Introduction

Crosscut saws and the tools to maintain them are becoming increasingly difficult to find. The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Missoula Technology and Development Center (MTDC) used traditional designs to build prototypes of some common tools needed to maintain crosscut saws. Mechanical drawings for these tools are included in this report. Individuals with the proper skills and equipment may wish to build their own crosscut-saw sharpening tools. Others can take the drawings to a machinist who should be able to build the tools.

When a crosscut saw is used and cared for properly, it shouldn't need to be sharpened more than once a year. Although chain saws are easier to sharpen than crosscut saws, they are more likely to be dulled when they strike rocks or dirt. If a crosscut saw does need to be tuned up during the season, it can be maintained in the field when the proper tools are available. A crosscut saw that is sharpened properly is an extremely efficient tool.

Crosscut saws have to be used in wilderness areas, where motorized tools are not allowed. But sawyers may find that crosscut saws can play an important role outside wilderness. When crews clear trails, the majority of their time is spent moving material, not cutting wood. Sawyers on trail crews may find that it's easier to carry a crosscut saw than to carry a chain saw, gas, oil, and the personal protective equipment required to use a chain saw safely. In addition, injuries from crosscut saws are likely to be less severe than those caused by chain saws.