1st time saw sharpening

[Idbill]

Well... actually second.

I acquired several panel saws, most of which are very dull. I sharpened one, which I thought went well, but it cuts very rough.

I went back sharpened it again, and it is improved, but not great.

So then I started looking at the teeth more closely, and found many problems:

- gullets that don't all match in depth

- teeth don't all have the same height

I'm wondering if it would be advisable to send it to the local sharpening shop to at least get a 'base' to start with?

The local machine shop will do this (all by machine of course) for $12.

Also, would your opinion change if you thought this was a Diston (pre WWII) saw? 

Bill

[Tpt life]

You have to find a method demo. Part of sharpening is addressing the teeth height and gullet depth to make them even. I am no expert. Others can help better. 

[RichardA]

  Paul Sellers has several good videos on sharpening hand saws, from jointing the teeth to creating the proper gullets and how to fleam for best cut!

[Tom King]

Most common error by someone new to sharpening a hand saw is going too deep on the first side.

[SamV]

I'll use Dykem blue layout fluid prior to sharpening to keep track of the teeth sharpening process, it makes it easier to see. But for your saw I'd make a simple scrapwood jig to hold the file at the correct angles and start again. Joint, shape, set, and sharpen.