Fig. 17.
Figs. [16] and [17] show two styles of saw-sets; much might be said in favor of each.
Saw clamps or vises used to hold the saw when filing can be bought (see [Fig. 18]), but a simple homemade vise can be put together by means of two pieces of board, one 3 feet 6 inches long and 6 inches wide, and one 2 feet 4 inches long and 6 inches wide. By fastening a piece 2½ inches thick about 10 inches from the top of each, to act as a fulcrum, and fastening a piece on each board at the top to act as jaws, and using a wedge at the bottom to tighten it up, a very serviceable vise is obtained ([see Fig. 19]).
Fig. 18.
Fig. 19.
To assist those not skilled in the art of filing, there is made a saw-filing clamp with a guide, of which a cut is here shown in [Fig. 20].
A few general rules may be observed in saw-filing: See that the file is held at the same angle throughout the operation. File every other tooth on one side, and when filed, reverse the saw and file the other teeth from the other side. For rip saws, place the file at right angles with the saw, and file the rake of tooth at right angles to the edge. After a saw is properly set and filed, lay it on a flat board and rub over the points of the teeth on the sides with an oil stone; this will regulate the set and insure smooth cutting, making the filing last longer. Should the saw not run true take another cut with the oil stone over the side toward which it leads.