In sharpening a saw, first examine it to determine what is necessary to put it in condition. If your saw needs sharpening only-- called "pointing up"-- pass the flat side of a mill file lightly over the points until all show small "tops." This is "jointing" (evening) the saw. We manufacture a Hand Saw jointer especially for this purpose. (See page 31.)
Clamp the saw tightly, allowing only enough room between teeth and clamp for c1earance of the file. Sharpen from either point or butt of saw. Different authorities advocate both methods. Usually, in manufacturing, alternate teeth are filed from point to butt, the saw reversed and the remaining teeth filed in the same direction. With either method, place the edge of file well into gullet, letting it find its own bearing against the teeth-thus retaining the original shape of the teeth. Govern the pressure on the file by the size of the "top" resulting from jointing, and keep an even length of teeth by removing one-half of the top from each side of the tooth.
To sharpen nicely, an even set is required. Our "Triumph" Saw Set (page 30) particularly gives a perfect and uniform set of any desired degree within the proper limits of a good saw. Confine the set to the tooth. Never carry the set into the blade.
Study your new saw. Follow the original shape, rake, bevel and set in "fitting up."