Getting back to the basics. Working with hand tools #4: Completed restoration on a 1917- 1918 Disston backsaw

After waiting a few weeks for the 4” double extra slim files to arrive via snail mail, the wait is finally over. I went right out to the shop to start the tedious process of filing new teeth on the blade. This was my first attempt and I must say that I was surprised to get it right. I made a simple file holder and a jig to help cut even teeth. It worked just fine, and I now have a 15 ppi rip blade with a very minor set to it. It tracks perfect, and starts the cut easily thanks to the 8 degree tooth. To fit the handle I used the freshly sharpened blade to cut the slot for the blade before I set the teeth. This made sure that the slot would be tight fitting. All in all I had a lot of fun giving this old saw a new lease on life. There is a great perfonal satisfaction to taking an old tool and making it perform like new or better. I can now bang out a half blind dovetail in 8 minutes, thanks to the straight and easy cutting action of this saw.

-- Julian, Park Forest, IL