGE.
Who knew that watching Mr Sellers sharpen a saw would be therapudic and relaxing
Thank you Mr Sellers, for sharing your experience and wisdom!
I have watched this a ton of times, implemented your teachings one step at a time, and successfully returned many “trashed” saws to working order. I am today going to make a tool similar to your tiny file-like finishing paddle from the last sharpening step in this video. Each time I sharpen, the results are astronomically better than the last. I am excited to see the improvement I get by using the final step of your incredibly successful process.
Thank you as always,
-CY Castor
You are the Bob Ross of the woodworking. Thank you for inspiring me and soothing my soul
Happy little saw teeth?
@@stevesmith8588, LOL
Thank you for publishing Paul. As I said in one of your Q and A videos I’m having a very lovely afternoon now reminiscing on time spent with my father. He was a saw doctor and many in my family have no idea what that entailed. He tried to teach me but I never had the patience as a child. He left me his tools when he passed on several years ago and I put most of them away in a box and have never touched them since. Thanks to you I’m going to get them out, clean them up and actually use them to repair the lovely saws he left me too. I dearly thank you from the bottom of my heart for giving me the impetus to do that.
As someone else said your style is very much like having your father teach you. I feel he is teaching me again vicariously through you. I am so pleased to have found your channel.
All the best to you sir.
Such a high quality for a 11 year old video, damn impressive, definately a lot of work here, especially with camera sliding along with a file and a lot of other details
This video came at the right time. I just recently bought an old saw with proper wooden handle at a flea market for only €2,-. Can't wait to sharpen it using these instructions! Thanks!
Paul Sellers... that was the first video I've ever watched on this subject... and you are an EXCELLENT teacher! Thank you so much from the state of Ohio (USA). Your voice, cadence... just your manner are as good as could ever be hoped. There is no need for anyone else to post a video on sharpening a saw. Nuff said!
In my effort to learn how to sharpen a hand saw, I have watched over 30 youtube videos out there on the subject. Your video is the most informative, detailed, and professional saw sharpening video out there. Thank you very much. Your shooting board video is also amazing.
Thanks
I treat these videos like an apprenticeship. You're pushing me along well, thanks mate.
I grew up in a machine shop. We were encouraged to use almost the entire length of the saw to cut the work . This carries over to woodworking nicely.
Just sharpened my first saw it cuts like new and found it very therapeutic and satisfying thank you for this easy to follow guide can not wait for the cross cut
Best tutorial on saw sharpening and setting I’ve seen - thanks!
Very usefull. To me the clearest sharpening and setting saws video. Thank you very much Paul
Thank you Paul you have made my tools work easier and my shop time more enjoyable
This is a University level presentation. You remembered me some of my beloved Medical professors during my medical student years. Now, as retired Orthopaedic Surgeon, I watched this video with the same enthusiasm.
Well done!
I had never attempted to sharpen a saw but after watching this video I gave it a go with my relatively cheap and dull backsaw. I was amazed and believe it cut twice as good as new. I then watched the crosscut saw video and soon enough I had what seems like a entirely new assortment of saws.
I bought a $5 saw from Harbor Freight this morning. It literally wouldn't cut with the factory teeth. Reshaped the teeth as you suggested. It cuts like a dream. Can't thank you enough. BTW, am also sharpening my chisels and plane blades as suggested, they are also performing better than ever. John
This bloke is just the best at explaining and taking the mystery out of woodworking .I find that other teachers are just too over complicated.
Excellent information. I learned all of this back in the late 1960s and was wondering if you were going to show how to set the blade offset as without the each saw tooth offset it does not matter how sharp a saw is it won’t cut until one sets the teeth. Your video is the first one that I have seen to show this and the offset tool. Most people would not have a clue what the offset tool is and just buy a new saw when their saw gets dull. Again thank you for the upload.
Thank you for changing my whole thought process of woodworking. I am finding it peaceful and enjoyable again because of you. I bought 4 nice Disston handsaws today and a Stanley 8 C planer and look forward to cleaning up my little woodshop . This video was what I needed . Best videos on TH-cam !!!
