Sneak peak : Latest backsaw build.

[planemaker]

Its been a bit quite on the saw makers forum.

Here is the latest backsaw I am working on. At this stage the handle shape is finished and I have applied a seal coat of amber shellac .

The handle wood is Tas. Tiger Myrtle. The saw plate is 0.025 gauge; 16 inches in length; and 3 1/2 inches in depth below the hardback.

Stewie;

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af219/swagman001/16%20inch%20tiger%20myrtle%20backsaw/_DSC0478_zpskat7wee8.jpg (http://s1009.photobucket.com/user/swagman001/media/16%20inch%20tiger%20myrtle%20backsaw/_DSC0478_zpskat7wee8.jpg.html)

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af219/swagman001/16%20inch%20tiger%20myrtle%20backsaw/_DSC0480_zpsj79jvhho.jpg (http://s1009.photobucket.com/user/swagman001/media/16%20inch%20tiger%20myrtle%20backsaw/_DSC0480_zpsj79jvhho.jpg.html)

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af219/swagman001/16%20inch%20tiger%20myrtle%20backsaw/_DSC0481_zpstlwyrsdz.jpg (http://s1009.photobucket.com/user/swagman001/media/16%20inch%20tiger%20myrtle%20backsaw/_DSC0481_zpstlwyrsdz.jpg.html)

[rob streeper]

Very nice saw Stewie, is it a tapered plate or an effect of the lens?

[planemaker]

Very nice saw Stewie, is it a tapered plate or an effect of the lens?

Hi Rob. The plate is at a consistent height from heel to toe.

regards Stewie;

[planemaker]

The shaping of the brass hardback is complete. The brass surface still requires a light sanding before it can be buffed to a shine.

Stewie;

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af219/swagman001/16%20inch%20tiger%20myrtle%20backsaw/_DSC0482_zpsfnkctubr.jpg (http://s1009.photobucket.com/user/swagman001/media/16%20inch%20tiger%20myrtle%20backsaw/_DSC0482_zpsfnkctubr.jpg.html)

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af219/swagman001/16%20inch%20tiger%20myrtle%20backsaw/_DSC0483_zpsbrapbixv.jpg (http://s1009.photobucket.com/user/swagman001/media/16%20inch%20tiger%20myrtle%20backsaw/_DSC0483_zpsbrapbixv.jpg.html)

[planemaker]

Saw teeth have been filed and set. 11 tpi ; 10* rake ; rip profile.

Stewie;

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af219/swagman001/16%20inch%20tiger%20myrtle%20backsaw/_DSC0484_zpstnhydqzi.jpg (http://s1009.photobucket.com/user/swagman001/media/16%20inch%20tiger%20myrtle%20backsaw/_DSC0484_zpstnhydqzi.jpg.html)

[planemaker]

Another backsaw finished.

Completed some test cuts with the saw. Super.

Time to move on to the next project.

Stewie;


http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af219/swagman001/16%20inch%20tiger%20myrtle%20backsaw/_DSC0486_zpscui1awyr.jpg (http://s1009.photobucket.com/user/swagman001/media/16%20inch%20tiger%20myrtle%20backsaw/_DSC0486_zpscui1awyr.jpg.html)

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af219/swagman001/16%20inch%20tiger%20myrtle%20backsaw/_DSC0487_zpsq3gn9jwc.jpg (http://s1009.photobucket.com/user/swagman001/media/16%20inch%20tiger%20myrtle%20backsaw/_DSC0487_zpsq3gn9jwc.jpg.html)

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af219/swagman001/16%20inch%20tiger%20myrtle%20backsaw/_DSC0488_zpszrxxzecq.jpg (http://s1009.photobucket.com/user/swagman001/media/16%20inch%20tiger%20myrtle%20backsaw/_DSC0488_zpszrxxzecq.jpg.html)

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af219/swagman001/16%20inch%20tiger%20myrtle%20backsaw/_DSC0489_zpszur33u9l.jpg (http://s1009.photobucket.com/user/swagman001/media/16%20inch%20tiger%20myrtle%20backsaw/_DSC0489_zpszur33u9l.jpg.html)

[Heavansabove]

Beautiful work as always Stewie

[planemaker]

Thanks Peter. Another 12 months should see me out with saw making.

Stewie;

[Sawdust Maker]

Nice saw

ripper piece of wood

[Simplicity]

Thanks Peter. Another 12 months should see me out with saw making.

Stewie;

What are you going to stop making saws Stewie ???
Matt

[GraemeCook]

Beautiful work, Stewie.

One little question: why number the screws?



Fair Winds

Graeme

[planemaker]

Hi Graeme. During the backsaw build it allows me to refit each of the saw bolts in the same area of the handle every time I remove them.

Stewie;

[planemaker]

What are you going to stop making saws Stewie ???
Matt

Thats the current plan Matt.

Stewie;

[planemaker]

Nice saw

ripper piece of wood

Thanks Nick.

Stewie;

[GraemeCook]

Hi Graeme. During the backsaw build it allows me to refit each of the saw bolts in the same area of the handle every time I remove them.

Stewie;


Simple. And I thought all the bolts were the same ...

Thanks Stewie


Graeme

[Simplicity]

Immmmmm maybe I need s carer change

[planemaker]

Hi Matt. Don't forget I am retired from the workforce so its much easier for me to pick and choose what I do with my time.

