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  1. #1
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    Default Another convert to the dark side...

    I noticed a thread about it being quiet around here, and since I can't offer knowledge or advice, I thought I'd contribute by boasting about some hand tools I've recently acquired (not one to boast, but I thought some may appreciate these tools).
    I've spent some (a LOT of) time reading through the unpowered hand tools forum (currently up to 2016 ), and I have come to appreciate the beauty in hand tools, especially seeing the tools people have made or refurbished, and how enjoyable/peaceful they are to use.

    Here are some tools I've picked up recently. This lot (+ some files, drill bits etc) set me back $80, and I think it was money well spent. Can't wait to clean these up and USE them. My first project will be a saw till. Thanks to all for the inspiration/encouragement!

    IMG_1203 (1).jpg

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  3. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
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    Towradgi
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    Default

    Watch out, chisels and planes multiply if you do not keep an eye on them . . .

    At least in my shed, they do!
    Pat
    Work is a necessary evil to be avoided. Mark Twain

  4. #3
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    Nov 2011
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    Melbourne
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    Default

    If you get some saw files, you have a fantastic rabbit hole to jump down, a collection of old saws,three saw sets, you have the makings of getting into saw sharpening there.

    Cheers Matt.

  5. #4
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    Nov 2020
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    Quote Originally Posted by Simplicity View Post
    If you get some saw files, you have a fantastic rabbit hole to jump down, a collection of old saws,three saw sets, you have the makings of getting into saw sharpening there.

    Cheers Matt.

    Thankfully, this lot did come with some saw files, so I'm well and truely down the rabbit hole!
    It might be difficult to see in the photo, but there is a blue file holder/guide in the bottom right corner. I've never seen one like this before, but it looks similar to a chainsaw file holder/guide, except it holds a triangular file....

  6. #5
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    Oct 2018
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    Dandenong Ranges
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    Hi J. That is a very nice haul, for a very reasonable price. Saw till is a great project and makes using saws that much easier. I used to hang mine on hooks and of course the one I wanted was always the one behind all the others. IanW has a link to a easy to understand sharpening guide. And Bushmiller has a good system for restoring saw blades.

  7. #6
    Join Date
    Nov 2004
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    Millmerran,QLD
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    johknee

    Welcome to the slippery road of addiction. The trick is not to fight it: Just wallow in the euphoric mist .

    Regards
    Paul
    Bushmiller;

    "Power tends to corrupt. Absolute power corrupts, absolutely!"

  8. #7
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Location
    Hobart, Tas
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    1,211

    Default

    Well done. You may not realise it now, but having several marking gauges, as you have there, will be appreciated pretty soon into the journey.

  9. #8
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    Mar 2004
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    Brisbane (western suburbs)
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    Welcome to the arcane world of hand-toolers - it certainly is nice to be able to work with some gentle background music...

    All in all a nice little haul & if that #5 (or is it a 5 1/2?) is a good one, you got your money's worth in that alone, so the rest is a bonus. The larger backsaw looks like it's missing its back, which is a pity because the handle indicates it's from the 'golden' era. It may be lurking amongst the debris somewhere, but in any case it's a solvable problem down the track. It looks to me like at least a couple of those saws will be worth working on. The thin one was obviously much-loved & much-sharpened by its previous owner(s) but will make a good practice specimen.

    As Lance said, having multiple marking gauges can be mighty handy at times. It looks like there are two mortise gauges in the pile, which is a great luxury, though one is the type with the loose moving-point that you need 3 hands to set (I'm exaggerating, it's easy enough once you get used to them). However, you'll find the screw-operated one far easier to manage though you might have to clean up the screw to get it working smoothly.

    There is a lot of pleasure to be had in bringing old tools back to life, & even more to be had using them when they are good tools from the era when folks earned their living by them. You can make tool restoration a hobby of itself - just ask a few of the regulars in this section...

    Cheers,
    Ian
    IW

  10. #9
    Join Date
    Nov 2020
    Location
    Newcastle, NSW
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    225

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    Quote Originally Posted by Mountain Ash View Post
    Hi J. That is a very nice haul, for a very reasonable price. Saw till is a great project and makes using saws that much easier. I used to hang mine on hooks and of course the one I wanted was always the one behind all the others. IanW has a link to a easy to understand sharpening guide. And Bushmiller has a good system for restoring saw blades.
    Thank you, MA.

    Is this Bushmiller's saw restoring thread you're referring to? Handsaw restoration

  11. #10
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    Nov 2020
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    Newcastle, NSW
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    Quote Originally Posted by Bushmiller View Post
    johknee

    Welcome to the slippery road of addiction. The trick is not to fight it: Just wallow in the euphoric mist .

    Regards
    Paul
    Restoring tools an addiction that satisfies my fastidiousness! Looking at another lot of saws at the moment to maintain my euphoric state.

  12. #11
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    Mar 2004
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    Brisbane (western suburbs)
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    Quote Originally Posted by johknee View Post
    Thank you, MA.

