Where to buy a saw set?

[Bryan Hunt]

I know there are several threads on this, but I'm asking again because Tools for Working Wood and Lee Valley seem to not sell saw sets any longer. Does anyone have a resource for purchasing a quality saw set for smaller teeth that is recent? I know I can get one on eBay or maybe Amazon, but I'd rather not unless that is my only option.

[Joe A Faulkner]

Amazon and Highland Woodworking look to have some options. You might also post a Wanted to By thread in the classified section. There maybe someone there who has some duplicates they would consider parting with.

Then there is this method: Setting saw teeth with a hammer and nail set: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13C5MWTKfwE

[Sam Goldsmith]

Are you looking for a new manufacturer or something of the old? I found a few good Stanley ones at random antique shops in the bins of "random tools" near the wood planes that are sold at decoration prices. You could also check Etsy, aside from handmade goods, shops sell vintage items and tools. There's saw sets on there ranging from a fair to an insultingly high price. Maybe this was all covered in the other threads, maybe not.

[mike stenson]

I don't think Somax is around anymore, at least I haven't seen a new Somax Eclipse 77 (which I use for fine tooth saws, instead of my 42x, mostly due to the pistol grip getting in the way) clone for a while now. If you go the used route, the 77 you want the one that is red inside.

[Jack Dover]

Amazon and Highland Woodworking look to have some options.


Amazon sells or rather lets vendors sell cheap knock-offs, I have returned all the sets I've bought there. With all the hassle it was a better investment to buy a Stanley set on eBay.

Amazon's marketplace is governed by some algorithm that rewards unscrupulous vendors, every once in a while Amazon purges these. So your experience might be different, but please be warned.

Also, if you manage to purchase a decent Eclipse style saw set on Amazon (or any other non-auction place) please do let me know.

[Scott Clausen]

I bought an old MF set on Ebay to replace the Craftsman that had a stripped adjustment wheel. Hang out and watch the auctions and one will show up that doesn't get bid to high.

[Scott Winners]

I am 0 for 2 on buying vintage and am hoping the prototype on Rob Lee's desk makes it into production.

[Phil Mueller]

Also, check Patrick Leach’s monthly tool list. Most months (not all) he’ll have a 42x listed.

[Jim Koepke]

Bryan, Zahid is in Dallas and is trying to sell off all of his woodworking tools.

He has an ad in the SMC Classifieds.

It might be worth the drive.

jtk

[Derek Cohen]

I don't think Somax is around anymore, at least I haven't seen a new Somax Eclipse 77 (which I use for fine tooth saws, instead of my 42x, mostly due to the pistol grip getting in the way) clone for a while now. If you go the used route, the 77 you want the one that is red inside.

I have a couple of Eclipse #77 as well as a couple of Stanley #42 saw sets. I like the lightness and visibility of the Eclipse, while the pre-clamping feature on the #42 offers more control.

In almost all cases, I have dissembled them and refiled the hammers to set 15-20 tpi teeth. The red Eclipse comes ready for 12 tpi (one I keep for tenon saws).

I imagine that almost any of the Stanleys, which are more common for the larger teeth of panel saws, can be re-filed for smaller teeth.

https://i.postimg.cc/sgBzqRHT/5.jpg
Regards from Perth

Derek

[Scott Winners]

I have a couple of Eclipse #77 as well as a couple of Stanley #42 saw sets.

https://i.postimg.cc/sgBzqRHT/5.jpg
Regards from Perth

Derek

I am about to start making drawers for my saw till and am very curious to know the inside dimensions of the pictured drawer that meets your needs. I can't think of an earthly reason I would need a drawer for saw sets any bigger than yours is. Thanks.

[Derek Cohen]

Hi Scott

I posted a few pics of my saw till rebuild a few months back, but not the drawers ...


https://i.postimg.cc/7Z7q9q2k/6x.jpg

This has swing out tills for maximum storage ...

https://i.postimg.cc/VvVzG6gY/3x.jpg

The drawers contain all that is needed for sharpening saws ...

https://i.postimg.cc/fLPhNbtk/11.jpg

Files, etc etc ...

https://i.postimg.cc/ydhsjXpB/13.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/hPZg2GsJ/4.jpg

Modded Veritas file holders ...

https://i.postimg.cc/fLWRsq2q/18.jpg

And four favourite saw sets (#42 and #77) ...

https://i.postimg.cc/sgBzqRHT/5.jpg

Disston 3D saw vise ...

https://i.postimg.cc/j5YRykXZ/15.jpg


I will get some dimensions later today.