Stewie;

[Simplicity]

I have often wondered what the Economic viability would be like making boutique saws and other small hand tools. In today's market.
I know we have three well know hand tool makers here in Australia. That I know of, plus a host from os.
And who all seem too do a ton of work promoting there lines of tools and we'll done to them.
So there must be a market there .
But it is a market for luxury goods to, which can fluctuate quite a bit I imagine .
Now I've never personally brought a boutique saw .

But going by the prices of say a Pax or lie Nelson saw .
If your boutique saws were a little more say $350/$500 for a dovetail or small back saw( I've really got know idea on this one what one will cost)or even more importantly what the market will pay .

Your able to set up and produce say 4/6 saws a week and more importantly move than on sell them.
This I personally think would be the hardest point .
Yes I know that may seem a lot of saws to make .

But I think maybe possibly if your smart about the way you work ie set up tool and do twenty operations before moving on to your next task.
And you have low over heads to help
What's everyone else's view on this ??
Just my thoughts so I'm not watching brain draining tv [emoji1]

[Simplicity]

Sorry Stewie
Didn't mean to hijack this thread

[planemaker]

Hi Matt. If you want to promote further discussion on this subject, starting a new thread would be a good idea.

regards Stewie;

[planemaker]

Hi Gentleman. I would appreciate your thoughts on the quality of workmanship within this backsaw compared to that of other boutique saw makers work you have seen in the past.

regards Stewie;

[Simplicity]

Hi Stewie
Your right my apologies for hi jacking it was not intentional

[Simplicity]

Now regarding the workmanship with your latest backsaw.
From the pics I can't fault it ,I would love the chance to compare them up close.
But don't think that will happen but you never know
. My only personal criticism and this is purely personal taste is I like to see the brass backs flush with the handle top.
Now the good bits the lines defining areas looks crisp and I know from personal experience how hard this is to achieve with saw handles.
But I think it's great you get these right.
The shaping looks good ,timber choice is great ,finish is up to your high standards.
As for how the saw performs again with out using it ,the saw that's hard to tell.
Not sure if this is any help.
Cheers Matt.

[planemaker]

Thanks Matt. Appreciate the feedback.

Stewie;

[Heavansabove]

My only personal criticism and this is purely personal taste is I like to see the brass backs flush with the handle top.
I like to see part of the back above the top, I made a saw recently where I made an error and the back ended up flush. As a result the top screw went through the back. Drilling was easy with the spade bit, and the back is now solidly on the plate at the handle end. This is however uncommon on vintage saws.

[IanW]

I like to see part of the back above the top, I made a saw recently where I made an error and the back ended up flush. As a result the top screw went through the back. Drilling was easy with the spade bit, and the back is now solidly on the plate at the handle end. This is however uncommon on vintage saws.

Not sure about that Peter. There was a thread a while ago where someone showed some old saws which had the bolts going partway through the spine (can't remember which thread it was in, but someone with a memory might). I've seen old saws with spines that were above, & others that were flush, where they meet the handles, so there's precedent for both. Many old handles look like they were knocked out in a hurry, and the fit of blade & spine generally isn't very precise! Some of those saws may have had replaced handles, which might explain mismatches.

The most important issue for me is to get the handle in the right spot so that it's most comfortable & efficient to push the saw, when held in a 'normal' position. Because so many of the saws I've made are different, I have to fit each handle individually, so it means handle placement varies, and that may cause a flush or raised spine, depending on circumstances. However, I'm slowly building a set of handle templates that suit all the sizes & shapes of blade I'm likely to make, so if I live long enough, I will eventually get some 'standards' going. :;

I've just finished a set of saws - first I've made in a very long time. They all cut & handle very well, & I'm pretty pleased with the way they've turned out, too, so I'm slowly getting there. I'll post them shortly, and you can critique them too.... :U

Cheers,

[Heavansabove]

Not sure about that Peter. There was a thread a while ago where someone showed some old saws which had the bolts going partway through the spine (can't remember which thread it was in, but someone with a memory might). I've seen old saws with spines that were above, & others that were flush, where they meet the handles, so there's precedent for both. Many old handles look like they were knocked out in a hurry, and the fit of blade & spine generally isn't very precise! Some of those saws may have had replaced handles, which might explain mismatches.

The most important issue for me is to get the handle in the right spot so that it's most comfortable & efficient to push the saw, when held in a 'normal' position. Because so many of the saws I've made are different, I have to fit each handle individually, so it means handle placement varies, and that may cause a flush or raised spine, depending on circumstances. However, I'm slowly building a set of handle templates that suit all the sizes & shapes of blade I'm likely to make, so if I live long enough, I will eventually get some 'standards' going. :;

I've just finished a set of saws - first I've made in a very long time. They all cut & handle very well, & I'm pretty pleased with the way they've turned out, too, so I'm slowly getting there. I'll post them shortly, and you can critique them too.... Cheers,

S & J for a period had a screw going into the back (but not all the way through), I have never handled one, but they are illustrated on p118 of "THe Handsaw Catalog Collection". By uncommon I meant a normal screw going through the back, not the flush fitting.

I look forward to seeing your new set of saws. For my next saw I plan on doing soemthing like the Bad Axe Stiletto saw, but with the Glen Drake "no teeth" at toe and heel.

Cheers
Peter

[hiroller]

Interestingly an S&J back saw sold in NZ on TradeMe just last week with the extra screw!
It seemed like a user addition but very evenly placed so wondered if it could have been factory issued. Seems like you've now answered that.
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=864380775
344194344195

Stewie, your saws look very good, you should be proud of them.