Stavemill professions #7 – Sharpen to Saw Better!

The saw sharpener is the man behind the scenes. He works quietly in support of the sawyers. It is a key role within the merrain mill. There is no good sawyer without a good sharpener — and no good sharpener without a good sawyer.

As in all merrain work, it requires a sharp eye and a keen sense of touch. Before sharpening can begin, several essential steps must be carried out. The overall condition of the blade must be assessed — from the body to the tip of the teeth. The blade tension must be checked, any bumps identified, and their significance evaluated using a straightedge.

A saw blade measures 5.5 meters in length, with 122 teeth, and an original blade body width of 85 mm — a detail that matters. Naturally crowned to match the shape of the wheel rim on which it rests, the blade is examined down to the smallest detail. Any bumps are corrected using a planishing hammer, before the blade passes through a levelling machine that rectifies remaining imperfections. Several passes are required to restore the blade body to its original shape and natural crown — essential for proper grip and optimal tension when sawing quartered oak.

Attention to Detail

Depending on the quality of the oak (grain size, hardness, cleanliness) and its defects (knots, pin knots…), the blade will be more or less stressed, and the frequency of reconditioning will vary accordingly. The sawyer’s working method also impacts blade lifespan and tooth longevity.

After correcting the blade’s tension and flatness and ensuring a perfectly even crown, the sharpener moves on to the sharpening stage itself. Three successive passes are required to restore the natural cutting edge to each of the blade’s 122 teeth.

In Respect of the Oak

“The better the blade is sharpened, the easier the quarters are to saw — and the more precise the cut.”

A poorly cutting or warped blade directly affects merrain quality. The kerf becomes wider, generating unnecessary loss of raw material. An improperly sharpened blade can also produce merrain pieces with uneven thickness from one end to the other, or irregular surfaces on each face.

Merrain production is a craft of precision. Every stage — from the log yard to scaling, cross-cutting, splitting, sawing, edging, grading, and stacking — is carried out with the utmost rigour, in full respect of oak, this noble and rare material. Sharpening demands the same level of precision and exacting standards as every other step. It is a true craft.

Photography: Stéphane Ébel