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Introduction

Mike Wenzloff is one of those quiet heroes of the Handtool revolution.

Mike runs Wenzloff & Sons turning out world class handsaws, Chris Schwarz put Mike on the map with this review back in 2006. We're also lucky that he lives in the NW - four hours or so away.

Until you've worked with a properly sharpened  high quality handsaw - you'll wonder what the fuss is about. Suddenly dovetails become easy to cut when you can saw to that line.

In this class you'll both build a handsaw and learn to sharpen it. We've chosen a subset of saws from Mike's catalog plus you can choose to buy a sawset and files in the materials charge - Mike delivers them at the start of the class.

Mike peppers the class with fascinating diversions into the materials used and the history of handsaws.

Class Description

In this two day class you get to build and sharpen a high-end  handsaw customized to your hand. We'll be offering you a choice from a small joinery saw through a tenon saw to a panel saw and you get to choose the saw tooth profile.

You'll make and finish the saw handle from Black Walnut or Swiss Pear (we had hoped to offer European Beech but it is unobtainable at the moment).

The saw kits are:

Tools:

• You will need a  vintage saw vise in good working order or a new saw vise from Tools for Working Wood.
• You will also need a Nicholson #50 rasp and a smooth or bastard-cut 8" half-round file (most woodworking stores stock the #50s). Most hardware stores such as Ace Hardware will have a Nicholson 8" half-round file at a good price. Alternative French hand-cut rasps from The Best Things will provide a smoother finish at the rasping stage. If purchasing the TBT French rasps, we recommend:  6-200-10-AU ($84.95) and 6-200-14-AU ($89.95). Not cheap but unbelievably good rasps. We'll have a supply of rasps and files on hand for the shaping of the handles if you choose not to purchase the rasp and file.
• For sharpening, especially for kits with smaller teeth, we recommend a pair of inexpensive reading glasses available at most drug stores. Mike uses a pair with 3 diopter strength.

More about this class

• Saw Recommendations
• Saw Filing Notes
• Blog Entries

Prerequisites

None

Class Information and Registration

Class starts at 9:00am on the first day.

Please read our What to Expect page for general information about the School.

Please also read our Registration Policy.

Coming Classes:

When you click on the Register link you will be able to register for the class or, if the class is full, sign up for the wait list.