How to sharpen a Silky Saw...

[agg221]

I am saving all the wrecked ones and when I have enough I will forge them into a Katana:laugh1:

 

With the number you'll need, either you are going to have to give your saws a lot of abuse in the hopes of breaking them, or it will end up like the Fairy Liquid advert where the kid keeps hoping the bottle will run out...

 

Alec

[Gerbutt]

I admit I was wrong now got a sharp old silky which was destined for the scrap heap I really have gone overboard on the sharpening though as it seems more aggressive giving a rougher finish on a branch . All good though

 

Nice one👍 It's well worth it isn't it, and once you get your eye in it doesn't take that long!

 

There must be thousands of perfectly good silkys sitting abandoned in people sheds, just waiting for a little tickle to come back to life!

[Dan Earp]

Nice one👍 It's well worth it isn't it, and once you get your eye in it doesn't take that long!

 

There must be thousands of perfectly good silkys sitting abandoned in people sheds, just waiting for a little tickle to come back to life!

 

Do you think using a file guide would help if it fits, by getting the angles right? Or not bother! Hopefully getting my file through post tomorrow to have go and see what the out come is

[Gerbutt]

Do you think using a file guide would help if it fits, by getting the angles right? Or not bother! Hopefully getting my file through post tomorrow to have go and see what the out come is

 

I don't bother bud. There's three angles to each tooth so a guide would take some making anyway. I do the two side of the tooth and then put the top angle on. You'll be surprised how little you have to do to make it sharp again, just two little half strokes will most probably do. You'll notice when you're looking close that there are usually one or two teeth that differ from the rest. Either file them to the normal pattern or just follow their lines, both ways are good. It'll be nice to hear how happy you are that you've had a go 😃

[Dan Earp]

I don't bother bud. There's three angles to each tooth so a guide would take some making anyway. I do the two side of the tooth and then put the top angle on. You'll be surprised how little you have to do to make it sharp again, just two little half strokes will most probably do. You'll notice when you're looking close that there are usually one or two teeth that differ from the rest. Either file them to the normal pattern or just follow their lines, both ways are good. It'll be nice to hear how happy you are that you've had a go 😃

 

Ok thanks for the info, i wasnt to sure on the file guide but love it now, so having a go on a silky should make me happy enough lol. Will let you know bud

[Ty Korrigan]

Right, how long does this take?

And how durable after are they?

Is it actually worth it? Or is it for those part-time Arbs...?

Ty

[muttley9050]

Andy, who produced video, is no arb, but would be unfair to call him part time. He lives an off grid lifestyle dependant on off grid pv and wood. He's a very experienced woodsman and imo if he is suggesting it then its worth it. Never done it though so don't speak from experience. I guess the question is, do you want to splash out on a new saw or spend an hour in the evening or your day off fixing what you already own.

[Dan Earp]

Took me about 10mins an angle so 30 mins maybe 40?

Yes i does bring it back to life but for a finishing cut it wasnt as smooth as before, but that could be just me

[openspaceman]

Took me about 10mins an angle so 30 mins maybe 40?

Yes i does bring it back to life but for a finishing cut it wasnt as smooth as before, but that could be just me

 

This is what I found, about 30 minutes freehand and it cuts better but not as good as new. I still have a telescopic one to finish but it was so blunt I have resorted to a dremel and diamond disc and will finish with the diamond feather edge.

 

If I were still working professionally I think I'd pay the 40 quid.