The Frankenhandle.

[planemaker]

Hi all. Ever come across a backsaw handle that must have been designed for Frankensteins hand. The grips way too long; and the finger hole would easily accommodate 5 fingers. But other features of the handle you like. Such as the shape of the upper and lower horns.

What to do with it.!

Why not keep the parts of the handle you like and replace the rest to make up a new saw handle template.


I also changed the handle style from a closed to an open type, as well reduce the size of the finger hole to a conventional 3 finger grip.

Seven pieces were glued together to form this shape.

The front curve of the birds beak look rather long at 1st glance, but it's shaping allows the end of the forefinger to comfortably rest over it.

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af219/swagman001/Frankenhandle/DSC_0191_zps926fd9c9.jpg (http://s1009.photobucket.com/user/swagman001/media/Frankenhandle/DSC_0191_zps926fd9c9.jpg.html)

It was then slit down the middle to form 2 halves.

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af219/swagman001/Frankenhandle/DSC_0193_zpsc88fee09.jpg (http://s1009.photobucket.com/user/swagman001/media/Frankenhandle/DSC_0193_zpsc88fee09.jpg.html)

This is the underside of the half I will use as a template. The show (http://www.forums.woodnet.net/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=6699329&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=31#) side still retains all the profiles I will later need to shape the new handle.

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af219/swagman001/Frankenhandle/DSC_0192_zps053e26f9.jpg (http://s1009.photobucket.com/user/swagman001/media/Frankenhandle/DSC_0192_zps053e26f9.jpg.html)

Stewie;

[Simplicity]

Stewie
I'm trying to think off something witty to say but words are falling me at the moment.
But I will sit down pour a Jin and Tonic.
And see we're this takes you.
(It seems like us two the only ones down here in the back corner of the forum lol)

[planemaker]

Its quite a different approach to rely on for a handle design, but it has an advantages of a 2 dimensional drawing. This way you can get an appreciation of how it will feel in the hand before proceeding to the next stage.

[Simplicity]

I can defiantly see the advantages with your approach there stewie
Saves wasting a good piece of timber


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[planemaker]

I decided to make a couple of more changes to the handle shape before committing it as a template to use. As you will see part of the changes included modifying the curve shape in front of the beak to a double cove.

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af219/swagman001/Frankenhandle/DSC_0195_zps1808a918.jpg (http://s1009.photobucket.com/user/swagman001/media/Frankenhandle/DSC_0195_zps1808a918.jpg.html)

The handle template marked out ready to cut out on the scroll saw.

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af219/swagman001/Frankenhandle/DSC_0194_zpse6c6d3a8.jpg (http://s1009.photobucket.com/user/swagman001/media/Frankenhandle/DSC_0194_zpse6c6d3a8.jpg.html)

Stewie;

[Sawdust Maker]

interesting

I think it would look better with a couple of other contrasting timbers in it! :q

great conceptual idea - with the added benefit that you can check the feel and shape in the real world without wasting a nice bit of wood


Interestingly I noticed that you added a bit to the length of the handle, you must have broad mits. I think I need to make my handles a little bit fatter because I have long fingers

Edit
arh I see you reckon it was too long - I'll just wander back into my cave ...

[Simplicity]

Not sure on the double cove at the front
I thought the first one looked good the lines were simple but pleasing in away they mirrored the
Back of the handle

[planemaker]

Not sure on the double cove at the front
I thought the first one looked good the lines were simple but pleasing in away they mirrored the
Back of the handle

Hi Matt. The double cove should be okay as long as I reduce the amount of chamfering on the actual handle. Time will tell.

Stewie;

[Simplicity]

And the brass back
Now what are we going to do there !
Looking forward to seeing another great saw stewie

[planemaker]

And the brass back
Now what are we going to do there !
Looking forward to seeing another great saw stewie

Not this time round Matt. Original steel back and blade.

[Simplicity]

Ok and ETA

[Bushmiller]

Nice work Stewie. Will this be the start of a small production line?

Regards
Paul

[planemaker]

Nice work Stewie. Will this be the start of a small production line?

Regards
Paul

Might be Paul.:doh:

[planemaker]

Progress on the new handle has been slow. She-Wolf tracked me down last for some major reno work of the bathroom. Got a bit of a break today. As you can see I am making some progress. I ended up reducing the size of the handle cheek plus some other minor changes. The profile along the top edge of the spine mortise I copied from the original template. I haven't used this type of profile before and it turned out rather nice. Kudos to the skills and of the original saw maker. The new handle wood is Burdekin Plum. I was going to use the original blade & steel back, but I will put them aside for another day & fit a new blade & back to this handle.

Stewie;


http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af219/swagman001/Frankenhandle/DSC_0199_zpse2875a81.jpg (http://s1009.photobucket.com/user/swagman001/media/Frankenhandle/DSC_0199_zpse2875a81.jpg.html)

[Simplicity]

Looks very good there Stewie
Is tradition slow crumbling
I like the profile along the top edge of the spine

[Sawdust Maker]

Looks pretty good

I too like the detail at the top of the spine

Though I do wonder whether the valley on the top of the handle could be deeper and the peak between the two half moons less high, or maybe I'm just trying to get it more traditional looking :shrug:

very speccy piece of wood that

Is it comfortable?

[planemaker]

Looks pretty good

I too like the detail at the top of the spine

Though I do wonder whether the valley on the top of the handle could be deeper and the peak between the two half moons less high, or maybe I'm just trying to get it more traditional looking :shrug:

very speccy piece of wood that

Is it comfortable?

