Different handle types on D8 and D-8?

[schuld66]

I have a nice D-8 blade and a few handles from the older D8 saws, including a couple thumb-hole handles. Just looking at them, they look like they should fit, but the two lower holes don't quite line up. I don't want to drill new holes in the blade -- it has just the original 5 holes. Do I have an oddball blade, or do I need to find a handle made for the newer D-8?

Regards,
Dave

[orraloon]

It may be best to make a new handle. You dont want to risk drilling close to existing holes and ending up with really large holes.
With a new handle you use the existing holes in the blade as a template for marking out.
Photo copy an old handle then use the printout as a handle template. The Norse Woodsmith site has some good info on saw handles.
Regards
John

[pmcgee]

The handles ... I'm thinking probably the earlier ones ... are not an automatic swap.

But ... I had some pictures I don't think I put up of several handles/blades that all matched matched.
No ... they are still sitting on top of the dog-crate in the lounge-room.
They were I think either 1918 onwards or 1929 onwards.

I don't remember all the details now ... but the handle I wanted to transfer was only being temporarily stopped because the two blades were a little different down the heel, under that curve of metal in comparison to the kerf inside the handles.

I did put a nicer handle onto a thumbhole saw where the holes were pretty close, except one perhaps. That was a while ago.
You can enlarge holes with a chainsaw file ... moving them sideways a bit ...
and drilling can be done a few ways ... hammer-drill bit used non-hammer, cobalt bits ...

Personally I wouldn't be too concerned about adding two new holes.
Check whether the blade needs a bit of reshaping around the heel also.

I'll try to search up the old thread.

Cheers,
Paul

[pmcgee]

My god ... that didn't take forever ...

It starts here ... https://www.woodworkforums.com/showth...33#post1569333

and is followed by gallons of guff until I get back to the point here ... https://www.woodworkforums.com/showth...02#post1572102

Phew.
Paul