IV

Ivan Vegvary

29/10/2012 6:27 AM

Saw blade sharpening

Yes, I do own a single high end 10" saw blade.

However, most of the time I keep an el-cheepo HF 10" 40 tooth carbide blade on the table saw. Just fine for ripping two by fours etc. They do dull and I end up buying about 2 or three per year.
Do you guys send these out for sharpening? Is it worth it? What does it typically cost?
If the answer is "no", what other uses are there for old blades? I don't want to make a clock!! I do have a metal lathe, mill and shaper, is the steel in blades worth chopping up for other projects?

Thanks for all replies.

Ivan Vegvary


This topic has 16 replies

FH

Father Haskell

in reply to Ivan Vegvary on 29/10/2012 6:27 AM

03/11/2012 7:47 PM

On Nov 3, 7:24=A0pm, "Bob F" <[email protected]> wrote:
> Leon wrote:
> > On 10/29/2012 4:56 PM, Bob F wrote:
> >> Ivan Vegvary wrote:
> >>> Yes, I do own a single high end 10" saw blade.
>
> >>> However, most of the time I keep an el-cheepo HF 10" 40 tooth
> >>> carbide blade on the table saw. =A0Just fine for ripping two by fours
> >>> etc. They do dull and I end up buying about 2 or three per year.
> >>> Do you guys send these out for sharpening? =A0Is it worth it? =A0What
> >>> does it typically cost?
> >>> If the answer is "no", what other uses are there for old blades? =A0I
> >>> don't want to make a clock!! =A0I do have a metal lathe, mill and
> >>> shaper, is the steel in blades worth chopping up for other projects?
>
> >> Are re-sharpened blades sharper than new?
>
> > Maybe, =A0Typically cheaper blades can be sharpened when brand new and
> > receive a sharper edge. =A0I am not sure you could improve on a Forrest
> > or similar high quality blade.
>
> > A good indicator, if your new blade has a protective coating on it and
> > you have to be careful to not cut your self while removing the
> > protective coating, it is sharp enough. =A0Likewise if the blade has no
> > coating and you have to be careful to not cut your elf.
>
> Why would you ever cut your elf. He shouldn't even be near the saw.
>
>
>
> >> An older friend, old time carpenter, told me once that when he buys
> >> a new handsaw, the first thing he does it get it sharpened.
>
> > Especially today that is probably a good idea. =A0Same goes with
> > chisels, and files.
>
> You can get files sharpened?

Nitric acid dip.

Ll

Leon

in reply to Ivan Vegvary on 29/10/2012 6:27 AM

03/11/2012 11:16 PM

On 11/3/2012 6:50 PM, Mike M wrote:
> On Sat, 3 Nov 2012 16:24:05 -0700, "Bob F" <[email protected]>
> wrote:
>
>> Leon wrote:
>>> On 10/29/2012 4:56 PM, Bob F wrote:
>>>> Ivan Vegvary wrote:
>>>>> Yes, I do own a single high end 10" saw blade.
>>>>>
>>>>> However, most of the time I keep an el-cheepo HF 10" 40 tooth
>>>>> carbide blade on the table saw. Just fine for ripping two by fours
>>>>> etc. They do dull and I end up buying about 2 or three per year.
>>>>> Do you guys send these out for sharpening? Is it worth it? What
>>>>> does it typically cost?
>>>>> If the answer is "no", what other uses are there for old blades? I
>>>>> don't want to make a clock!! I do have a metal lathe, mill and
>>>>> shaper, is the steel in blades worth chopping up for other projects?
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Are re-sharpened blades sharper than new?
>>>
>>> Maybe, Typically cheaper blades can be sharpened when brand new and
>>> receive a sharper edge. I am not sure you could improve on a Forrest
>>> or similar high quality blade.
>>>
>>> A good indicator, if your new blade has a protective coating on it and
>>> you have to be careful to not cut your self while removing the
>>> protective coating, it is sharp enough. Likewise if the blade has no
>>> coating and you have to be careful to not cut your elf.
>>
>> Why would you ever cut your elf. He shouldn't even be near the saw.
>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>>
>>>> An older friend, old time carpenter, told me once that when he buys
>>>> a new handsaw, the first thing he does it get it sharpened.
>>>
>>> Especially today that is probably a good idea. Same goes with
>>> chisels, and files.
>>
>> You can get files sharpened?
>>
> Leon's problem is keeping the elf's off his keyboard.


