About file's life.
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Hi all.
Just a simple question, really. I’ve just started with saw sharpening and I’ve bought a pair of Bahco files of each size I will need for my different kind of saws (following, as you can suppose, Paul’s recommendation about using a file with a size of at least twice the tooth’s height).
How much time will last a (good) file if it’s used for saw sharpening? Or, doing the same question in a different manner, how many sharpenings can be done with a file before discard it due to be worn? I have 12″ tenon saws and 20 and 22 in handsaws.
Thank you.
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This topic was modified 5 years, 3 months ago by
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This topic was modified 5 years, 3 months ago by
This is not an easy question to answer. It depends on a number of factors including how much work has to be done initially in sharpening the saws. You did not mention whether the saws were bought new, in which case an initial “touch-up” is all that may be required, or whether the saws were used. My own saws were purchased off E-Bay and some of them required considerable work in getting them sharp. In addition saw steel varies in hardness and this also has an effect as does your filing technique. How many strokes per tooth and how hard you bear down on the file.
I have sharpened some of my S&J and Tyzack saws numerous times and the files are still good. When they stop cutting I will replace them.
Incidentally the Bahco files have an excellent reputation and I an very pleased with the ones I bought.
Good luck.
I’m guessing you saw the clip when he recommended the Bahco files about a year ago (funny–I ordered one that morning for $8 on Amazon and then they raised the price and I had to wait nearly 6 MONTHS before I got it. I refused to cancel my order and place a new one at a higher price!).
I believe in that same video, Paul indicated he was so impressed by the Bahco because he had sharpened something like 50 saws with the same file. Sounds like one of the best products to come out of Portugal!
You’re right, Chris. I didn’t say anything about the conditions of my saws, but they are in variable condition actually. I have a new Spear and Jackson handsaw (the same one that appears in Paul’s videos), but a I have too an old and very strong 5 tpi handsaw (5 euro at a flea market) with a fairly thick steel plate and another really good second-hand saw, with more flexible steel plate, that needs a lot of equalization (it has no 2 teeth with the same height). Respecting the tenon saws, I have a pair of old but quite good condition 14 and 10 tpi S&J and a new Pax from Thomas Flinn (this one was a beatiful present), and a few days ago I found per 8 euro a fantastic Tyzack, in fairly good condition that only needs a sharpening. As you say, the life of the files I use will depend upon the characteristics of steel and the quantity of restoration work that the old saws need. Thank you for answering.
Yes David, I think to remember that Paul talked about that in one of his blog’s posts. Unfortunately I’m not a very active woodworker ultimately :-(, so I suppose that I will be able to sharpen for a long time with a the files I want to buy these days. Thank you very much.
Hi Julio
A file should last you quite a long time, especially if you are using a quality file such as a Bahco. Im more familiar with the flat files, but I also use the taper-cut files for sharpening saws. For infrequent use a file can last years. I use Afile files, just because they are a quality product that is available in my country.
When using any file, it is critical that you ony have the file in contact with the steel on the foward stroke away from the file handle, lift it when you pull it bakwards or you will shorten the file’s life span by damaging the teeth. Also use the whole length of the file and all sides evenly, to distribute wear. If you think that a file is not working as well as it should, look at the teeth closely. Are they damaged? Brush any iron filings out of the teeth, all the teeth should stand neatly without any areas of imperfections. The teeth of a good file look clean and undamaged, even from a distange, without blemishes or inconsistancies. Teeth should generally be pointed and not folded over, or missing the tip. Comparing the file visually and in use to a new file could help. Its OK to have quite a lot of damage, but when there is too much its time to get a new file.
In short, files are like shoes. Its difficult to say when to throw one away, or how long they will last as this depends on how often you use it, how much you abuse it, and the innitial quality. With care a file should not be treated as a disposable single use item, but they will wear out before your saws.
ReUser
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