Thread: Thos Turner & Co Dovetail saw

If the exposed bit of blade looks fine then then some pitting under the handle should not mean the end of the saw as a user. That is unless the rust is so bad the handle can no longer be secured. A few pics of the rusty bit would help in making a call on it. I have put a few ugly saws back to work so I know first look sometimes looks bad but it is surprising what some good old TLC can do.
Regards
John

Thanks John..... The metal is like lace in that area. When you hold it up to the light there is almost as much light coming through as solid metal. I have attached a couple of shots of the blade for reference. I was thinking about getting a blade from Blackburn Tools in the US and doing a swap. I know it isn't authentic but still a great blade and will be a very usable saw once sharpened.
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Thomas Turner saws are highly regarded. In fact, personally, they are one of two English saw brands that I do collect - particularly the straight Thomas Turner, before the merger with Tyzack & Sons forming Tyzack & Turner. The brass spine looks in good condition - so that is sellable. Should the handle have no dents on the horns then that would also get a few dollars back. As for the blade, it looks too heavily pitted in my opinion - it looks as though it has touched the teeth and quite deteriorated at the handle join.

Regards,
Raymond.

Thanks Raymond.......I was surprised how pitted it actually was... when I bought it it looked in great condition.... the handle is in pretty good condition with a few small chips and scratches consistent with a saw of this age....do you think I should sell it as is or replace the blade with a Blackburn one or something else. I am assuming I would never find an original blade to suit anyway. I do like the feel of it.. seems to fit my hand beautifully and was very disappointed with the rust situation.
Gaza

Fit a new blade since you like the feel of it. The fitting of a new blade shouldn't affect/damage the spine or handle and the saw will have a new life.

Why not just make your own blade for it? Not hard to do and can be a bit of fun

Thanks..... The more I thought about it... I decided to fit a new blade... might make the true collectors cringe but I like to use my tools rather than just look at them and when you get something that feels right why flog it off. I ended up ordering a blade from Blackburn tools and while I was at it I ordered one of their kits as well. After a bit of research it seems that they make a great product and even though it may not be a genuine blade it will still be quality. Thought of making one myself but wasn't sure where to get the steel from that was so fine..... I did speak to my local saw doctor and he couldn't help me in that area. Now just to find that perfect timber for the handle of my kit Was thinking of Black Wattle or something like that but wasn't sure how it would go as a saw handle. Anyone have any suggestions.... Would like a darkish timber with some nice grain.

That saw plate looks like it was de-rusted. I wonder if it will improve with a sanding?

Coincidentally, I restored an old C.Nurse this weekend. I picked this up at the Perth Wood Show for $40.

The saw plate was mildly pitted. The Seller had made an attempt to tidy it up ..



The handle was in decent condition. A bit rough here-and-there, but the only area I thought needed some work was the curve for the palm. The projection here extended too far and was painful to hold for long.



The nuts were buggered and needed replacing ..



.. and the brass back looked like it had been hammered into the wood (presumably as the teeth were misshapen and dull) ..



The plate was sanded 120/240/400 grit (sandpaper on a hard backing), the teeth sharpened (18-19 tpi! at 5 degrees rake) and set, and the saw nuts were replaced. The hump on the handle was reduced until the saw felt comfortable ..





The brass back was sanded back, but hopefully still looked well-lived ..



Test cuts were spot on. As good as a Veritas 20 tpi. Here is the saw with the sharpening tools ...



Regards from Perth

Derek

Thanks Derek..... Thats a beaut looking little saw.... I agree a bit of sanding on the blade would have made it a lot better but the cancer, around where the handle bolts on, was a bit more than can be fixed. I will check your link... I am a bit of a tutorial junky at the moment... still sooo much to learn

Finally got the Blackburn Blade in this old Girl and had it sharpened. Really pleased how it has come up. Feels great in the hand as well.
Thos Turner & Co 10 Inch.jpg