I'm considering getting a backsaw for crosscuts at the bench. This would be for cutting shoulders, miters, cutting small stock to length, etc. Because of the combination of price and quality, the Veritas 14pt carcass saw is at the top of my list. I have the 20pt dovetail saw and it's been great. $80 and I can take it out of the box and use it right away.
However, I'm also thinking about a vintage saw instead. I'd need to acquire a saw set, (maybe a tooth jointer?) and some saw files. It's a lot to learn but at some point I'm going to need to learn to sharpen and set saws, so maybe now is the time?
I understand the process of saw sharpening but have no skill or tools. A finer crosscut saw (12-16 pt) seems like a tough place to start. A 7 tpi rip would be much easier, I'd think.
Lastly, there's the hunt for a saw. I'm probably limited to eBay or the classifieds here. No time for prowling garage sales and antique stores. I'm pretty clueless on how to choose one. In addition, I want to limit my first attempt to resharpening. I don't want to fix or replace the handle or try to straighten the blade. I'm not real sure how to hunt down a decent candidate.
- What saw set? I'm a hobbyist, so I don't need industrial strength.
- What file(s)? I'm only concerned with sharpening backsaws at this point.
- Do I need a tooth jointer or any other tools?
- Can I make a saw vice? If not, any advice on buying one?