Saw Files

ByIzzy Berger

Saw files can also be known as triangular files or three-square files. They often have single cut teeth across the full width of each facet of the file and can come in many different variations including:

  • Lengths
  • Widths
  • Taper
  • Fineness (the closer the teeth are on the file, the finer it is)
  • Double-cut/ single cut/ second cut

Paul finds that 3 main sizes cover most saws:

  • Slim taper
  • Extra slim taper
  • Double extra slim taper (sometimes shown as XX slim)

When choosing a saw file, it depends on the type of saw, the number of teeth (TPI) and this then governs the size of the teeth. Filing the teeth removes a layer of steel which restores the sharp cutting edge. When sharpening a ripcut saw, the teeth are sharpened to a chisel tip. When sharpening a crosscut saw, the inside of each tooth is sharpened to create two bevels resulting in a three-sided tip point. The saw file can be used for both tooth patterns.

Terminology

Facet- Another word for face

Fleam cut- Another name for ‘crosscut’

Gullett- The ‘V’ shape in between the teeth which the file sits in when sharpening

Types of Saw File

PPI Length Type Saw
6-7 7” Slim Taper
  • Handsaws
8-11 6” X Slim Taper
  • Handsaws
  • Tenon saws
12-16 6” XX Slim Taper
  • Tenon saws
  • Dovetail saws
  • Gent Saws
16+ 5” XX Slim Taper
  • Dovetail saws
  • Gent saws

If you are struggling to keep the angle consistent when using a saw file, you can use a strip of wood with marked angles on as a guide. If you find you have set your saw too aggressively, you can file them back to an upright position and start again. Ensure you are using the same length stroke, the same hand pressure and the same number of strokes per tooth to get an even pattern.

When buying a saw file it is important to ensure it is tapered and that the width of the file is double the height of the saw teeth. Paul recommends Bahco saw files as they are long lasting and well made. Saw files technically have 6 faces, not 3, this creates a cutting face that reaches into the bottom of the gullet. Each corner is not a point, they are small flat surfaces which have teeth on, this makes the cut more effective. You can buy saw files for less than £10 each and usually can sharpen most saws with a 4”,5” and 6”.

You should never use a saw file without a handle as the tang can puncture the skin if used incorrectly and cause serious hand/arm injury. You can get 2 types of handle, one for a double ended saw file which has slots which allows the file to wedge into the handle, or a handle for a single ended file which is shaped to house the tang. You can get file handles which are made from wood or from plastic, Paul prefers using the wooden handles. You can also make your own saw file handle following Paul’s blog.

You shouldn’t have to pay more than £3 for a saw file handle, we have purchased this one from eBay for £2.64 free delivery which fits our 4”, 5” and 6” saw files.

We purchased these Bahco Saw Files from Amazon UK in February 2018 for £5.88 each:

Further Reading

To read more on saw files, we recommend the following from Paul’s blog:

Saw Files- Lasting Qualities

Saw Files Saved Edges And Recycling Files

Saw Files Revisited- Bahco Raises The Bar

Bahco Saw Files Beat the Best of the Rest in Real Bench- Testing

Assorted Saw Files

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10 Comments

  1. Thanks for defining “Fleam” cut.

    Never heard the term before.

    Maybe that’s due to my living in the US where we speak a different version of English. 🙄

  2. In this post, you use tpi (teeth per inch) and ppi (pints per inch) seemingly as synonyms. In my mind they are – if you have 5 teeth you have 5 points.

    Do they indicate the same or is there a difference? There’s a lot of discussion on the net about it but its all based on opinions..

    Mic

    1. Hi Mic,

      I passed on your query to Paul and he said:

      If you have 5 teeth you have 4 points, however, 4 and 5 are used relatively as there is such little difference. You can use TPI and PPI interchangeably without worrying about the nomenclature .

      Kind Regards,
      Izzy

  3. Paul:
    I’m a bit confused… Could you update this Posting to reflect USA and EU Files buying sources? Do I want Slim Taper for all three sizes (4″, 5″, 6′), or should they be different in some way(s). I can’t seem to find Bahco Slim Taper files in all the sizes mentioned, except for “Second” (Cut???)?
    Any suggestions for ordering these files from UK and shipping to USA? Finally on the last bit of shopping for my Tool Kit! Looking forward to working some wood in the coming weeks.
    Cheers,
    Jon in MA

    1. Hi Jon,

      Thank you for your question, I passed it on to Paul and his answer is below:

      All of the UK catalog companies carry a good range of files, the only ones that need to be slim taper would be 4” & 5”.

      Kind Regards,
      Izzy

  5. Hi!

    Could you tell me which file should I use for a 13 tpi tenon saw?
    Here you suggest 4-188-06-2-0, which at Workshopheaven is suggested for a lower (10-11) tooth count, and they suggest 4-188-05-2-0, which you suggest for a higher (16+) tooth count.
    Personally, I would go for the longer one for the longer stroke, but it is currently unavaliable.

    1. Hi,

      Paul says:
      The only way to size a saw file is not by the numerical number of a manufacturer but by ensuring that the saw file itself is slightly wider than the gullet depth. The reason we do this is when you rotate the file, the teeth on both adjacent faces of the file will wear evenly. For the main part tool suppliers choose a variety of saw files according to the manufacturer that they sell the tools on behalf of. I usually use only two saw file sizes.

      Kind Regards,
      Izzy

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