Banjo Hangout Logo
Banjo Hangout Logo

Premier Sponsors


Sep 14, 2026 - 8:53:28 AM
2717 posts since 6/19/2008

I found a big old Montgomery Ward miter guide and back saw many years ago, and have finally adapted it, in part, to do scarf joints. My question is, should I resharpen the saw for rip cuts, or just leave it as is (sharpened for cross cuts). The jig is set up for a 15 degree scarf joint. BTW that saw blade is 27" long.

It was pretty tough getting through 2 1/2" of 3/4" maple so I've got to sharpen the saw either way.

My understanding is that the teeth should all be filed at 90 degrees for rip cutting.


Edited by - Jonnycake White on 09/14/2026 08:57:12

Sep 14, 2026 - 9:03:02 AM
likes this

11720 posts since 4/23/2004

I would say crosscut. Rip tends to be coarser and unless you've decided to add some fleam to the teeth, they don't cut as cleanly as a good crosscut. Also, I find when using a rip off of "with the grain" they tend to wander more.

Sep 14, 2026 - 9:51:38 AM

2717 posts since 6/19/2008

I'll try sharpening it "as is" and see how does on the next neck blank.

Sep 14, 2026 - 10:09:57 AM

6987 posts since 5/29/2011

Cross cut would work better for what you are doing, in my experience.

Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Privacy Consent (EU/GDPR Only)

Copyright 2026 Banjo Hangout. All Rights Reserved.





Hangout Network Help

View All Topics  |  View Categories

0.1969604