First true up the edge with a saw jointer or a flat file held on a block of wood as shown at A, Fig. 2. Take smooth, forward strokes. The edge should be a trifle convex or crowned.

Using a properly adjusted saw set, bend out every alternate tooth slightly for not more than half its depth as shown at B. Then reverse the saw and set the remaining teeth the opposite way.

A crosscut saw may be filed either against the cutting edge of the teeth or with the teeth. The first method is illustrated at C, with the file pointing toward the handle. (Many experts use this method, but it is perhaps easier and undoubtedly more common to point the file toward the end of the saw.) Run the file in front of every tooth that points out toward you.

Turn the saw in the saw vise and file the remaining teeth. The file is horizontal, but points back toward the handle as shown at F. Watch the points and stop filing when they are sharp.

When the teeth are sharp, lay the saw on a flat surface and take a stroke or two on each side with a fine oilstone as shown at D.

To file a ripsaw, hold the file at right angles to the blade as shown at E. Each tooth must be perpendicular on the front edge. Some mechanics prefer to lower the file handle a trifle. In either case it is well to file every alternate tooth from one side and then turn the saw. This compensates for errors.

How to straighten a kink with block and mallet is shown at G. Beginners will find it a good plan to leave a few teeth at the extreme handle end of the blade untouched. It is these few teeth that will serve as a standard guide for setting and filing the saw.