I love how you have demystified this issue and shown how simple it is to file a saw. thank you
what a wonderful presentation of how to sharpen and set a saw...I have never understood how to set the saw teeth until now...thank you :)Raphael.
As always it is an absolute pleasure to watch a fine craftsman in action and have real information from someone of such great standards. Thank you Mr. Sellers.
Hi Mr. Paul.
Im still fascinated by this old shop.
Best saw sharpening video I’ve seen. Well done!!! Thank you.
I’ve just sharpened a very blunt saw I got over 30 years ago and used it to rip down a 4ft 6x6 oak beam 😱 Didn’t take that long. Cheers Paul, you are a fantastic teacher. Can’t wait to sharpen my tenon saw now
I have a small sharpening business here in East Texas and thank you so much for your videos.
I love the sound of a handsaw. Brings back a whole other time. I enjoy your videos very much.
Excellent tutorial. Some 40 plus years ago I needed a saw to cut door jams up to place lino, went and bought the most expensive, and I think it's even called a signature edition, and hit a nail virtually the first time using. Used it a few times since but was kinda dull so was never grabbed. So after watching and some careful observation, a good file, making a holder, and some elbow grease, I have a very nice, sharp, classic of a saw, that'll be the first to grab from now on.
Thanks for another fine, informative video. I had been bypassing this video for a while now. Partly because I learned how to sharpen saw blades and many other tools with various cutting edges in a course I took in college called wood technology (best 12 units I ever took). But mostly, it was the length of the video that had me staying away. Now that I've seen it, I must say, it went quick. I found myself getting that disappointment feeling when I looked at the red time bar to see over a half an hour had already played and it was almost over. You're a great teacher, Mr Sellers. ..a good shop teacher with all 10 fingers is a really great teacher. I like how you get the point across thoroughly, leaving no stone unturned along the way and nothing to question at the end. The things you post obviously come from experience. Most of the other woodworking videos on here are done by people who seem to have just learned what they now expect to teach. Some guys go on n on about jobsites, customers, blah, blah, blah.. but all their videos are about building shop furniture, like they're just now getting into woodworking..
Lol the reason I finally watched this video was because I had just got a reply from someone who posts a lot of videos, most of them are of her doing stuff wrong. I saw one of her videos about coping. Right out of the gate, it was obvious she didn't know what she was talking about. I wish I could remember what she said the reason was for the 45° back cut was , she definitely didn't say it was to reveal the profile of the molding. I couldn't help it, but I had to go straight to comments to explain it but she had comments disabled.. todays video was about sharpening multi tool saw blades. I waited til the painful end before I left a simple, respectful comment saying there was more to it than what she said. My memory on the subject is well rusty but what's rusted is all terminology, not technique. ..anyway, she replied with a bunch of double talk as if she knew what I was talking talking about and it didn't apply to her. I'm still wondering if I should set her straight or let it go...
Thanks for being a pillar of truth in this tube full of uncertainty. You're a fine craftsman. ..one of the very select few people here on youtube for whom I would condider being an apprentice..
Hi Paul, just sharpened my first saw,. I was a bit nervous about doing it but your explanation made it really simple, it now cuts great! Thank you for all the informative videos you have really helped me progress with my woodworking.
Thanks Paul, very, very good explained. I will start right now with sharpening.
Another great video with commentary and a camera view that makes the topic understandable for a novice woodworker. Thank you!
I came here looking for "sharpen the saw" as a metaphor for self-improvement. But there's something about seeing the real thing behind a metaphor that brings it to life. Good craftsmanship has value beyond its immediate domain.
Hi "Quest." I've spent my life working with technology. Computer screens, circuit boards, transistors, etc. etc. It's provided an outlet for creativity that has made me very happy, but I've never done much with my bare hands. Just recently I've picked up this interest in woodworking, and Paul is amazing - watching his videos is like watching a Bob Ross painting video, and the prospect that I could learn to bring beauty out of wood myself just has me so amazingly excited. Yes, it's the real deal behind your metaphor, but it also is literally your metaphor - what a great way to improve one's self. I'm hooked, and it's largely thanks to Paul.
