Thread: Hand saws - advice and experienced help required.

Col, I had a Spear & Jackson, about 22 years old, was cheap at the time but turned out to be a really good saw. For the life of me I can't find it .

I tried like hell to think of some really smartasre answer but you left no openings.

Cheers

I tried like hell to think of some really smartasre answer but you left no openings.

How about get a real saw, one with a power cord.

Originally Posted by vsquizz

Col, I had a Spear & Jackson, about 22 years old, was cheap at the time but turned out to be a really good saw. For the life of me I can't find it .

I tried like hell to think of some really smartasre answer but you left no openings.

Cheers

Squizzy

I use to own a Spear & Jackson - a very nice saw. I bought it probably 30 years ago and left it with my dad in the UK when we went on one of our early sojourns overseas. It disappeared. I bought a new Spear & Jackson about 3 years ago. It's cr@p! It cuts as rough as a bear's @rse. It sticks. The handle isn't securely mounted to the blade and it feels grossly unbalanced.

As for smart@rse answers - Grunt, mate! You've gotta be able to do better than that!

Col

Col, may I suggest that if you can contact the "old tool preservation society" here in W.A. they may have some old Disston saws for sale.

I got a couple off them at last years WW show and they are as good as can be expected.
Had them professionally sharpened when I bought them home and have only used the panel saw once ...but what a beaut to use ...never regretted buying the three saws.

Cheers

Col, Yes the new S&J are right up there with Irwin chisels. But, I was wondering about those bueatiful saws that Terry Gordon was spelling Ar... Abri... arti... something aarrghh where the hells Derek when you need him. Wonder if they do one. Only "saw" the tenon at the show

Cheers (that was bad)

Originally Posted by John Saxton

Col, may I suggest that if you can contact the "old tool preservation society" here in W.A. they may have some old Disston saws for sale.

Thanks, Johnno. I'll do exactly that. My mate Derek is a member so I've got a contact already.

I'd still be interested to hear of anyone else's experience with new Pax saws, however.

Col

Originally Posted by vsquizz

Col, Yes the new S&J are right up there with Irwin chisels. But, I was wondering about those bueatiful saws that Terry Gordon was spelling Ar... Abri... arti... something aarrghh where the hells Derek when you need him. Wonder if they do one. Only "saw" the tenon at the show

Squizzy

You're right - that was bloody awful!

Adria is the name you were looking for. I bought an Adria tenon saw from Terry Gordon at the Show. Superb! That's what got me thinking about a decent panel saw. As far as I know, the Adria range is limited to back saws right now. Whether the bloke who makes them will decide to move into the bigger jobs only time will tell.

Col

I still can't believe I wrote that for my 500th post

Hi,
modern Spears & Jackson and Pax saws do not have a high reputation. Go for an old S&J or Disston saw if you can find them now - when buying, check the blade is not bent or kinked as that will ruin its cutting-straight ability and make sawing quite unpleasent.
However, only use modern "hardtoothed" saws for plywood or MDF or other "composite" panels as the glue in these panels will blunt old metal saws in no time at all.
Paul

what about a stanley sharks tooth ? - I like mine a lot. works a ripper. mind you they cant be sharpened i understand, then again mine is still ok after 3 yrs occasional use.

Hi Col

There are probably a good many Disston panel saws out there to choose from. A lot cheaper than a new saw and - wait for it - you also get the opportunity to learn to sharpen it yourself, which I know you're hanging out to do (actually, I have a really great video you can watch).

I bought 2 Disstons and 2 Spear and Jackson saws at the Show last year. So far I have only used one. Still to restore the others. They all need to be sharpened and have a decent set. I sorted one out and use it. It cuts very nicely. And all were cheap, about $15 each.

From what I hear, a new Pax should cut reasonably well. Not as good as a well-sorted vintage saw, but good nonetheless. You may need to alter the set on the teeth (they all usually have too much - which is a reason these saws tend to get a bad rep). Keep in mind that these saws are not going to give you that smooth, clean line that you get from your Adria. I wonder about the Lie Nielson panel saws? Now that would be interesting! I have no experience here (talk to me about backsaws, and I can give advice, but panel saws and I am the complete novice). Oh, I should mention that I do also often use my Japanese rip saw. Just glorious!

Regards

Derek

That feeling of vertigo I'm beginning to experience is caused by the fact that I'm poised at the top of another slippery slope, isn't it?

Strap them skis on and enjoy the ride

Col, this how you will sound in about 2 months:

"actually, I have a really great video you can watch"

Your stuffed mate, another victim

Cheers