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A saw set is a term applied to variations of a device used in the tuning and sharpening of saw blades, though used most often on hand saws. The saw set is used to adjust the set, or distance the saw tooth is bent away from the saw blade.

When the teeth of a saw are formed from the body, they are in line and the same thickness as the blade immediately behind them. A saw with this configuration is described as having 'no' or '0' set.

To prevent the body of the blade binding and for other enhancements to the cutting action, the teeth can be set (angled out) from the blade.

See the Tuning and sharpening of saws for more detailed information set, kerf, and maintenance of saws.

A saw set make the process of setting the teeth easier, more consistent or both.

The essential components of this type of saw set are an anvil and a striking tool, often a hammer. These tools range from common blacksmith's equipment to specially designed and marketed saw sets.

In its simplest form this process could use any anvil suitable surface and any striking tool of appropriate size. The saw tooth to be set is angled over an edge of the anvil and struck in the direction the tooth is to be set. Hammering the teeth against and anvil is also used to remove set from the teeth either for maintenance or fresh setting.

Another form uses either a bevel-edged anvil or a setting block so that the saw blade rests on a flat portion of the anvil and the tooth held over the bevel, to be struck until bent to the desired angle (Fig. A). Its use is described by the following:

"...lay the block, Fig. [A], in some convenient flat place and hold the tooth of saw so that the point projects over the beveled surface fully one-quarter of an inch. Give two or three strokes with a light hammer, striking the tooth always about one-quarter of an inch from the point. Regulate the set by the use of set gauge..."^[1]

Following the same mechanics and operation, some designs introduced either a pin or lever aligned over the tooth that could be struck with a hammer. Rather than rely on the accuracy of the operator, such a device ensures only the portion of the saw under the pin is bent (Fig. B).

Saw sets described as lever, plate or spring function. The plate that forms the body of the tool is fitted over the saw and levered which springs or bends the tooth to an angle.

The simplest form of a lever saw set is a plate, usually of metal, wide enough to only fit over one tooth at a time and notched to a depth less than that of the tooth. The

From 1810 to 1925 almost 900 different saw sets were patented ^[2] .

• Saws
• Woodworking hand tools