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fret handsaw needs sharpening- service recommendations? http://www.luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10101&t=22592 |
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Author: | R Bryan [ Mon Jun 01, 2009 8:15 pm ] |
Post subject: | fret handsaw needs sharpening- service recommendations? |
Greetings from CT! My name is Rodger and I am primarily a lurking, amateur electric bass builder. I bought my first fret saw recently and, like many others who have purchased this model, am frustrated with the performance. The teeth are just plain dull. I pull, it goes bumpa-bumpa and wanders. If I wanted a textured fret slot, this is the go-to tool. If Zona would make a saw in the .023" ballpark, I would buy one now and save myself the hassle, but I really am interested in sharpening the saw I have. There are no handsaw sharpening services near me in CT (that I am aware of) and I don't mind sending the saw to a reputable sharpening service and paying for postage. Any references are appreciated and Northeast USA is preferable. Thank you for your input. Hey- if you offer this service, please let me know. Rodger |
Author: | Carey [ Mon Jun 01, 2009 9:02 pm ] |
Post subject: | Re: fret handsaw needs sharpening- service recommendations? |
-Mark Grable in Vermont does excellent work, specializing in japanese saws, but he also sharpens western saws (or used to anyway). His email is japanesehandsawsharpener@yahoo.com, but calling him might be better, at 802 885 3376. CW |
Author: | P@uL [ Mon Jun 01, 2009 9:10 pm ] |
Post subject: | Re: fret handsaw needs sharpening- service recommendations? |
sorry i can't answer your question but just so we don't go out and buy that certain fretsaw? what make is it? im going to be looking for a miter box and fretsaw set soon myself. |
Author: | Lillian F-W [ Mon Jun 01, 2009 9:21 pm ] |
Post subject: | Re: fret handsaw needs sharpening- service recommendations? |
Welcome Rodger. http://www.japanwoodworker.com/product.asp?s=JapanWoodworker&pf_id=07.117.120&dept_id=13085 Its not a Zona, but it might work for you anyway. |
Author: | R Bryan [ Tue Jun 02, 2009 7:18 pm ] |
Post subject: | Re: fret handsaw needs sharpening- service recommendations? |
Thanks for the replies and the recommendations. It is a Stew-Mac .023 fret saw. The quality of the steel seems to be fine, the slot that it cuts at the moment is a rough .026-.027". When it is sharpened, I'm wondering if it will narrow that a bit. I don't have $ to throw around, so sharpening an otherwise decent tool makes more sense now. Thanks again! Rodger That Japanese Hishiki looks like a real beast! |
Author: | Steve Marcq [ Tue Jun 02, 2009 8:26 pm ] |
Post subject: | Re: fret handsaw needs sharpening- service recommendations? |
If the kerf is a bit ragged and too wide, have you considered grinding off a bit of set? I do it to my dovetail saws (cheaper ones) and it is the simplest, quickest way to improve the cut. Put the saw flat on a board with the spine off the edge and take 2 passes on each side touching only the sides of the teeth (even pressure) with the edge of an oilstone. Do a test kerf, measure, and repeat as necessary until it cuts the kerf you want. Just remember even # of passes per side, same amount of pressure, or it will cut circles - like my right-handed chainsaw used to do... Steve |
Author: | Steve Marcq [ Tue Jun 02, 2009 8:26 pm ] |
Post subject: | Re: fret handsaw needs sharpening- service recommendations? |
If the kerf is a bit ragged and too wide, have you considered grinding off a bit of set? I do it to my dovetail saws (cheaper ones) and it is the simplest, quickest way to improve the cut. Put the saw flat on a board with the spine off the edge and take 2 passes on each side touching only the sides of the teeth (even pressure) with the edge of an oilstone. Do a test kerf, measure, and repeat as necessary until it cuts the kerf you want. Just remember even # of passes per side, same amount of pressure, or it will cut circles - like my right-handed chainsaw used to do... Steve |
Author: | R Bryan [ Wed Jun 03, 2009 6:01 pm ] |
Post subject: | Re: fret handsaw needs sharpening- service recommendations? |
Steve, thanks for the idea of narrowing the set this way. Since I use scary sharp papers on a granite plate, I have no oilstone, but I have a utility 300g diamond honing plate I could try. Rodger |
Author: | Flori F. [ Wed Jun 03, 2009 6:42 pm ] |
Post subject: | Re: fret handsaw needs sharpening- service recommendations? |
http://www.boggstool.com/ Originally recommended by someone else. Todd Stock, I think. But I always seem to be wrong about who said what on this forum. |
Author: | justink [ Wed Jun 03, 2009 8:55 pm ] |
Post subject: | Re: fret handsaw needs sharpening- service recommendations? |
I'm learning (more each time) how to sharpen my own dovetail saw which I got to the right set for a fret kerf. It is not that hard, just need a 4" double extra slim taper (which Ace will order in for you) and a Google search for How To. I always vote for do it yourself.... so far ![]() |
Author: | R Bryan [ Fri Jun 05, 2009 4:31 pm ] |
Post subject: | Re: fret handsaw needs sharpening- service recommendations? |
http://www.taunton.com/finewoodworking/ ... x?id=24976 This looks like something I can tackle. |
Author: | Mark Kosmowski [ Sat Jun 06, 2009 9:29 pm ] |
Post subject: | Re: fret handsaw needs sharpening- service recommendations? |
I'm coming from a general woodworking background and haven't done any lutherie yet, so take the below with whatever seasonings are needed. For sharpening handsaws, after filing the teeth, a saw set is used if needed to return teeth to the proper set to give a uniform kerf. These are some examples of set tools. I have not used a set tool nor indeed even resharpened a handsaw yet, but was educated about the existence of these devices at a recent woodworking show that had seminars in addition to a vendor hall. I hope this is helpful to you. Best of luck with your sharpening! |
Author: | Howard Klepper [ Sun Jun 07, 2009 12:04 pm ] |
Post subject: | Re: fret handsaw needs sharpening- service recommendations? |
Before you mess with it, you could just send it back to Stew Mac and they will replace it. |
Author: | Dave Higham [ Sun Jun 07, 2009 1:00 pm ] |
Post subject: | Re: fret handsaw needs sharpening- service recommendations? |
As Howard says, Stewmac give excellent service (second to none) if anything they sell is found to be faulty or sub-standard. |
Author: | Ennis Guitars [ Tue Jun 09, 2009 6:36 am ] |
Post subject: | Re: fret handsaw needs sharpening- service recommendations? |
Mine did the same thing and I tried putting candle wax on the teeth as I made each cut, and it made a big differance. ![]() |
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