Thread: bow saws

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Those are truly nasty.

One of the tools I have been impatiently getting around to making - something else always gets bumped up the priority list - is a bowsaw. I think that I shall be resisting those interruptions now.

I really like the laminations you have done. What wood have you used, what glue did you use, and what did you use for a blade?

Regards from Perth

Derek

Derek,
The bow saw blades are band saw blades that are drilled and pinned to a brass rodded handle. The brass ferrule around the handle serves not only for cosmetic appeal but this also is drilled right through from side to side through the rod that penetrates back into the handle. This fixes the blade to handle and allows for swivel of the blade. I hope i've explained this appropriately.

As for the inlay bandings I make these out of maple for the centres and a rosewood line. The saw at the point where the tensioning string is is likewise inlayed with indian rosewood.
The tensioning paddle is made from red oak.

A bow saw is a fantastic item and can be used in remote areas where power is hard to attain.

There was a time when I had to remove a few trees from my front yard to make fencing more easy. Our neighbours father is a kind gent that offered his electric chain saw. I decided against this and use my old bow. He likewise kept on using his electric and me my bow.........he was astonished at the speed and agility the old bow could compete with his electric. He stopped and thought for a moment and said "that is a St Joseph saw". Well let me tell you 2000 years have elapsed since it invention but old tradition never can be compromised. Of couse petrol is another story but I like environmentally friendly things. The bow saw is tops and I have at least 10 of them of different size and blade teething. Love the "St Joseph Saw" The glue I use can be hide or pearl glue or just plain old pva or polyvinyl acetate