I keep learning even at an old age.. I never relay paid much attention as my Father always sharpened the saws sitting on the tailgate of the truck, Of course I learned enough but always wondered?? Now I know.. I know were the saw set is in my shop & have a few dozen old saws that where great grandpa's that all need sharpening.. And I even have the file too.. Thanks Paul!!
All of Paul's videos have a hidden lesson that I badly needed: how to be patient.
What an amazing video. Thank you for that two view camera cut and that close-up view of the teeth. So good.
I recently purchased my first dovetail saw. An inexpensive model. After watching a few videos on sharpening the saw I applied the techniques. I still was not happy with cut speed or quality. I then figured you must have the instruction I need and sure enough I found this video.
I resharpened the saw today using your technique and it cuts like a dream. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. It is much appreciated.
Thank you sir for
Your wisdom in woodworking.. I am just dipping my toe Into woodworking and have found that your videos are far superior in both quality and content. I love the detail shots and explaining things in detail that most videos pass to quickly over or asume it's understood.. When often times it's not:) every orgional question I had at the start of your video you addressed in a very patient and understanding manner. I could watch your video here over and over again. I hope you keep the content comming sir cause I will watch and absorb all that I can:) thanks again and I look forward to more input and explination:)
Absolutely fantastic video. I always come back to this video when it's time to sharpen a saw!
Thank you Mr. Sellers. You give a clear and straightforward lesson on handsaw sharpening. I have a new appreciation for handsaws now so my collection of saws in dire need of sharpening will get a new life.
Paul, thank for these videos. I hadn't touched a saw or chisel since I was at school in the late 70's and watching you was like being in my class again when I was 13, learning skills not many people seem to retain due to the prevalence of power tools.
Thanks.
We are foolish to let knowledge like this fade from our culture. We have this high and mighty civilization, and chances are we'll keep it, at least for a long time. But it's always possible for a nasty asteroid to come along, or a more severe pandemic, or a nuclear war, or whatever - and in the aftermath of such a cataclysm it will be the people with these skills who can keep some grace and beauty in the world. This knowledge is precious indeed. It's a simple thing - how to create beauty and joy with one's *hands*. What could be more remarkable?
I have several woodworking masters that I watch and try to learn from, but Paul is my very favorite. It doesn't hurt at tall that he reminds me to some degree of my late father - that's just gravy on the potatoes. The accent isn't the same of course - my father lived his whole life in Alabama, USA. But something about the eyebrows and hairline really hits a button with me.
Thank you. That was the most comprehensive guide to saws I've ever seen. I didn't know quite how much I didn't know.
Your youtube vids are amazing. Youre obviously a master craftsman. Im a welder by trade, no longer able to work due to a broken back, so im a stay home day now. Ive been learning knife making, that moved me into blacksmithing, to then medieval armour making, and now trying to turn my hand to learning wood working, with the goal of becoming okay at joinery especially dove tails. But ive been going through all your classes and thorouhhly enjoying. Look8ng forward to buying some timber today to make my own saw that i watched you make thismorning. So i primarily need to tool up at the moment, so ive got to make a mallet, a marking guage and that wonderful saw. Im doing all this for 2 reasons, 1. To keep my mental health in a good place and 2. To learn as much different things i can so im able to teach my young son as many different skills i can. I thank you for taking the time to make these classes and i look forward to going from a clueless newbie to a reasonable wood worker, but using as many old school skills and tools i can.
Thank you. Youre wonderful at teaching and explaining everything you do.......
Great tips, thanks for the micro-bevel with the diamond hone trick. I have been cross cutting my dovetail saws, I'm going to try one with a rip cut. I had not seen the progressive rake angle before, it makes total sense !
Thank you very much for this. My father owned a hardware store and growing up I used to watch his saw sharpening machine go back and forth on the saw. I never knew you could do it by hand.
Hi Paul. Thanks for all these great videos. I'm from a boat building family that my dad decided to go min a completely different direction as in insurnce sales and not boat building in Port Washington, NY! I'm now disabled from cancer and am now back into doing some "playing" to keep busy with all these old wooden planes and chisels and Stanleys from the early 1900s and what granddad taught me to use and sharpen.The problem is and I do get carried away typing>>>> next comment>>
It's great to have access to these videos, especially for people like me who are learning most things themselves.
