Thread: wooden handles and citric acid

Photos Hoodie, photos. It all means nothing without photos esp. if you're going to slip in a gloat like this masquerading it as question.

prozac

I don't think it will weaken the wood but it will stain it black. You can coat the wood with wax before you paint on the citric acid. On the down side the rust under the wood will still be there. A new wood handle would be the way to go.Done as a split turning and glued back in place. Should be an interesting project.

Haven't posted photos before but I'll give it a try.

Thanks oraloon, unfortuhately I don't have a lathe so I'll try suspending it so the handle isn't submerged first. The handle spins freely enoughso with a bit of use and plenty of machine oil it probably won't be a huge problem. I hope.

Baz

I think that you are on the right track, particularly as it will be a user.

Thanks for the photos, they're worthy of a brag at $5 each! The boxes of taps and dies $5 ea also? Well done.

prozac

Baz,
Good haul there. That should keep you fettling for some time.
Just a quick observation on the saw. I have just done up 4 old saws this last year and that one will come up with a bit of elbow grease. I believe distons have 5 screws (the old saw experts can chip in here) so will be interested to see if there are 5 holes under that handle. The blade has the right sort of shape but the handle is most likely an add on. Anyhoo you have some quality shed time there.
Regards
John

Thanks guys for the encouragement

The two boxes of taps were $4 for the lot. Whitworth, bsc, bsf they will be reall handy for some mates with old Brit bikes.

I haven't started on the saw yet. Haven't got a tub big enough to give it a soak yet. I had a bit of a look around the net for some info on the saw and the Disstonian Institute doesn't list this saw but panel saws did come with 3,4 & 5 holes in the early models. may be a later model and probably one of the econony models. Doesn't really matter because I want to actually use this saw. The handle has some damage at the top but not in a place that will affect it's use, but the blade is dead straight. I'll definitely put the time in to get it working as it should. I reckon even a cheap Disston is about ten times better than the hard tooth terrors you get at hardwares these days, that you can't sharpen and flex cutting paper.

The little Stanley will do up OK too I think. It does have a fair bit of wear on the front of the toe and the back of the heel, but the sole is square to the sides,no cracks and not too pitted. I just need an iron,.chipbreaker, lever cap , the tab for adjusting the frog, and a new tote. More garage sales on the horizon, and I'd better start buying citric acid by the kilogram.

Thanks again

Cheers

$4 for all those taps and dies, fantastic!

ooraloon like you my first thoughts were Disston esp. when I saw the lovely wheat-ears and thought 1880's. But then the inside of the handle doesn't look right for the age and the outside is devoid of any details like hounds-teeth etc. Maybe a later Spear & Jackson then. What is on the medallion?

prozac

Hi Hoodie,

Nice pick up, of course prozac is the reigning expert on Disston (after the last, "sight unseen" perfect id.), but to me, it looks more like a 1950's economy model something. Maybe a K series?

Now, to business, how much do you want for the taps and dies? Want to double your money?

That was a seriously good find

Regards
Ray

Strewth Ray don't you ever go to bed!

He's ripping you off Hoodie, I'll give you $12.

prozac

Originally Posted by prozac

Strewth Ray don't you ever go to bed!

He's ripping you off Hoodie, I'll give you $12.

prozac

Nope, the joys of ebaying across timezones...

$20 final offer.

Regards
Ray

Hi Fellas
Sorry but I'll hang on to the taps, although the prospect of fabulous sums of wealth is tempting. I got em to use and have already done so, chasing the thread on some bolts I had.

The saw screws definitely say "Disston Phila" but they could be replacements in any thing. The screws aren't brass either. I'll try and remove the rust on the blade without removing the etching, if any. Hence the citric acid and scourers rather than wet and dry. When I get it off I'll put up a picture or two and hopefully all will be revealed. I do know the first task for the tools will be a workbench that I'll try to build without power tools (except for my grinder for sharpening). Should be fun and will definitely help to increase my hand tool skills. Not only using them but keeping them up to scratch during a project.

Pity my grandfather wasn't still with us, he used to be a saw doctor at several mills in central and southern Queensland. He'd make this saw sing in a blink.

I tell you this forum is addictive. I' ve only been here a week I've already got several projects on the go and I'm supposed to be writing a paper for a conference in October. There just isn't enough time on the weekends (any one running for PM that offers longer weekends has my vote). Anyway thanks for the advice and ideas and I'll keep you posted. Off to the slave galley, the master is looking my way and he reckons he want's to go skiing.

Cheers for now
Baz