Set checker

[Banjo picker]

I got the set checker from Cooks saw, and I think it was a good investment.  I was just setting every blade, but with this tool I can see if that is necessary or not.  Super easy to use.  Only cost about $75.00 or so and is built very well.  

  After sharpening this blade, I see there is no need to put it through the setter.  Banjo

[kelLOGg]

That brings up the old question "Do you set or sharpen first?". Will it work if you set first?

[Banjo picker]

Well Bob it will work anytime you put it on the blade.  Ideally a person could check before you take it off the mill.  From my experience I have found that unless I am trying to revive a metal strike, I am only going to take off 3 or4 thousands so if the blade was cutting good and has 23 thousands of set on each side.  It won't need setting.  I check it anyway since I got it.  

I recently got the dual tooth setter from Cooks and it has two gauges but they are after the teeth are set....if too much set is indicated I take a little out with a pair of pliers and check the set with this devise....and adjust the setting dies.  I am getting the hang of it, but it's harder to learn than the single tooth setter....but it's oh so fast when you get it set.

I used to set before I sharpened and I still would if I had a blade that had very little set in it.  That way you don't have to deburr the blade.  So to answer your question...I do it both ways as needed.  Tim