This video also clearly explains why cuts are started with the toe of the saw so that the wood fibers are sliced by the lower cutting angle of the front teeth rather than aggressively pushed out of the way by the vertical cutting teeth further toward the heel. Yay learning!
Just starting out. Great clear instruction, cannot fault the detail and the explanations. Many thanks.
Thank you for the video, I found it helpful. I've used what you refer to as a micro bevel, I got the idea from looking at circular saw blades.
I tried and it works for me!!!!!!!! 🤗 Thanks Mr. Paul and greets from the Netherlands
Wow, am I impressed. Nice demeanor, terrific information and even great focusing. Many videos have very poor, frustrating focus. Excellent. I'm going to look for more of your videos.
agreed. very informative to the layman
Paul's videos are very carefully thought out. There's a lot more work goes into them than meets the eye
Paul, thank you for a very well explained video on saws. I had never realised the saw was so complex.
You’re a great teacher. Had seen your tutorials on planes,also great.Keep it up. Tony.
Paul,
Just bought an old Diston back saw that am in the process of restoring. I have also just purchased a saw set and wasn't quite sure what setting / how much I set the teeth, also didn't understand why you took the saw and removed some of the set by striking between 2 hammers . Have been watching your videos on how to build a woodworking bench and have just purchased wood to start building over the summer. Great Videos!
I recent came into possession of 22" 12 PPI Atkins saw that I have been cleaning up (the saw plate was solid black when I got it). Though I have watched several other videos on saw sharpening I hated all of the various jigs and guides they used and being forced to choose between crosscut and rip cutting.
Thanks to a mention from wranglerstar I decided to give Paul Sellers' crazy techniques another look and boy am I glad I did. Although I did not have a diamond hone to touch up the back of the teeth I was able to do everything else as this video instructs and am absolutely delighted with the results of my first saw sharpening. I used a Stanley No. 42 saw set and it is capable of applying a slight set that doesn't need corrected with a hammer.
Thanks Paul!
first of.. WOW the film crew on this. second thank you paul for the great video.
I have just recently viewed your series on restoring hand planes and now I am watching you sharpen hand saws. I find them very enlightening and informative. I like the basic techniques you use and the useful attachments you make. Thanks for all your efforts and I shall continue viewing your other videos.
Paul, you’re like a magician with a bag of tricks. Only it’s not magic, it’s real. Or maybe it IS magic; you sure set the standard.
Paul Sellers is one of the few woodworkers on TH-cam who has actually spent a lifetime honing his craft. I scratch my head a bit when someone starts making instructional videos after spending a couple years as a hobbyist.
I have learned so much from your video! Many thanks.
Thanks Paul, great video as usual. I am on my way to learning the correct way to sharpen my saws.
Thanks. You answered a lot of questions. I'm thinking of going all hand tools, and knowing how to keep em sharp is essential.
Marvelous! I didn't know there was so much to know about saws. TYSM.
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Fantastic. Utterly brimming with useful information. I hate it when someone tries to teach but doesn't explain the reason a given technique should be utilized.
Paul Sellers tells the how AND why. Cementing the knowledge into the pupil. So long as that knowledge is desired by the one watching and listening. Bravo. Thank you sir.
Do you sell DVD's with your workshop instruction? If not, you should. With a good marketing company you could surely expand your income. Also consider looking into Patreon to make opportunity for grateful viewers to pay for the service you are providing.
This is without doubt the very best video on both sharpening saws, and the theory behind the technique, I very much like the progressive rake tooth, and the micro bevel, I do hope this video goes some way to saving the many excellent saws which are languishing out there blunt, I think this may just save a lot of good saws from the landfill, as most people only know the awful hard point things which are so dead and lack any feedback, throw those in the landfill instead ! Chris B.
Paul, let start put by saying thank you. You video and explanation is top notch! I use to sharpen large circular saw blades for cutting steel. I ran 13 sharpen machines at the same time. I have sharpened drill bits and other various tools over the years, but never a hand saw. Now you passed your wisdom and know how on and I want to give it a go.
