How To Stone a Saw : Make a Saw Cut Straight

The saw Will not cut straight. Stoning the saw may fix it. so here is how to stone a saw. I use a diamond plate for tonight the saw but a wet stone will do the same. once you understand the basics it is a very quick and easy procedure to stone the saw.
The Dimond Plate I use: amzn.to/35rubHS
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[@michaeldoto4673]

Hi James, please do make a video on how to set the teeth. This is my biggest weakness in sharpening my saws. And a huge hello to your wife!!

[@hellomate639]

Gonna use this to get my home made roubo frame saw cutting straight to day. Literally I just bought some parts from online metals and mcmaster carr. Cut all the teeth myself following your guide. I also went with 3.5ish TPI instead of the 2.5 on a 3 foot roubo. I figured smaller teeth will give me a cleaner cut. I am building up my lutherie setup, hence the frame saw for resawing! Thank you for all your good videos! :)

[@dfu1685]

Thank you, thank you thank you thank you! This is a wonderful perspective and tip! You are like an old timer, teaching young lads Tricks of the trade. 👍🏼

[@biggreenmouse]

Thank you! I have a beautiful old Disston D8 and this has been driving me crazy as no matter how much I concentrated, changed my stance or grip, it will veer to the right. That old boy is getting stoned tonight.

[@msfedorak]

Please make that saw set video James, I know I would benefit tremendously from it.

[@walterrider9600]

thank you Wright how interesting a stoned saw . darn hippies lol 1953 yup i know what we were lol

[@garydargan6]

Great tip I have a couple of problem saws I'll try it on.

[@hidgik]

All my saws are now asleep. Most of them are stoned.

[@JamesSmith-su3oz]

James, I think it might be legal in your state. Yes please make a video on saw setting. I was looking at some new to me saws today but have no idea how to get them in working order.

[@watermain48]

Great video James, thanks.

[@gbluetoo]

Back when I first got into woodworking, fifty years ago, we called it jointing the set. We'd run a fine mill file along the rank set just as you did with your diamond stone. We would not ever unset any teeth, as that caused a non-trivial chance of breaking a tooth or three. How much to set? That's kinda personal, but green wood required a lot more set than dry wood. A saw that doesn't cut straight makes you crazy, so a needed show today. Thanks, g

[@andrewmcgillivray1881]

fantastic tutorial! thanks!

[@setdown2]

Good info..did not know that about stoning ...between you and scout crafter you both make you tube what it should be....thanks..stay safe...

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

Thanks Chuck same to you man.

[@jmp116]

Stoned my saw, now when it cuts its groovy ✌🌼

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

Ooh. I like that one.

[@chriswhalen4498]

and I always thought it was me who was the problem...

[@stefanpries638]

Nice one. Get the saw stoned. 🤣😂🤪

[@ryanstieglitz8077]

Comment down below!

[@JimmyStJames]

Holy crap! I was about to get rid of my Disston #4. This video came just at the right time.

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

Glad I could help.

[@johnmay3266]

Boy, I remember my dad complaining about his saw (now mine) back in the 1960s when he was building our Club Basement as it was called then. I had no idea it could be fixed. Might have to get the lol boy out and give him a try. Will also need to watch a sharpening video. Thanks

[@davidkay1386]

I think I have this issue with mine.

[@wl1482]

Hi, is this stoning method applicable to japanese ryoba saw?

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

It it can be. As long as the saw has set. Some Japanese saws do not have any set in which case this will not help them.

[@Hellcommander245]

My saw was so out of alignment that not even getting it stoned corrected the problem. I had to give it acid.

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

Lol I like that one.

[@mjschaeffer2112]

Great info. 😁

[@scottswineford6714]

Gotta give it a try

[@TankGunner84]

If you do a video on setting teeth please go into more detail about the setter. I’ve been trying to buy one and I’ve only been able to find one new one with bad reviews but I’m not sure what kind I need. I have serval old saws I want to redo so I can lighten up on the table and miter saw.

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

Thanks. I may end up doing a video on setting teeth next week.

[@rosstifer07]

I had this issue with a japanese pull style saw. Is this something that can happen to those as well? I know the blades on those are meant to be replaced, but would a quick pass or two help in the same way as a push saw?

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

yup. It is actually very common on the disposable blades for those as there is less testing before use. you may want to be careful as those often have pulse hardened teeth. if you push them too much they might break.

[@just_a_guy13]

Brilliant!!!!

[@andypaddon690]

fantastic video - such a simple thing to stop saw wander - thanks a tonne for this James! Also - would love if you made the teeth setting video - it seems the really simple things are the hardest and produce the most pronounced improvements.

[@johnford7847]

Thank you.

[@marcbarash6045]

comment

[@MCsCreations]

Fantastic tip, James! Thanks a lot! 😃 Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@ricos1497]

That is some awesome advice. I have a similar saw and I assumed that I was just a terrible sawist. But no, it's the saw. A great workman blames his tools. That's what I always say. The saw-setting process would be pretty cool to see too. I have a 5tpi, and was confused as to the type of set I would need (and size of file for sharpening, and how to hold the saw while I sharpen), so haven't approached the task yet.