HEY!


Ll

Leon

in reply to Ivan Vegvary on 29/10/2012 6:27 AM

03/11/2012 11:15 PM

On 11/3/2012 6:24 PM, Bob F wrote:
> Leon wrote:
>> On 10/29/2012 4:56 PM, Bob F wrote:
>>> Ivan Vegvary wrote:
>>>> Yes, I do own a single high end 10" saw blade.
>>>>
>>>> However, most of the time I keep an el-cheepo HF 10" 40 tooth
>>>> carbide blade on the table saw. Just fine for ripping two by fours
>>>> etc. They do dull and I end up buying about 2 or three per year.
>>>> Do you guys send these out for sharpening? Is it worth it? What
>>>> does it typically cost?
>>>> If the answer is "no", what other uses are there for old blades? I
>>>> don't want to make a clock!! I do have a metal lathe, mill and
>>>> shaper, is the steel in blades worth chopping up for other projects?
>>>>
>>>
>>> Are re-sharpened blades sharper than new?
>>
>> Maybe, Typically cheaper blades can be sharpened when brand new and
>> receive a sharper edge. I am not sure you could improve on a Forrest
>> or similar high quality blade.
>>
>> A good indicator, if your new blade has a protective coating on it and
>> you have to be careful to not cut your self while removing the
>> protective coating, it is sharp enough. Likewise if the blade has no
>> coating and you have to be careful to not cut your elf.
>
> Why would you ever cut your elf. He shouldn't even be near the saw.

You don't have and elf/gofer? ;~)






>>
>>
>>
>>
>>>
>>> An older friend, old time carpenter, told me once that when he buys
>>> a new handsaw, the first thing he does it get it sharpened.
>>
>> Especially today that is probably a good idea. Same goes with
>> chisels, and files.
>
> You can get files sharpened?
>

I was shocked when I heard that too. Steve Knight, the guy from way
back that built hand planes would send his new files out to be sharpened.







FH

Father Haskell

in reply to Ivan Vegvary on 29/10/2012 6:27 AM

30/10/2012 1:28 PM

On Oct 29, 9:27=A0am, Ivan Vegvary <[email protected]> wrote:
> Yes, I do own a single high end 10" saw blade.
>
> However, most of the time I keep an el-cheepo HF 10" 40 tooth carbide bla=
de on the table saw. =A0Just fine for ripping two by fours etc. =A0They do =
dull and I end up buying about 2 or three per year.
> Do you guys send these out for sharpening? =A0Is it worth it? =A0What doe=
s it typically cost?
> If the answer is "no", what other uses are there for old blades? =A0I don=
't want to make a clock!! =A0I do have a metal lathe, mill and shaper, is t=
he steel in blades worth chopping up for other projects?
>
> Thanks for all replies.
>
> Ivan Vegvary

Use the dull cheapos to cut aluminum. Toss.

Ll

Leon

in reply to Ivan Vegvary on 29/10/2012 6:27 AM

29/10/2012 10:14 AM

On 10/29/2012 8:27 AM, Ivan Vegvary wrote:
> Yes, I do own a single high end 10" saw blade.
>
> However, most of the time I keep an el-cheepo HF 10" 40 tooth carbide blade on the table saw. Just fine for ripping two by fours etc. They do dull and I end up buying about 2 or three per year.
> Do you guys send these out for sharpening? Is it worth it? What does it typically cost?
> If the answer is "no", what other uses are there for old blades? I don't want to make a clock!! I do have a metal lathe, mill and shaper, is the steel in blades worth chopping up for other projects?
>
> Thanks for all replies.
>
> Ivan Vegvary
>


Sharpening typically will cost you $20~$30 depending on how many teeth
the blade has.