Sharpening is a bit of an art and less and less people have the skills to do this kind of work. I can just imagine that this would have been common knowledge of carpenters and tradesmen, back in the day to maintain their tools. Unfortunately we have moved to a throw it away society, and it is just easier for people to just by new. With a bit of patience and practice anyone could master your technique.
Thanks for showing. My back saw cuts like never before.
Very good info for me! I didn't understand for sure what kind of files to use and where to buy them. Thanks SO much for your great video!
The "microbevel" technique that you used was actually typical of that used in American. Called the 'American' crosscut technique by the Brits, it was once widely used by the Disston and Sons saw tool firm. In addition to this secondary rake, a deep and round gullet was also part of the sharpening technique.
Thank you very very much. It's amazing that such old skills are preserved up to this day. Going to sharpen my saws right away!
Hello Paul...I just cut my first teeth and sharpened a progressive pitch tenon saw for the first time using your techniques in your videos...thanks for making what looks like voodoo clear and understandable....cheers from Australia.
Thanks for the video. I'm a carpenter joiner and my grandfather taught me to sharpen my saws and his methods were a bit different and simpler than yours. There are many details I never knew or thought of that you have addressed and I will be adding them to my sharpening methods from now on. Thanks again.
Fantastic. You are simple and precise. Great tutorial. Many thanks
I love your vids. I dig the saw sharpening, straightening and setting vids, but since I acquired a few handsaws recently, I would love to see a full saw restoration video! I have surface rust, a cracked handle and missing bolts.
Excellent videography!
Great video! The small diamond file you use to apply the micro bevel to the rear of the teeth cuts both ways. So unlike a file that cuts only on the forward stroke, you can drag the diamond lap file backward on the draw stroke and double the amount of work it does for the same number of strokes.
I really enjoy these videos, because even in the most monotoneous process hes saying something about the hows and whys and you can learn so incredibly much, it is outstanding!
I like how he reluctantly ends up using a secondary bevel system but does so nonetheless
also "if you miss a tooth you won't hurt anything" is great and I'm trying to have this sort of mindset as much as possible generally speaking. it's easy to lose sight of the bigger picture when you're stressing over two thousandths of an inch.
..life lessons all over the place in woodworking just like everything else 😊
Thank you Paul for your invaluable information on rip saw sharpening. Geoff.
This is how I learned woodworking. You need to know how your tools work before you can actually use them. Next thing you need to be able to take care of your tools.
Very nice to see you explaining this in a way that even beginners should have no problem understanding this.
You do seem to be very knowledgeable of hand tools. Perhaps you could do a series of videos on specific tools, their designs and uses, how to identify each design and common care tips for them. An example is " what is a rip saw, how to identify a rip saw, and how to care for that tool properly. Do the same for crosscut saws and so on.
Thank you for taking the time and making this video!
Thank you, Paul! My box mitre saw was pretty dull. Sought instructions online for how to sharpen it today (hard to find!) and found this video. The method is simple and well shown and explained. I have all the necessary tools. I had never sharpened the saw before, and indeed when I acquired it over 40 years ago it was used! I even pulled out my saw set today, which, believe it or not, I made myself from scratch after having carefully examined one available at a local hardware store over 40 years ago when I needed to sharpen my crosscut saw. However, I didn't bother setting the teeth on my mitre saw today. They have some visible set. If the saw seems to bind much I suppose I can pull out the saw set and go to work on it, but right now, it seems OK.
Thanks for making these videos. Young woodworkers like myself love learning from quality craftsman, not many on job sites these days...
Another great one from Mr. Sellers! You’re the best. Thanks!
Superb.
Very accurate explanation.
Thank you.
Good show, I have a big cast iron saw vise I picked up and have been meaning to put to good use
Thanks! You're a good teacher, your videos are awesome with all those fantastic tools! The colors, I mean.... really nice!
My dad showed me this when I was very young (70+ now). I was less than interested as I was going to play ball. He's gone , but I've got some of his saws. Your video just reminded me.
Hi Paul,I cant get enough of your woodwork videos,could you please let me know the make and model of your saw set tool .it looks like the one my dad used for many years ,he was a joiner and a very good one at that . I wish I had his skills . Please keep the films coming ........doug