Sharpening a Crosscut Handsaw | Paul Sellers

When and why do we sharpen saws to a crosscut? How do you go about doing it? Paul explains the reasoning behind them and goes through the full process of sharpening a crosscut saw. With a little practice, you will be able to sharpen crosscut saws with confidence.
See our video on recutting and resizing saw teeth if working on a saw that needs more drastic restoration.

[arasul]

Paul, you are the best teacher, tutor, instructor, master...falling short of synonyms as English is not my first language. I have been pursuing woodworking as a hobby for over 30 years now, never went to any woodworking school, and learnt over eighty percent of what I know from your instructional videos. Before youtube it was a challenge to learn the skill solely by reading books. I wish I could actually become a student of yours to learn traditional woodworking. Kudos to you.

[coltaylor]

Hello Paul. I have been a Carpenter& Joiner for almost 50 years I still have my original saws I first bought as an apprentice at Browns of Wilmslow Cheshire I have lived in Australia over 30 years now and still use my saws which have become apart of me. and I still love to sharpen them.
I have found your explanation video on saw sharpening and setting cross cuts and rip saws perhaps the best I have ever seen.
Although these days of buy/ use and throw away saws has almost become the norm in the trade I have to admit having a resharpen able saw in your tool box is a lovely thing, to have and to hold and to cherish it evokes lovely memories for me and its special. Power tools are fantastic and do have an important place these days regarding time and labour and all that but working buy hand in the workshop and on site is something very satisfying. I am very glad I had the opportunity to experience this and it is something that has never left me.
Thanks Paul for your smashing YouTube videos
Kind Regards
Col Taylor

[hillcountrygarage]

These skills are a dying art. This is the best sharpening demonstration I've seen yet.

[m.v.k]

I sold tools for 23 years, both in a builders merchant and as a tool rep for a hand tool whole sales to DIY shops and other places. I have learnt more in watching your videos in a couple of nights than I ever did in those 23 years. Thank you Paul, I used to consider myself an expert but no longer, as I feel I knew very little until you taught me the right way of doing things with & to tools.

[houstonsam]

Paul Sellers is simply a genius for non-nonsense practical approaches to this craft. The very simple idea of a couple of 1x2s joined with a screw and washer, with the fleam angle penciled in at intervals along the length, is so perfect, but I never would have thought of it. Sharpening a cross cut saw seems intimidating, but with this demonstration I'm sure even I can pull it off.

[christophercastor]

This might be the fourth time I have watched this video in the last year or so (Covid Time!). I have been looking for an old affordable handsaw to compliment my growing set of (wood specific) hand tools. I recently pulled the trigger on an eBay lot that granted me half a dozen saw plates and a decent handle that plays well with the group. They are dang near brand new (at about 65 years old). I am STOKED to shape the teeth and let them Chew! Your rip cut sharpening and “re-teething” videos have allowed me to cut my first dovetails with my grandfather’s, and your bench plane videos let me return his #5 to service and build my nephew and desk with a hand joined top. Mr. Sellers, I can’t say Thanks enough to express my gratitude and appreciation for the generous presentation of your hard earned experience. Thank you for helping my nephew attend Virtual school at a workspace We built together; learning side by side under your tutelage.
Cheers Mate!
-Christopher Castor

[aleblanc]

If anyone on the planet can make watching saw sharpening fun, it's Paul Sellers. Many thanks for taking the mystery out of this task. It's hard to imagine my dad used to drop his saws off for a "professional" sharpening.

[Roger-x]

Your videos bring a rank amateur out of the darkness and into the light...I cant thank you enough.

[jameswarner]

Paul, I have been woodworking for 30 years and always sent my saws out. When I get back from my winter holiday, I am actually looking forward to sharpening my own saws. You have inspired me. Thanks very much for your teaching. I have an old backsaw that was given to me because it is in such bad shape. I am even going to try sharpening this one.

[DanDDirges]

I find your videos not only educational but relaxing. No loud music, No flashing banners, no acting or asking for likes or subs, just getting on with it. What kind of file are you using and what size is it? The file I have wouldnt fit between the saw teeth.

[jmatisz]

Paul, I just discovered your channel a couple of months ago. I'm amazed at your skill with hand tools. I have started making my own tools from your videos. Thank you for everything! Keep up the fantastic work and I will follow your videos for as long as you keep making them!

[DanUtley]

“Feels nice and spiky.” 😂

God bless you, Paul.

[jimpatch]

Paul, with your demos; I was able to recreate the worn off teeth end of a small razor saw (4 1/2" blade) with small aluminum shims for clamping and a magnifying lens on a stand for soldering work. Amazing that it worked even though I could hardly see what was happening.
I had to use a small sheet metal angle bracket to keep the file from jumping and moving side to side; and kept the file vertical.

[markrigoglioso]

Thank you Mr. Sellers for an enjoyable and informative lesson on crosscut handsaw sharpening. My collection of useless saws now have a new lease on life and a place in my workshop.

[tinadriskell]

My rip saw cuts SO MUCH better after watching your video. I bough a vintage crosscut saw (or three, lol) to try next! Thank you so much for the great info!

[jameslawrence]

I've been doing this after watching your other saw sharpening videos, and I found it didn't require much precision to make a huge improvement to the saw. Just trying to imitate you gave really good results. I am pretty broke so my setup was a dull Stanley Sharptooth (hardened to be unable to be sharpened) and a super cheap ($2) triangle file. The file is destroyed by the time I sharpen the saw, but it works better than new. Safety glasses have had to be added because the overhardening of the teeth resulted in one tooth turning into a projectile, but the results have been awesome. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience.

[lehampton]

As always, another great video. Not only did I learn proper technique for sharpening my saw, I also learned even the best craftsmen make mistakes! I love honesty in videos, thanks for leaving that part in. I always look forward to your next videos! Thank you, Sir, for sharing your experience and knowledge.

[WoodByWright]

I was wondering when you were going to put this out! thanks for the info!

[mikegreenebass]

That looks a lot easier than I expected:) but definitely a meditative concentration exercise. Thanks Paul

[cwood]

Thanks Paul! I have a Stanley cross cut saw, bought new about 25-30 years ago, that I have never liked. It just got worse as the years passed. It didn't cut well and always cut a beautiful curve, but never the same curve, haha! I removed the handle, reset the teeth with a punch, filed all the teeth. Many took several file strokes to get a full cut. I then sanded and refinished the handle. This is now my favorite saw, it never worked this good new! I really enjoy your videos as I am making the transition back to hand tools from power tools. Thank you!