More on Saw Sharpening Files

From Charles Johnson's Saw Dictionary, The Builders Guide, Second Edition Revised, 1909

Provided by Don McConnell, Don.McConnell (at) axom.com

Files

Use NICHOLSON'S SLIM TAPER FILES, as follows:

8-inch for 6/8, 7/8 and 1-inch band-saws.

7-inch for 1/2 and 5/8-inch band-saws.

6, 7 and 8-inch on the rakers of crosscut saws and American and Tenon Tooth framing saws.

6-inch for 5, 5 1/2 and 6-point rip saws and 3/8-inch band-saws.

5 1/2-inch for 6, 7 and 8-point rip and cutoff saws.

4 1/2-inch for 8, 9 and 10-point rip and cutoff saws.

4-inch for 10 and 11-point cutoff saws.

Extra slim 4-inch for 11 and 12-point cutoff and meat saws, and 8-inch mill bastard on small circular and lance-tooth cross-cut saws.

NICHOLSON SLIM TAPER or EXTRA SLIM TAPER FILES are the strongest and each size is better shaped for handsaw filing than any other make of files. The teeth of these files are pitched, sized and spaced exactly right for easy, rapid work, and in connection with the superior quality of the steel, make a file that cuts from two to ten times faster and lasts from two to ten times longer than many files on the market. Stub files, back files, and files of queer, strange shapes are simply a wast of time and money.

The SLIM TAPER FILE is the fastest cutting and the EXTRA SLIM TAPER does smoother work and lasts longer.

Use new files carefully. Don't file hard saws with them until they have been well worn on soft or medium hard saws. Do not bear on too hard or let them slip. Do not bear down or file on the backward strike. Avoid case-hardened spots and you will get twice the service out of them.

Run the file level, which will prevent irregular formation of the saw teeth, and when a file wears smooth so you can not control it, throw it away.

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