Regards from Perth

Derek

[Paul Saffold]

Derek, could you show more about your modification of the Veritas file holders. Thanks.

[Derek Cohen]

Dimensions for the saw set drawer are: 9 1/4" deep (235mm) and 6" wide (150mm). Probably about 2" high.

Regards from Perth

Derek

[Derek Cohen]

Derek, could you show more about your modification of the Veritas file holders. Thanks.

Paul, all I did was (1) glue a small Stanley spirit level to the top of the protractor. These are aluminium and come with hook ears for hanging on a string line. Very cheap. (2) I cut a kerf into the main knob for a screwdriver, as this makes it easier to tighten/loosen.

The yellow spirit level in the drawer is to ensure that the saw blade is horizontal when clamped in the vise ...

https://i.postimg.cc/yxVBbg2R/14.jpg

Then, when you use the saw file guide, it will amaze you how easily it is to alter the file angle without meaning to do so. Once you have checked a few times how you are progressing, it becomes more automatic.

Regards from Perth

Derek

[Robert Engel]

I have a couple old Stanley sets as well as newer Lee Valley.

I will check them first to make sure, but I’d be willing to let the Stanley’s go just the postage.

[Paul Saffold]

Thanks Derek. Good ideas, I'll try them the next time.

[Justin Hoshue]

Leach has a #42, ST31, $45. Email him.

[Jim Koepke]

Leach has a #42, ST31, $45. Email him.

Do note there are about 4 variations of the #42 saw set. The #42X is the one most folks like. There are also a #42S, #42W and a #442 if my memory is working.

jtk

[Justin Hoshue]

I was aware there were different models but had no idea what the difference was until you pointed it out. I have a maroon 42W with the booklet, that was made in Canada and appears to be unused that I might list for sale if I can find a 42X. Have a brand new Bad Axe I need to ‘fix’. Long story.

[Derek Cohen]

The 42W is for the large teeth on panel saw, as is the 442.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/a262/Derek50/sawsets.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds (https://photobucket.com/u/Derek50/a/9e3cadec-0259-4b47-8ed4-bfe0dc156f1b/p/3ad34df6-b7c4-440b-b712-bb20b59e073f)
http://www.jonzimmersantiquetools.com/features/sawsets.jpg
http://www.jonzimmersantiquetools.com/features/sawsets.jpg

Regards from Perth

Derek

[Justin Hoshue]

That’s funny, I also scanned in the information that I got with the saw set. Good explanation of the basics.

Derek, that explains the coarse pitch in the handout and the wide anvil. On the lookout for a 42X now.

[Assaf Oppenheimer]

yes please!

[Assaf Oppenheimer]

Modded Veritas file holders ...

https://i.postimg.cc/fLWRsq2q/18.jpg
Derek

Derek I though the "wings" (the setting for rake) were to evaluate "plumb" along that access. wouldn't it make more sense to get one of the bulls eye shaped levels instead? how can a level at that orientation work to prevent altering the filing angle (I assume you mean the angle perpendicular to the saw)
473116
I assume one of these glued to the brass screw would work better? (you wouldn't be able to cut a slot in it though)

[Derek Cohen]

Hi Assaf

Perhaps I used the wrong terminology before.

One of the variables that is set in stone when sharpening dovetail saws is that we file straight across the teeth. The only angle that can be affected if the saw set tilts more or less than desired is the rake of the teeth. That's what the spirit level helps you monitor.

Regards from Perth

Derek

[John K Jordan]

I know there are several threads on this, but I'm asking again because Tools for Working Wood and Lee Valley seem to not sell saw sets any longer. Does anyone have a resource for purchasing a quality saw set for smaller teeth that is recent? I know I can get one on eBay or maybe Amazon, but I'd rather not unless that is my only option.

Bryan,

Is one like this any good or too cheap? I think it's a Stanley 15-640. Has a magnifying glass, rotating anvil for different TPI.
I bought it years ago when I did most everything with hand tools but it's never been used, new in the box. I found it today when cleaning up in the garage.

473506

Maybe I'll list it on classifieds.

