Sharpening a saw with pitting

[Matthew N. Masail]

I'm looking at an old 16tpi brass backed gents saw on the bay, it seems to have a some pitting at the teeth but it is intended to be filed rip, so does this matter? I only plan to buy it if I can get it cheap.

[Kees Heiden]

Doesn't matter, if it isn't too bad. On a crosscut, the pits can interfere with the tips of the teeth, making them less sharp.

[Matthew N. Masail]

Thanks Kees. I'll bite, it's like a 100 years old and looks charming, plus, I don't have anything for dovetail and I have a project planed.

[Kim Malmberg]

Well, if you don't need set you'll probably be all right. But if the saw binds and you need to set the teeth, they will break. So I would say - beware.

How do I know? Been there, done that.

[Sam Cui]

Over set then take some of the set off by filing either side of the teeth. If the pitting is shallow that'll get rid of it.

[Matthew N. Masail]

Solid advice. Worst case I'm out 15$ including international shipping, might even be cheaper.