Restore a Vintage Hand Saw

Article 144: Restore a Vintage Hand Saw

By: A Woodworker Who Rescues Old Steel

Old handsaws often get tossed aside, but many are high-quality tools worth restoring. Here’s how to bring one back to life.

Materials & Tools

• Rust remover (Evapo-Rust or vinegar)

• 220- and 400-grit sandpaper

• Brass brush

• Boiled linseed oil or tung oil

• Tri-square and file (for sharpening)

• Saw set tool (optional)

Steps

1. Remove Rust

   • Soak blade in vinegar or rust remover for 24 hrs.

   • Scrub clean with a brass brush and sandpaper.

2. Clean and Oil Handle

   • Sand off grime. Refinish with linseed oil.

3. Polish Blade

   • Use fine grit paper to polish the steel.

4. Sharpen Teeth

   • Joint the teeth flat with a file. Use a small triangular file to sharpen. Reset teeth if needed.

Tips

• Check for blade straightness before investing time.

• Disassemble handle to clean bolts.

• Use a file card to keep your files clean during sharpening.

Diagram – Saw Tooth File Guide

Side View of Teeth:
    /\    /\    /\
   /  \__/  \__/  \

Use flat file to joint tips flat.
Then sharpen each gullet at correct angle.