    Is this Bushmiller's saw restoring thread you're referring to? Handsaw restoration
    I think this is what mountain ash was referring to. I should make it a sticky for future reference...

    Cheers,
    IW

  13. #12
    Join Date
    Nov 2020
    Location
    Newcastle, NSW
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    Quote Originally Posted by IanW View Post
    All in all a nice little haul & if that #5 (or is it a 5 1/2?) is a good one, you got your money's worth in that alone, so the rest is a bonus.
    The #5 is in good shape; some light rust and the sole is clean.

    Quote Originally Posted by IanW View Post
    The larger backsaw looks like it's missing its back, which is a pity because the handle indicates it's from the 'golden' era. It may be lurking amongst the debris somewhere, but in any case it's a solvable problem down the track. It looks to me like at least a couple of those saws will be worth working on. The thin one was obviously much-loved & much-sharpened by its previous owner(s) but will make a good practice specimen.
    Yes, the backsaw is, in fact, a 'backless' saw. There are two no name/brand saws, and the rest are Disston or Spear and Jackson. Some work to do, but the saw plates all appear, through my novice eyes, to be salvageable. The thin/narrow saw has fine teeth; does that mean it's a rip saw?

    Quote Originally Posted by IanW View Post
    You can make tool restoration a hobby of itself - just ask a few of the regulars in this section...
    I'll see if I can refrain from gathering other resto' projects!

  14. #13
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    Quote Originally Posted by johknee View Post
    Thank you, MA.

    Is this Bushmiller's saw restoring thread you're referring to? Handsaw restoration
    Noooo!

    That was a long time ago and before I realised electrolysis is a big mistake for handsaws. Electrolysis may be suitable for thick section tools that don't require temper (the steel that is, not attitude) or a high polish. Electrolysis imparts a grey hue to a saw plate that is absolutely impossible to remove and may also have an adverse effect on the metalurgical properties (temper.)

    I am not sure which thread Mountain Ash was referring to as I have had a few goes over the years. I would point out that it has been quite a long journey to where I am now. I would also add that there are any number of techniques that you will find through the internet and Ian has already directed you to at least one of these. Whatever works for you is the best one.

    Here are a couple that might assist you (they still may not be the one to which Mountain Ash was referring!)

    Restoring a Handsaw or Three (woodworkforums.com)

    Brand New Saw Handle - The Method (woodworkforums.com)

    Regards
    Paul
    Bushmiller;

    "Power tends to corrupt. Absolute power corrupts, absolutely!"

  15. #14
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    Mar 2004
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    Brisbane (western suburbs)
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    Quote Originally Posted by johknee View Post
    n .... The thin/narrow saw has fine teeth; does that mean it's a rip saw? ....
    Not necessarily, rip teeth are defined by their rake and the way they are filed. Crosscut teeth have more (negative) rake and are filed at an angle called "fleam". It's all made clear in the "treatise" I linked to...

    Quote Originally Posted by johknee View Post
    n .... I'll see if I can refrain from gathering other resto' projects! .....
    A good plan, at least 'til you deal with some of what you have already....

    Cheers,
    IW

  16. #15
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    Nov 2004
    Location
    Millmerran,QLD
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    Quote Originally Posted by johknee View Post
    I noticed a thread about it being quiet around here, and since I can't offer knowledge or advice, I thought I'd contribute by boasting about some hand tools I've recently acquired (not one to boast, but I thought some may appreciate these tools).
    I've spent some (a LOT of) time reading through the unpowered hand tools forum (currently up to 2016 ), and I have come to appreciate the beauty in hand tools, especially seeing the tools people have made or refurbished, and how enjoyable/peaceful they are to use.

    Here are some tools I've picked up recently. This lot (+ some files, drill bits etc) set me back $80, and I think it was money well spent. Can't wait to clean these up and USE them. My first project will be a saw till. Thanks to all for the inspiration/encouragement!

    IMG_1203 (1).jpg
    johknee

    That is a pretty good haul by any stretch of the imagination. If the top saw is a Disston No.5 as Ian suggests it will have a brass back (the steel back was a No.4), but without a medallion I am doubtful it is a Disston or at least not their mainstream model. Unless you can find a stamp on the back or an etch on the saw plate it will be difficult to identify. This does not mean it is not good. It will be very useable I am sure. The wheat carving on a back saw is unusual and may have been added by a user.

    The second saw requires a back but that is doable too.

    The third saw down is probably a little too worn down from many sharpenings and may have lost some of its tension. The second saw from the bottom, judging by the medallion, may be a late Spear & Jackson and along with the other handsaws will be useful.

    Ian has already commented on the gauges and I will leave others to comment on the remaining tools. Except... the tool down at the bottom right looks as though it may be some sort of filing guide. Perhaps you could post a larger, close up pic. I will look forward to seeing the next tool haul....I think, even at this early stage, there is already no hope for you.

    Regards
    Paul
    Bushmiller;

    "Power tends to corrupt. Absolute power corrupts, absolutely!"

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