Replies

1. 
   GeeSeaWhy | Dec 12, 2002 09:13pm | #1

   Woodcraft has a sharpening service. They might even have a store "near" you. http://www.woodcraft.com.

   HTH

   Graeme

2. 
   StanleyNiemiec | Dec 12, 2002 09:32pm | #2

   I have know numerous good sawfilers over the years and none of them have wanted to deal with dovetail saws.  I think that their machinery cannot be calibrated to handle the high number of teeth per inch on these saws.

   For a period, I gave up and when my dovetail saw got too dull, I bought another.  When the second one got dull, I refused to buy yet another one and got a feather edged file from Woodcraft for about $15. 

   I went at it  --  after looking at the existing tooth configuration with a strong hands lens.  Filing was straight across and I basically used the same amount of pressure and an equal number of stokes for the entire length of the blade.  I only filed enough to remove the bright spot on the saw tooth tip (when you look down the length of the saw from tip to back).

   It worked better than I could have hoped.  It also made me realize that as a skilled tradesman, learning how to sharpen certain tools was part of overall proficiency and expertise.  And after I finished with the dovetail saw, I went at my bow saw blade which was terrible when I bought it.  The results were almost wonderous.

   There was sufficient set remaining on the saw so I did not have to face that distinct problem.  I guess I will cross that bridge when I get to it.

3. 
   Alan | Dec 13, 2002 04:34am | #3

   Dave,

   A number of woodworkers I respect give a fellow named Tom Law their highest possible recommendations.  His phone is (301) 824-5223; address 62 W. Water St., Smithsburg, MD 21783.

   Alan

1. 
   DaveM109 | Dec 13, 2002 03:33pm | #5

   Thanks Alan,

   Dave

4. 
   bill_1010 | Dec 13, 2002 06:02am | #4

   I think Lie-Nielsen offers a saw sharpening service.