[@erkeltree]

Sawyer

[@drawlele]

"Get your saws stoned" ah love double meaning, now if you lived in Michigan and your saws were over 21 nobody could or would call the cops, they'd be jamming some old school Bob Dylan "everybody must get stoned"... sorry I had to. Now on a serious note; this is actually pretty cool I dont think I would have even thought about taking a diamond plate to a saw like this, also the other day on the Paul Sellers fan page (Facebook group) someone was asking for advice on how to correct this exact issue so I sent him a link to some of your saw videos talking about techniques and such, but I think this video would help him more because in the photos he posted all the cuts were off in the same direction, so I copied the link for this and posted it on the group maybe he will see it maybe not. Great video the jokes were to perfect especially since I currently work pt at a dispensary, I know I know but its work

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

Thanks man. That means a lot. This is one of those things that I think a lot of people could use when they're first getting started. I know I kept blaming myself a lot when the saw was messed up.

[@whittysworkshop982]

Not long ago I got a brand new 4tpi rip saw....... it consistently veered to the left....... had to stone it with 8 strokes to get it runnin right :/ Im havin hardship findin a saw set for fine teeth (16tpi-ish) the old eclipse sets put too much into the finer saws....... ive even thought about tryin to hammer set them, but im too afraid il banjax me saw :P

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

You can always make a larger saw set work on smaller saws by taking the hammer out and filing it down a bit smaller.

[@whittysworkshop982]

@@WoodByWrightHowTo Thanks James :)

[@madtitan9639]

I always stone my saws after setting, even if they cut straight already. The stroke and cut are so much smoother. Also, you can take one of those impulse hardened saws from the big box store and turn it into a pretty good cutter by stoning the sides. I also use diamond plates. Be careful not to tip the stone!

[@terrulian]

I really would like to believe my problem is the saw and not my lack of skill. I really would like to believe that. :)

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

I know the feeling.

[@terrulian]

@@WoodByWrightHowTo With regard to sharpening: I have a wonderful old Disston rip saw that I've been using to re-saw a bunch of 2x6 deck planking into 1x6s. This involves running into the occasional broken screw. I've bought the proper file and have been sharpening it myself since a rip saw is less complicated than a crosscut. However, I recently discovered that the teeth in the middle of the saw are slightly higher than those on the ends, which is contrary to what you'd expect. I understand saws have to be "joined" like a piece of wood to ensure all teeth are at the same height. I'm a bit daunted to attempt this. Do you have any suggestions?

[@rick91443]

Always learn something. I say this like I was an accomplished woodworker; even learning a handtool(and sharpening) term...Who knows, might even come in handy in a crossword puzzle...cheers..rr Normandy, France

[@szenteit]

When I'm ripping my saw starts to wander on the exit of the cut. Can it be due to this issue or am I just crappy at it? Maybe both.

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

that is normally a body mechanic problem. unless it is a Japanese saw then it could be a saw problem. You should shoot a video of your sawing inline with the saw and then from the side. that may show the problem.

[@szenteit]

Thanks. I'll have a go.

[@rickschuman2926]

Couldn't help but notice the start of the cut after the stoning was much smoother. After sharpening, I uses a piece of manila file folder to gauge the joining of the tips of the teeth on both sides of the saw from front to back before using it. Also, the grip you showed for testing is the normal grip for sawing. Properly maintained tools don't do what you want them to do; they do what you make them do. None of this is easy.

[@worldmeetsped]

great vid - well explained. Fist time I've been made aware of this. I'll leave you to get on the munchies ;)

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

LOL thanks man!

[@iakkatz128]

Thanks James. That was a new one for me. I've only recently started to look into sharpening my own saws. Hope you the kids and Sara are hanging in there. My wife was a DI manager during SARS (retired now, thank's the fates). So I have an idea what you're going through. Stay safe, stay healthy

[@aadelgado77]

Excelent video! Thank's James.

[@malcolmsmith5903]

This can also be a factor of you're a bit aggressive in cleaning up a saw - after setting it can be imbalanced. So...stoner time.

[@cornhammer]

Then wen you try set again you will be well off 😮

[@FredMcIntyre]

Thanks for the info James! 😃👍🏻👊🏻

[@wildfire53575]

you can remove the set out of a saw before you sharpen and put a new set on!

[@bpfrocket]

Thank you James, this video took my grandfather’s late 40’s Disston from being an heirloom wall decoration to being the best crosscut saw in my shop!

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

Sweet. Glad I could help. Sounds like a fun time.

[@cornhammer]

Poof boy saw something

[@waltereason832]

Hope you do one on setting as I am collecting hand saws from my dad and myself. Up to 10 I think now. Latest one I got from my dad in 1971 when I joined the carpenters union apprenticeship program. I am sure it was used then. They need a lot of help so I will be looking forward to the setting video.

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

I may end up doing that video next week we'll see.

