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Thread: Disston backsaw identification
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20th December 2013, 11:49 AM #1
Disston backsaw identification
Hi all
I picked up this backsaw off ebay a while ago and I'm now getting around to fixing it up. Before I do anything, I wanted to make sure that I'm not going to stuff up a valuable old saw. Can anyone help with identification and age?
From my reading on the Disstonian Institute, it appears to be from 1896-1918, given it has the deep v notch in the front of the handle and the design of the medallion. It seems to be a No. 5, given the brass back. Can anyone confirm this, or show me how to refine the age any further?
I plan to sand back the handle and oil it. The blade I planned to remove the rust and polish up a bit. I'll clean off the back brace and medallions too. Is there any reason I shouldn't do this? Any great links to restoring a backsaw like this?
And finally, where would I get this saw resharpened? I don't know what tooth pattern it has now, but I'd like to have it resharpened to a cross-cut.
IMG_3393.jpgIMG_3394.jpgIMG_3395.jpg
TravSome days we are the flies; some days we are the windscreen
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20th December 2013 11:49 AM # ADSGoogle Adsense Advertisement
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20th December 2013, 02:47 PM #2
You nailed it, 1896-1918, #5, and she looks nice. You don't see many 5s over here (USA) but it's not rare or valuable other than being a nice saw worth fixing and using.
"Life would be infinitely happier if we could only be born at the age of eighty and gradually approach eighteen."
Mark Twain
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20th December 2013, 03:59 PM #3Deceased
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Very nice pick up Trav. We dont see too many of that vintage Disston backsaws in Australia. Well worth doing up.
Stewie;
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20th December 2013, 04:30 PM #4
Thanks guys, exactly what I was after. I want to put it into use, not shelve it as a display piece.
I got a few more saws (panel saws mainly) at the same time, so I should ID them too.
Thanks
TravSome days we are the flies; some days we are the windscreen
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20th December 2013, 09:36 PM #5
Yes it is a No.5. I restored one a few months back which you can read about on my Saw Talk blog on Lumberjocks. Here's the link to the part where I restored it: Saw Talk #2: Disston No.5 Identification & Restoration - by Brit @ LumberJocks.com ~ woodworking community and here's the link to the part where I sharpened it: Saw Talk #14: Disston No.5 - Sharpened and tested - by Brit @ LumberJocks.com ~ woodworking community Note: I have sinced changed the tooth geometry on this saw to crosscut. When they left the Disston factory, they were sharpened with 14 degrees of rake and 24 degrees of fleam. No slope. Here's the one I did.
Copy of P1040710.jpg
Regarding sharpening. I'm not sure where you would send it out to in Oz, but if you want to learn how to sharpen it yourself, I recorded a video on saw sharpening which you can find on YouTube here: Sharpening Western Saws - YouTube
Good luck!
Andy
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20th December 2013, 10:49 PM #6Deceased
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Nice one Andy. I really enjoyed reading how you tackled the restoration on the handle. It really did come a treat. Great work. I am quite sure this will be of great source of benefit to Trav with his backsaw restoration.
Stewie;
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21st December 2013, 08:48 AM #7
Andy
Thanks, that looks fantastic. Exactly how I'd like it to look.
I'll be sure to read your blog on the restoration.
TravSome days we are the flies; some days we are the windscreen
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21st December 2013, 12:07 PM #8
Andy
Had to come back and give you big props for your blog on handsaw restoration. Wow. Great, great work. I'll try to follows the exact same process.
Thanks again.
TravSome days we are the flies; some days we are the windscreen
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21st December 2013, 10:42 PM #9
Thanks guys! Whilst I didn't want to divert traffic away from this excellent forum, I like it better than repeating it all again here.
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22nd December 2013, 03:30 PM #10Senior Member
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Trav,
Nice saw mate. Why not bring it up to Sydney one weekend when The Traditional Tools Group run one of their saw sharpening workshops and sharpen it yourself? The Traditional Tools Group (Inc.) I think the next one is at the end of March. A great day with a fine bunch of blokes, and when you've done filing you'll have a nice sharp saw to take home.
Check your calendar and drop them a line. We'll see you there.
Cheers,
Virg.
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23rd December 2013, 09:27 AM #11
Thanks Virg
Good idea. I have been thinking of a sydney trip. Now to convince the wife I need to spend a day sharpening my saw!
TravSome days we are the flies; some days we are the windscreen
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23rd December 2013, 03:37 PM #12Senior Member
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You'll be right mate. Drop her off at DFO at Homebush on the way and she'll be set for the day. Make sure she spends more than you and any guilt pangs will be felt by her only.
See you in March,
Virg.
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