Reply To: Converting rip cut saw to cross cut

I have an update:

Please note that this is a discussion of hand saws. I notice a reply regarding hand held circular saws. And of course it makes no sense to refile those.

I also note a reply which may be confusing thickness with width. Perhaps I used the wrong word, and when I said ‘width’, I should have said ‘height’. I mean the measurement from the teeth to the back, or spine of the plate.

After much to-and-froing, I refiled the middle thickness saw to a crosscut saw, and gave it a moderate set. I’m very happy I did. It’s nice to be able to get a faster, and better quality cut when desired. Much less work on the shooting board.

I also reset the thicker plate saw to the maximum I could. That was very interesting. I dialed the saw set to the maximum it would go, but because of the size of the teeth (8 TPI), they would only bend so far. I’m working with reclaimed fence, and deck material, so now I’m on the lookout for something with bigger teeth for ripping those 13-foot boards 😉

I left the thinnest saw as a rip, and its set it for the minimum kerf without binding too much. I’m cutting some larger tenons at the moment, and it’s nice to get close to the line with a decent finish.