[@davidpape9726]

I would have fought it resetting the teeth. Good recommendation, thanks.

[@criswilson1140]

Thanks for that tip! I'm going to try that next time. I was taught to find the offending teeth and reset them again, which does work, but it takes longer and cuts your finger tips up.

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

Yes it does. Another common problem is if you file all the teeth from the same side it pushes the burr onto the other side. This procedure then fixes that.

[@roberthskidmore6340]

I understand how stoning helps with misaligned teeth, but if you don't hold the saw square to the board, it will drift off the line also. Make sure your sawing posture and technique is correct before trying to fix the teeth.

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

Right on.

[@brucemcdonald136]

Dude, are you able to read my mind? One of my saws was always cutting off the line in the same direction. I assumed it was me.... Now, to go get the saw stoned.

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

Glad I could help. Have some fun with it.

[@LegoMan-cz4mn]

Right on time!!! Thank you very much I did not know about this previously

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

glad I could help a bit!

[@AHMW5541]

I have two new Lynx hand saws. I tried ripping a maple board today and it was cutting reasonably straight, I was only deviating from my line by about 1/64-1/32 either way. But even though I was keeping my elbow and wrist in line, it veered off at the exit of the cut by 3/16 up to 1/2 in some areas. Stoning would help with this?

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

No. That's usually technique often at the end of the cut people get a little bit more aggressive as you get close to the end and that leads to things going slightly out. If the set is off it will go off the same direction every time the same amount from the top.

[@AHMW5541]

@@WoodByWrightHowTo granted, I was also trying to rip a 3 inch thick slab, so I think I need to practice on thinner stock and work my way up.

[@hassanal-mosawi6049]

Thanks for sharing that, well done!

[@jimleonardson4268]

I'll try this on my saws, thanks. I could do without the attempted comedy though.

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

Thanks.

[@FiguringItOutMain]

You just solved an issue I’ve been puzzling over with a saw I am currently restoring. This was such a timely video!

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

sweet! glad I could help!

[@cornhammer]

Set is due to teeth per inch

[@kinghighpriestarchon4792]

I had to do it this with a premium saw I brought, no names mentioned. I seriously messed up a whetstone. Double not happy.

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

oh no fun. that is why I use the diamond plates. the wet stones need flattening after this.

[@alans1816]

If you saw green wood, you need a lot of set. Your comments refer to cutting dry stock.

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

that is often true especially for ripping green wood,

[@ryanallthewiser]

OMG - have you been in Covid19 isolation too long... stoning the saw ... 😳😬

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

LOL congrats on another first man!

[@cornhammer]

Use a needle

[@larryohara6513]

I like that trick. Got to go back and do that to a few of my saws!

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

It's one of the few times when The cut isn't going the way you want it. You can blame the tool rather than the user. The downside with setting the saw up to cut straight is that you no longer have that excuse. Lol

[@eggster71]

Genius. Nice one Mr W!

[@SandyMasquith]

Thanks James! Great video and great tip. Maybe I missed this, but what “stone” did you use? Was it a coarse or fine grit stone?

[@joelthoenen3733]

Fine

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

It's a fine plate. I have a link to the exact one I use in the description if you want to see it.

[@ToraKwai]

do you find this happens often depending on the type or age of the saw?

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

I find I need to do this on most all saws about 50% of the time after setting the teeth. even on some new saws out of the box if the maker did not test them.

[@kennethnielsen3864]

Seventh.

[@NickLuker]

The only concerns I have had in doing this is thinning the tooth, particularly on a x-cut saw where the tooth is 3 planes intersecting to make the tooth. By taking material away from one, it reduces the other 2. Whether that makes a significant enough difference on a panel saw, I doubt. But, on a .015" - .025" thick backsaw plate, it seems more likely. Therefore, I make another single-stroke, lighter pressure pass across the whole plate again (i.e. every tooth). I may just be a bit paranoid about breaking teeth. For a rip saw, I found that Paul Sellers' technique of using steel head hammers to lightly tap the teeth down the length of the plate to work particularly well.

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

Yeah in this case with a fine diamond plate you are taking off and almost immeasurable amount of material not enough to make any difference at all. It would be something like 1/10000 of the inch and you're only taking it off of the very outside edge of the set so the next time you sharpen it you'll be back past that point.

[@timothylarson3583]

"Stoning" may be ok for crosscut, but I don't think I would do this to a rip saw. Better to flatten, then set the teeth.

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

Actually it works great for ripsaws too.

[@MrTELarson]

@@WoodByWrightHowToI'm not saying it can't be done. But thinning the blade over time is not a good idea. The ripsaw cuts with the full width of the teeth, (think chisel, I don't want to thin my chisels) not on the edges like a knife.

[@ElderlyFatGuy]

For back saws, I prefer Brian Noel's technique: wrap the plate in a piece of paper, put it between two steel bars (I use 3" by 1/8" stock because that's what I had laying around), and squeeze the entire assembly in a machinist's vise. Hold 'em together with a magnet while making adjustments.

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

That works sometimes. Especially if you have good steel to hold them between.