If you can buy a new blade for that price buy the blade. IIRC Forrest
charges me about $28 + S&H to resharpen my Forrest WWII blades. Keep in
mind that these Forrest WWII blades will remain sharp for a couple of
years unless you are cutting a few hours a day 5 days a week.

So you might want to consider using your best blades exclusively for
good work. I do go to a cheap blade for questionable material.

LH

"Lew Hodgett"

in reply to Ivan Vegvary on 29/10/2012 6:27 AM

29/10/2012 6:43 PM

Ivan Vegvary wrote:

> Yes, I do own a single high end 10" saw blade.
>
> However, most of the time I keep an el-cheepo HF 10" 40 tooth
> carbide
> blade on the table saw. Just fine for ripping two by fours etc.
> They do dull and I end up buying about 2 or three per year.
> Do you guys send these out for sharpening? Is it worth it? What
> does it typically cost?
> If the answer is "no", what other uses are there for old blades? I
> don't want to make a clock!! I do have a metal lathe, mill and
> shaper, is the steel in blades worth chopping up for other projects?
>
>
> Are re-sharpened blades sharper than new?
----------------------------------------------------
IMHO, you are being penny wise and pound foolish.

An el-cheepo HF blade is about $20.

You buy 2-3 year or $40-$60/year to get crappy results.

A decent blade will cost about $60-$75 individually and slightly less
when bought
in a 3 piece set.

You will spend about $15/blade to get a decent blade sharpened.

Expect to get about a year service/sharpening.

Based on the above, a new $75 blade is good for a year followed
by a $15 sharpening.

The result is $75 + $15 = $90/2 year's service for good blades.

3 el-cheepo HF blades * 2 years = 6 blades.

6 blades * $20/blade = $120/2 year's service for crappy blades.

Ya get what ya pay for.

Donate used el-cheepo HF blades to an artist who does
things like sculptures with scrap metal.

Keep the garbage lumber away from your table saw.

That's what the Sawzall was invented to handle.

If you insist on using the table saw for junk lumber keep
a el-cheepo HF blade handy and use it as a throw away.

Have fun.

Lew



LH

"Lew Hodgett"

in reply to Ivan Vegvary on 29/10/2012 6:27 AM

03/11/2012 6:13 PM


"Bob F" wrote:
>
> You can get files sharpened?
------------------------------------
Yes, I've used Boggs Tools, Paramount, CA (Los Angeles burb).

They do great work for a fair price IMHO.

Lew






MM

Mike M

in reply to Ivan Vegvary on 29/10/2012 6:27 AM

03/11/2012 4:50 PM

On Sat, 3 Nov 2012 16:24:05 -0700, "Bob F" <[email protected]>
wrote:

>Leon wrote:
>> On 10/29/2012 4:56 PM, Bob F wrote:
>>> Ivan Vegvary wrote:
>>>> Yes, I do own a single high end 10" saw blade.
>>>>
>>>> However, most of the time I keep an el-cheepo HF 10" 40 tooth
>>>> carbide blade on the table saw. Just fine for ripping two by fours
>>>> etc. They do dull and I end up buying about 2 or three per year.
>>>> Do you guys send these out for sharpening? Is it worth it? What
>>>> does it typically cost?
>>>> If the answer is "no", what other uses are there for old blades? I
>>>> don't want to make a clock!! I do have a metal lathe, mill and
>>>> shaper, is the steel in blades worth chopping up for other projects?
>>>>
>>>
>>> Are re-sharpened blades sharper than new?
>>
>> Maybe, Typically cheaper blades can be sharpened when brand new and
>> receive a sharper edge. I am not sure you could improve on a Forrest
>> or similar high quality blade.
>>
>> A good indicator, if your new blade has a protective coating on it and
>> you have to be careful to not cut your self while removing the
>> protective coating, it is sharp enough. Likewise if the blade has no
>> coating and you have to be careful to not cut your elf.
>
>Why would you ever cut your elf. He shouldn't even be near the saw.
>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>>
>>> An older friend, old time carpenter, told me once that when he buys
>>> a new handsaw, the first thing he does it get it sharpened.
>>
>> Especially today that is probably a good idea. Same goes with
>> chisels, and files.
>
>You can get files sharpened?
>
Leon's problem is keeping the elf's off his keyboard.

