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Bringing Back the Bite: Hand Saw Restoration & Sharpening

The Saw Geek, Tim Plavan will be sharing his skills and knowledge with us, taking us through the process of evaluating, restoring and sharpening hand saws.

We’ve all been there—staring at a rusted, pitted vintage Disston at a yard sale, wondering if it’s a hidden gem or just a high-carbon boat anchor. Join us for a deep dive into the art of saw revival with expert Tim Plavan. This session begins with the critical first step: evaluating an old saw to determine its potential. Tim will then walk us through a comprehensive restoration masterclass, covering everything from the delicate removal and refinishing of the handle to cleaning the blade and polishing the hardware. You’ll learn how to strip away decades of grime without destroying the "soul" (or the etch) of a classic tool.

Once the saw looks the part, it’s time to make it work. The second half of our symposium focuses on the mechanics of the toothline. Tim will demystify the sharpening process, guiding us through jointing the saw, reshaping the teeth, and the precise application of set. We will cover the specific filing techniques required to get a razor-sharp edge that tracks straight and cuts fast. We'll wrap up the day with test cuts to see that vintage steel in action. Whether you are looking to maintain your current kit or want the confidence to rescue a flea-market find, this is a "must-attend" for any hand-tool enthusiast.