JKJ

[Richard Hutchings]

I recently bought 2 Veritas saws, 12 point dovetail and 14 point carcass. I'm in the process of building a saw vise saw re-sharpening shouldn't be a problem when the time comes. I'm surprised that Veritas doesn't make the setter for these. I have an old Stanley but don't recall the number but from memory, I don't think it goes this small. Does it really matter if I just use the finest setting? I'll be happy to buy one when the time of need comes but as you say, there doesn't to be a quality one to buy new. After spending $200 on a couple of saws, I want them to last my lifetime. Come to think of it, at 68, that probably won't be all that long. :-)

[Ron Bontz]

I haven't seen that prototype. Got a link?

[Ron Bontz]

Well, I use a line level on top of my filing guide, but not my saw sets. You can get away with a slight bit of accidental fleam, but the rake really needs to be consistent. That being said, I have used quite a few of the saw sets out there. I do have the original Eclipse 77 saw set which I use predominately on larger teeth, but my go to these days are my 42x. One is filed with a thin hammer for 16 - 20ppi, one is filed slighter wider for 15-12ppi and one is left original for the 11-5ppi teeth. The Somax sets work ok but the anvil in them is a bit soft. The Stanley with the magnifying glass on them can work, but you may wish to ( carefully ) file/ grind the hammer thinner to accommodate the finer teeth of the dovetail saw. Ultimately if you show me a line of perfectly set saw teeth , I will show you a line of saw teeth set by a machine or trip hammer setter. And that's another topic.

[Scott Clausen]

Bryan,

Is one like this any good or too cheap? I think it's a Stanley 15-640. Has a magnifying glass, rotating anvil for different TPI.
I bought it years ago when I did most everything with hand tools but it's never been used, new in the box. I found it today when cleaning up in the garage.

473506

Maybe I'll list it on classifieds.

JKJ
Not trying to be difficult but my understanding is that the numbers on the rotating anvil are the amount of set and have no correlation to the saw TPI. Am I correct or is my understanding wrong? I can't remember where I read that.

[Assaf Oppenheimer]

you raise an interesting point. I've heard it mentioned that the best tool is a hammer type. Outside of that one mention I haven't really heard of it being used much. are squeeze grip saw sets really the way to go?

[Eric Rathhaus]

There are groups on evil FB that specialize in buying and selling used woodworking tools and parts for older planes and such. I see saw sets coming up there from time to time.

[John K Jordan]

Not trying to be difficult but my understanding is that the numbers on the rotating anvil are the amount of set and have no correlation to the saw TPI. Am I correct or is my understanding wrong? I can't remember where I read that.

No difficulty. In examining it the other day I wondered the same thing. I thought they intended saws with fewer teeth per inch would have more set. I’ve never had it close to a a saw!

[Derek Cohen]

Not trying to be difficult but my understanding is that the numbers on the rotating anvil are the amount of set and have no correlation to the saw TPI. Am I correct or is my understanding wrong? I can't remember where I read that.

Refer to Ron’s post. I also keep a few 42x and 77s set up, after trial and error, for specific size teeth. The hammers need to be filed for tooth size. The anvil position is adjusted similarly. The numbers are a rough approximation to tooth size, but do not offer a close enough fit. You need to experiment. Once you get it locked in, mark the saw set for the toothing, and set it aside. This is the reason I have several, and just for backsaws.

Regards from Perth

Derek

[Ron Bontz]

A hammer set, if not struck with the same amount of force each time may be inconsistent. It just depends on the one doing the striking. :) There are several types out there. A trip hammer type may deliver a more consistent force each time, but still can vary a little. Hand setting can be inconsistent as well. So really, pick your poison. There are a lot more hand setters out there like the 42x etc. than trip hammer setters, and such. Also depending on the shape of the anvil, the shape of the set tooth may be more curved as in hand setting vs having a sharper bend in the teeth, as in hammer set. The shape of the anvil has a bit to do with that. There is just a lot of variables. Hand setters work just fine for the little tooth filing most of us do, but finding a good 42x or Eclipse 77, for a reasonable price, has become rather difficult. A lot like finding high quality saw files. :) I am hoping to soon finish my version of a hammer setter as I get time this winter, but as always, many projects at hand. :) Best wishes. Forgot to mention: The markings on the saw sets regardless if it is a 77 or a 42x are just guesstimates. You will have to test the different settings as mentioned by Derek to find the right amount of set you desire. If all I filed was a 15 or 16ppi then one saw set would do for my purpose.

[Assaf Oppenheimer]

I am hoping to soon finish my version of a hammer setter as I get time this winter, but as always, many projects at hand.

Ron I would be very interested in a quality hammer sawset. Please keep us updated