Mike M

GR

"G. Ross"

in reply to Ivan Vegvary on 29/10/2012 6:27 AM

30/10/2012 7:20 AM

Lew Hodgett wrote:
> Ivan Vegvary wrote:
>
>> Yes, I do own a single high end 10" saw blade.
>>
>> However, most of the time I keep an el-cheepo HF 10" 40 tooth
>> carbide
>> blade on the table saw. Just fine for ripping two by fours etc.
>> They do dull and I end up buying about 2 or three per year.
>> Do you guys send these out for sharpening? Is it worth it? What
>> does it typically cost?
>> If the answer is "no", what other uses are there for old blades? I
>> don't want to make a clock!! I do have a metal lathe, mill and
>> shaper, is the steel in blades worth chopping up for other projects?
>>
>>
>> Are re-sharpened blades sharper than new?
> ----------------------------------------------------
> IMHO, you are being penny wise and pound foolish.
>
> An el-cheepo HF blade is about $20.
>
> You buy 2-3 year or $40-$60/year to get crappy results.
>
> A decent blade will cost about $60-$75 individually and slightly less
> when bought
> in a 3 piece set.
>
> You will spend about $15/blade to get a decent blade sharpened.
>
> Expect to get about a year service/sharpening.
>
> Based on the above, a new $75 blade is good for a year followed
> by a $15 sharpening.
>
> The result is $75 + $15 = $90/2 year's service for good blades.
>
> 3 el-cheepo HF blades * 2 years = 6 blades.
>
> 6 blades * $20/blade = $120/2 year's service for crappy blades.
>
> Ya get what ya pay for.
>
> Donate used el-cheepo HF blades to an artist who does
> things like sculptures with scrap metal.
>
> Keep the garbage lumber away from your table saw.
>
> That's what the Sawzall was invented to handle.
>
> If you insist on using the table saw for junk lumber keep
> a el-cheepo HF blade handy and use it as a throw away.
>

That sounds exactly like what he said he does. He HAS a high end blade.


--
G.W. Ross

Happiness is a warm puppy, said the
anaconda.





Ll

Leon

in reply to Ivan Vegvary on 29/10/2012 6:27 AM

30/10/2012 8:34 AM

On 10/29/2012 9:46 PM, Ed Pawlowski wrote:
> On Mon, 29 Oct 2012 14:56:49 -0700, "Bob F" <[email protected]>
> wrote:
>
>
>
>>
>> Are re-sharpened blades sharper than new?
>>
>> An older friend, old time carpenter, told me once that when he buys a new
>> handsaw, the first thing he does it get it sharpened.
>>
>
> A few years ago, I bought a DeWalt 12" miter saw and it came with a DW
> blade. It was OK, nothing to brag about, but not so bad that I'd not
> use it.
>
> I lent the saw to a friend to cut some laminate flooring and after
> that, it barely cut. (deal was, he's pay for sharpening) I sent the
> blade to Ridge Carbide and it came back better than new. I sent a
> couple of Freud blades too and they were at least as good as new,
> maybe better.
>

Saw blade manufacturers tend to do great sharpening if they do offer
that service. Does/will Ridge reflatten glades also? Basically, do
they offer to bring a blade back to factory specs?