Hi Nick . Yes it has a real nice feel in the hand. I prefer to leave the double coves as they are. Any less and this area will they look too flat. I will have another look at the current height of the top valley. My only concern with making this area steeper is that it may create a weak point within the grain direction. Being an open handle this goose neck part of the handle supports the full load of the saw plate assembly in front. I will have a look at what options are available. You raised some good points for discussion.

Stewie;

[planemaker]

As you will see I have made some good progress with the new backsaw build. The handle finish is near completed and just needs a final buff after the shellac has hardened up. You will also not a colour change within the natural wood colour. I've been wanting to experiment further with applying an aged look to the finish, and the final results are very pleasing. This process involved applying a coat of Van Dyke Crystals after each sanding session. Which allows this natural walnut shell dye to penetrate further into the the wood surface after each coat. A coat of garnet shellac is then applied to encapsulate the dye.

Before:

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af219/swagman001/Frankenhandle/DSC_0199_zpse2875a81.jpg (http://s1009.photobucket.com/user/swagman001/media/Frankenhandle/DSC_0199_zpse2875a81.jpg.html)

After:

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af219/swagman001/Frankenhandle/DSC_0201_zpse2bc4613.jpg (http://s1009.photobucket.com/user/swagman001/media/Frankenhandle/DSC_0201_zpse2bc4613.jpg.html)

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af219/swagman001/Frankenhandle/DSC_0204_zpsd9768b9b.jpg (http://s1009.photobucket.com/user/swagman001/media/Frankenhandle/DSC_0204_zpsd9768b9b.jpg.html)

This type of finish is not a new technique and was well practiced by many early tool makers to remove the new wood appearance on such items as saw handles & traditional wooden hand planes. In European countries (which includes United Kingdom) Wood Finishers was a trade qualified position no different to that of French Polishers. During the 1950,s when my father was serving his apprenticeship in Scotland as a Carpenter & Joiner under the tutelage of a Master Craftsman he later described to me how the workshop he worked in had a separate area on the upper floor of the building that was dedicated to the wood finishers to complete their work.

Getting back on track with the backsaw build, The blade assembly has also been fitted to the handle. This was a great opportunity for me to trial out the new 3/16" solid carbide spade drill bit that Isaac Smith from Blackburn Tools sent me with to help drill out the saw bolt holes in the saw plate. I must say I was extremely impressed at how easy this type of drill bit does the job. The hole fit was perfectly aligned to the handle fit. There were no sharp burrs to contend with. No marking of the hole centre's before drilling. And the bit cut through the saw plate as if it were butter. (not margarine) I only wish I had this type of drill bit available when I 1st started out with my backsaw builds. It would have saved me a lot of the earlier heartache. Thank you Isaac. For those unaware Isaac has is now selling these type of carbide bits on his website (http://www.woodworkforums.com/). http://blackburntools.com/new-tools/...ill/index.html (http://blackburntools.com/new-tools/new-saws-and-related/carbide-spade-drill/index.html).

Next job to do is to shape the brass back. Nothing too fancy this time round.

Stewie;:rolleyes:

[Bushmiller]

Stewie

The so-called ageing treatment looks fantastic, although I might hesitate to describe it as ageing. To me it is a depth of finish that exudes refinement. Perhaps this is because the older tools had a refinement that we rarely replicate in modern times.

Either way, it looks excellent. Although in recent times I have tried to divorce myself from the red timbers, it seems that in some applications I find myself irresistibly dragged back to them, kicking and screaming all the way and in some masochistic sense loving every moment :- .

The brass hardware looks particularly good against the dark timbers.

Regards
Paul

[planemaker]

Good to hear you like the look of the handle finish Paul.

Stewie;

[Simplicity]

Stewie
When I first saw your handle in burdekin plum.
I thought well just another one of his very nice saws but just another one.
Well i was wrong!
That is gorges and no smart remarks I do really love this one.
The colour on the plum is just outstanding.
Your comments on the old ways is spot on , I also imagine the apprentice stage could I've been 7 years not the 4 we have now.
I trained as a panel beater ,but I would say it was not till about my 6/7 year that I truly new what I was doing before that I was just doing as taught.
After my 6 year I got a feel for moving metal not just pounding it with a hammer.
If that makes sence.
I do wonder what knowledge we have lost with the passing of all those great masters male and female.
But I do also see a lot of new interest in the old crafts(saw making)mixed with the new technologies(ie the drill bit you use)which I think when the balance gets right will be marvelous and push as forward yet again beyond just the technological age a mix of the old and new.
Which gives hope to the future.

[planemaker]

Hi Matt. Good to hear you like the changes to the wood colour. I agree with you regarding the early traditional tradesmen skills.

Stewie;

[Simplicity]

Traditional skills are coming back slowly but surly.
I know at least two guys who like making hand saws and do a fantastic job lol.
Were do I get that burdekin plum from.
I've never heard or seen that type of timber before.
It's got a great colour when finished.

[planemaker]

Traditional skills are coming back slowly but surly.
I know at least two guys who like making hand saws and do a fantastic job lol.
Were do I get that burdekin plum from.
I've never heard or seen that type of timber before.
It's got a great colour when finished.


Matt. I am a bit more skeptical on the revival of traditional skills. Not sure how you go getting Burdekin Plum wood. Its not your typical commercially sold timber . I was just lucky to spot a piece on sale on ebay and nabbed it.

Stewie;

[Simplicity]

Well you must be a lot better on searching eBay than I am
Well done