SAW SHARPENING May 24 Workshop
More often than not, when we pick up an old hand saw at a market, we see the desperate attempts of well intentioned 'woodworkers' to get their saws to cut. The results of course are saws, which if human, would be a nightmare to the most competent dentist. The even teeth, too much or uneven set and of course, broken teeth on saws that weren't meant to be set in the first place-largely the result of a lack of understanding of the saw's cutting action and the overall need for correctly shaped and even teeth. The saw needs to be sharp, cut cleanly, have clearance, remove sawdust from the kerf, and of course, be comfortable to use.
One can understand the current demand for 'throw away saws' and the 'hard points' especially in light of the cost of professionally resharpening the traditional saws, not overlooking the rapid narrowing of the blade with machine recutting. However, why give up?
Sharpening is well within the comfortable skill range of most folk, well demonstrated in the TTTG Saw Sharpening Workshops.
The May Workshop, following registration, started a little after nine-the keen students, saws in hand were focused to go. President Bob got the ball rolling with his usual motivational preamble. 'Do not waste time sharpening a dead saw' he tells them, 'there are plenty of good old saws out there, you just need to be able to recognize them'. Bob pointed out the properties of a quality saw blade and gave a brief coverage of early reputable makers, not overlooking a few of the current manufacturers of quality saws. This was followed by a brief explanation of the different cutting actions of both the Rip Saw and the Cross Cut Saws, also how subtle variations of rake, pitch and set, affect the saw's efficiency.
Now down to business!
Firstly the blades had to be cleaned, the teeth topped, shaped, set and sharpened. Step by step demonstrations demystified the seemingly awesome task of saw maintenance. The apprentice sawyers now had saws that would cut.
Our workshops are obviously proving popular and fill a need. WE were pleased to be able to welcome five new TTTG members at the May 24 Workshop.
Next Saw Sharpening Workshop is Sunday 27th September, 9am at Asquith Boys' High School
Postscript by Bob Crosbie
It is a great pleasure for me team teaching the saw sharpening workshop with John. We both advocate an identical slightly unorthodox method of filing which both simplifies and speeds up saw sharpening.
When it comes to speed few can match John. I freely acknowledge John as the better saw filer.
I also team teach the Spindle Turning and Pattern Routing workshop with John. When it comes to turning chisel handles few can match John for speed. If you can spindle turn chisel handles correctly you can spindle turn anything!
Concerning the practicalities of the saw sharpening workshop, there will be some old re-sharpened files on sale as well as some new files and old saw sets. You can try out the TTTG Saw Vice and thanks to Clynt's drawing you might make one for yourself when you get home. Of course if I see commercial copies of my design I may come to regret being so free and easy!
Members taking a break, looking over President Bob's bargain table. Bob never fails to bring along a distraction. 
Several advanced students are given some finer points.