Ll

Leon

in reply to Ivan Vegvary on 29/10/2012 6:27 AM

30/10/2012 8:31 AM

On 10/29/2012 8:43 PM, Lew Hodgett wrote:
> Ivan Vegvary wrote:
>
>> Yes, I do own a single high end 10" saw blade.
>>
>> However, most of the time I keep an el-cheepo HF 10" 40 tooth
>> carbide
>> blade on the table saw. Just fine for ripping two by fours etc.
>> They do dull and I end up buying about 2 or three per year.
>> Do you guys send these out for sharpening? Is it worth it? What
>> does it typically cost?
>> If the answer is "no", what other uses are there for old blades? I
>> don't want to make a clock!! I do have a metal lathe, mill and
>> shaper, is the steel in blades worth chopping up for other projects?
>>
>>
>> Are re-sharpened blades sharper than new?
> ----------------------------------------------------
> IMHO, you are being penny wise and pound foolish.
>
> An el-cheepo HF blade is about $20.
>
> You buy 2-3 year or $40-$60/year to get crappy results.
>
> A decent blade will cost about $60-$75 individually and slightly less
> when bought
> in a 3 piece set.
>
> You will spend about $15/blade to get a decent blade sharpened.
>
> Expect to get about a year service/sharpening.
>
> Based on the above, a new $75 blade is good for a year followed
> by a $15 sharpening.
>
> The result is $75 + $15 = $90/2 year's service for good blades.
>
> 3 el-cheepo HF blades * 2 years = 6 blades.
>
> 6 blades * $20/blade = $120/2 year's service for crappy blades.
>
> Ya get what ya pay for.
>
> Donate used el-cheepo HF blades to an artist who does
> things like sculptures with scrap metal.
>
> Keep the garbage lumber away from your table saw.
>
> That's what the Sawzall was invented to handle.
>
> If you insist on using the table saw for junk lumber keep
> a el-cheepo HF blade handy and use it as a throw away.
>
> Have fun.
>
> Lew

IMHO, you are being penny wise and pound foolish.

If you buy a great blade, $100, use it for 2+ years befor sharpening. A
good sharpening $25. 4 years use, $125.

EP

Ed Pawlowski

in reply to Ivan Vegvary on 29/10/2012 6:27 AM

29/10/2012 10:46 PM

On Mon, 29 Oct 2012 14:56:49 -0700, "Bob F" <[email protected]>
wrote:



>
>Are re-sharpened blades sharper than new?
>
>An older friend, old time carpenter, told me once that when he buys a new
>handsaw, the first thing he does it get it sharpened.
>

A few years ago, I bought a DeWalt 12" miter saw and it came with a DW
blade. It was OK, nothing to brag about, but not so bad that I'd not
use it.

I lent the saw to a friend to cut some laminate flooring and after
that, it barely cut. (deal was, he's pay for sharpening) I sent the
blade to Ridge Carbide and it came back better than new. I sent a
couple of Freud blades too and they were at least as good as new,
maybe better.

BF

"Bob F"

in reply to Ivan Vegvary on 29/10/2012 6:27 AM

29/10/2012 2:56 PM

Ivan Vegvary wrote:
> Yes, I do own a single high end 10" saw blade.
>
> However, most of the time I keep an el-cheepo HF 10" 40 tooth carbide
> blade on the table saw. Just fine for ripping two by fours etc.
> They do dull and I end up buying about 2 or three per year.
> Do you guys send these out for sharpening? Is it worth it? What
> does it typically cost?
> If the answer is "no", what other uses are there for old blades? I
> don't want to make a clock!! I do have a metal lathe, mill and
> shaper, is the steel in blades worth chopping up for other projects?
>

Are re-sharpened blades sharper than new?

An older friend, old time carpenter, told me once that when he buys a new
handsaw, the first thing he does it get it sharpened.

