Marv
Hi Steve,

Buy a file that is as close to twice the size of the back of the tooth, not the cutting edge.

The reason is, due to the rake angle, the back of the tooth will be longer than the cutting edge or front of the tooth. The main reason for twice the size of the back of the tooth is so you can use the file more efficiently. If the sides of the file is less than the back of the tooth, the wear will over lap during the life of the file. However, if you will only be filing the one saw, it's no big deal, but you don't want to go any bigger because the bigger the file the more rounded the bottom of the gullet will be which will make the gullet not as deep. You want a gullet as deep as possible and also have a small radius at the bottom.

Are your eyes starting to glaze over yet? *smirk*

The reason you always get long winded instructions regarding filing saws is because there are no short cuts that will produce the best results. It's like learning to walk.... you learn to put one foot in front of the other and if you keep doing it, first thing you know, you'll be walking.

I'm reminded of George Burns....When George was in his 80,s, he walked two miles a day. Someone asked how he did that at his age and he replied...well, ya see, I put one foot in front of the other, then I put the other foot in front of the other and then I put the other foot in front of the other and when I keep doing that, first thing I know, I'm walking. However, as far as I know, he never filed a saw.

Marv