How to Sharpen a Veneer Saw

I use both a chisel and veneer saw to cut veneer. The chisel excels at cutting one layer of veneer at a time, but the veneer saw is necessary for cutting straight lines through multiple layers.

To sharpen a veneer saw, hold it perpendicular to the bench and use a fine file to sharpen the teeth, following the angles already established. Then, with the saw flat on the edge of the bench, file a bevel onto the outside edge of the blade so that each tooth comes to a sharp point. Then hone off the burr on the back of the saw.  Now you’re ready to make perfect cuts every time.

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Veneer saws are not ready out of the box.

 

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You need a sharp veneer saw to cut through stacks of veneer as shown here.

 

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First, sharpen the teeth with a fine file, following the angles already established.

 

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Then file a bevel onto the outside edge to bring each tooth to a sharp point. Knock off the burr from the back, and you’re ready to make perfect cuts.