BF

"Bob F"

in reply to Ivan Vegvary on 29/10/2012 6:27 AM

03/11/2012 4:24 PM

Leon wrote:
> On 10/29/2012 4:56 PM, Bob F wrote:
>> Ivan Vegvary wrote:
>>> Yes, I do own a single high end 10" saw blade.
>>>
>>> However, most of the time I keep an el-cheepo HF 10" 40 tooth
>>> carbide blade on the table saw. Just fine for ripping two by fours
>>> etc. They do dull and I end up buying about 2 or three per year.
>>> Do you guys send these out for sharpening? Is it worth it? What
>>> does it typically cost?
>>> If the answer is "no", what other uses are there for old blades? I
>>> don't want to make a clock!! I do have a metal lathe, mill and
>>> shaper, is the steel in blades worth chopping up for other projects?
>>>
>>
>> Are re-sharpened blades sharper than new?
>
> Maybe, Typically cheaper blades can be sharpened when brand new and
> receive a sharper edge. I am not sure you could improve on a Forrest
> or similar high quality blade.
>
> A good indicator, if your new blade has a protective coating on it and
> you have to be careful to not cut your self while removing the
> protective coating, it is sharp enough. Likewise if the blade has no
> coating and you have to be careful to not cut your elf.

Why would you ever cut your elf. He shouldn't even be near the saw.

>
>
>
>
>>
>> An older friend, old time carpenter, told me once that when he buys
>> a new handsaw, the first thing he does it get it sharpened.
>
> Especially today that is probably a good idea. Same goes with
> chisels, and files.

You can get files sharpened?

DD

"Dr. Deb"

in reply to Ivan Vegvary on 29/10/2012 6:27 AM

29/10/2012 9:30 AM

Ivan Vegvary wrote:

> Yes, I do own a single high end 10" saw blade.
>
> However, most of the time I keep an el-cheepo HF 10" 40 tooth carbide
> blade on the table saw. Just fine for ripping two by fours etc. They do
> dull and I end up buying about 2 or three per year.
> Do you guys send these out for sharpening? Is it worth it? What does it
> typically cost?
> If the answer is "no", what other uses are there for old blades? I don't
> want to make a clock!! I do have a metal lathe, mill and shaper, is the
> steel in blades worth chopping up for other projects?
>
> Thanks for all replies.
>
> Ivan Vegvary


I like the HF 50 tooth blade much better than the 40 tooth (I love the
almost glass smooth end grain I usually get in a crosscut).

As for sharpening, the last time I had one sharpened was around $15.
Since a new blade costs $19.95 (not on sale), it hardly seems worth it to
have it shapened. I keep the old blades around to cut treated or rough
stock with.

As for dulling, the 50 tooth blades tend to last quite awhile.

Deb

Ll

Leon

in reply to Ivan Vegvary on 29/10/2012 6:27 AM

29/10/2012 6:20 PM

On 10/29/2012 4:56 PM, Bob F wrote:
> Ivan Vegvary wrote:
>> Yes, I do own a single high end 10" saw blade.
>>
>> However, most of the time I keep an el-cheepo HF 10" 40 tooth carbide
>> blade on the table saw. Just fine for ripping two by fours etc.
>> They do dull and I end up buying about 2 or three per year.
>> Do you guys send these out for sharpening? Is it worth it? What
>> does it typically cost?
>> If the answer is "no", what other uses are there for old blades? I
>> don't want to make a clock!! I do have a metal lathe, mill and
>> shaper, is the steel in blades worth chopping up for other projects?
>>
>
> Are re-sharpened blades sharper than new?

Maybe, Typically cheaper blades can be sharpened when brand new and
receive a sharper edge. I am not sure you could improve on a Forrest or
similar high quality blade.

A good indicator, if your new blade has a protective coating on it and
you have to be careful to not cut your self while removing the
protective coating, it is sharp enough. Likewise if the blade has no
coating and you have to be careful to not cut your elf.




>
> An older friend, old time carpenter, told me once that when he buys a new
> handsaw, the first thing he does it get it sharpened.

Especially today that is probably a good idea. Same goes with chisels,
and files.


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