Saw Straightening | Paul Sellers

What do you do when you buy a back saw that has a bend in it? How about if it's the back that isn't straight. Paul shows what he has had to do to a couple of the saws that he has got hold of recently.

[sam_james_]

I keep closing one eye whenever he shows the straightness of the saw and I don't even need to

[gpd]

Been looking for a simple explanation on how to straighten my late 1800's dovetail saw...now I know. Thanks Paul

[thomasflinn]

I find it odd that you claim to have purchased a few none straight saws direct from the manufacturer? One could be excused but three? I doubt that as each one is checked for straightness. Also most folk would return the items if they felt they were not right but yet it's strange how you now have products to suit a video you have done on saw straightening?

[greggusselman]

Paul,
I have a big pile of old, good quality hand saws that I am eager to restore and use or trade. I have the sharpening down well enough but need help with taking the bends out of large, backless saws. I've found instructions on the internet that call for tapping on the saw with a roundhead hammer, but can't figure it out for myself. I need video of this craft.
I would also like to restore the etch on some of these saws but can't even find verbal instructions for this. I am sure I am not alone in this- there must be many others wanting to do the same things.
Help us Obi-Wan, you're our only hope!

[alext]

I wanna know how he know's all this stuff.  He's colluding w/ Martians.  I'm telling you.

[watermain]

I love watching Paul work at whatever he's doing...thanks.

[benvolio]

can you imagine how buggered the wood working world would be if Paul ever died? Good job he's superhuman

[Fritzi]

Since I know you, I have learned to appreciate the valency of hand tools. Greetings from Deurschland.

[fredpierce]

Rather shocking that some manufacturers would let saws pass to the consumer with a bend or not optimally sharpened!

[laurentr]

Thank you Mr Sellers. I've got the problem with a bigger saw without a back. If you'll do a video about restoration of biggersaw, I'm interested.

[McGinnsWoodShop]

Thanks Paul, more invaluable insight!

[harrymason]

I want to learn of any tricks in straightening a "hand saw" or panel saw, the kind like you normally buy for carpentry work. Oh yeah, they're not used much now. When I had my first job, 1968, this was standard.

[Kikilang]

Ha, you made me laugh when you whacked the saw on the table. Thanks.

[JontoDickens]

I hope the folks who make these gents saws are watching this.... Garlick and Thomas Flinn et al. it's your products that have gone downhill over the years yet the cost remains quite high relative to this poor quality that is being put out.

[danielvanlannen]

Thank You Sir, Always a pleasure watching a Master Craftsmen teach others.  

[tonyy]

Wow, more valuable insights. Thanks Paul :) BTW Is possible/sensible to buy new saw blades/plates for tenon saws & dovetail saws?

[someoneelse]

Hello Paul, I have succesfully used your advice on a backsaw quite similar to those shown in your tutorial. Now I found an old Slack, Sellars & Co tenon saw on a flee market, payed 2€ btw. As the Piston grip is screwed to the blade, I wonder how to straighten it? The back itself is made of u-bent steel and is dead straight, whereas the blade not only is bent in one direction but kind of two way zig-zag curved. Maybe it will be best to unscrew rhe blade trying to tap and whack without the aid of a handle? Any advice would be appreciated. Simon.

[Guitardude]

How would you take the bend out of regular handsaws?

[tomkyle]

Thank you for this, Paul. – But the plate you're showing at 1:34, it is still slightly bent, isn't it? Or ist is just straight enough to be considered „straight“?

[davejonesfurniture]

Thanks for the video, I just bought a lovely old Spear & Jackson carcase saw from the local car boot sale that I'll apply these techniques to (as it has a slight bend in the spine).