Saw Tooth Spacing Templates

If you are filing in new tooth, these saw tooth spacing templates are an easy way to ensure regular spacing. Covers saws ranging from 3 1/2 to 17 points per inch (ppi).

How to use these templates: The easiest way to use these templates is to fold the paper over and place it over the saw blade. Tape one side of it to the blade so that it does not shift when the saw is repositioned in the vise. Holding the file at the desired rake angle (a saw filing guide of one type or another may be helpful for this), use one or two strokes to mark the location of the gullet. To avoid having the file skate or jump off of the line, use a sharp file and a firm, decisive stroke.

After all of the gullets have been marked in this manner, the paper may be removed. Continue filing until the teeth are uniformly and wholly formed.

Evenly Pitched Teeth

These templates have evenly spaced teeth. They can be used for either handsaws or backsaws of any length.

Each template is available in both 8 1/2"x11" and 8 1/2"x14" pdf formats. The larger pages work for saws up to 13" without splicing, and will cover saws up to 26" long with just one splice.

Each template includes a scale for reference. To ensure accuracy, please verify that the pdf printed out at the correct scale.

Progressively Pitched Teeth

Disston and other saw makers commonly filed their coarser rip saws so the teeth were one point to the inch finer at the toe than at the heel. As an example, a 5 ppi saw's teeth would measure 6 ppi at the toe, 5 1/2 ppi at the center, and 5 ppi at the heel. When filed in such a manner, each tooth is slightly larger than the one preceding it, making for a saw that is easier to start and runs smoothly.

Each template is made for a specific length of blade. The templates are in 8 1/2"x11" pdf format, and consist of three pages that must be spliced together in the correct order. Each page has tabs to ensure proper alignment.

I will add more 26" templates as time permits, with backsaw templates to follow in the (distant?) future.

Each template includes a scale for reference. To ensure accuracy, please verify that the pdf printed out at the correct scale.