Thread: Locked out of workshop - Panel saw recommendations

A bandsaw is the best machine for resawing timber; but if you have one flat face and a circular saw you can run the saw along both edges of a thick plank using the flat face as the reference for the fence. Then use a ripsaw to cut the wood between the slots. It’s more wasteful than a bandsaw and gives you a bit of a workout.

Or you can go full neanderthal and use a backsaw or an Azebiki to carefully cut the slots by eye; less wasteful and as an added benefit your right arm gets bigger.

I’ve got a low tooth count rip (hand) saw you can use. 3 1/2 tpi and 28” long. PM to arrange pick up if you’re interested. Cheers, Zac

Yeah trying to avoid using the circular saw at this point due to wastage, it's some nice black walnut that I've never worked with before. Thanks Zac, might take you up on that!

Does anyone have any experience with the Pax saws? Carbatec have a 22" Pax that I could stretch the budget to, not sure how sharp they are off the shelf though.

Originally Posted by bueller

Does anyone have any experience with the Pax saws? Carbatec have a 22" Pax that I could stretch the budget to, not sure how sharp they are off the shelf though.

the 22" rip filed PAX saw is the same one as sold by Lee Valley in Canada. As far as I know they come ready to use out of the box.

However, the best saw for resawing is a frame saw -- but I'm not sure about availability in Perth
This 700mm long one Frame Saw Classic 700, Universal | Frame / Hand saws | Dictum is only 76 Euro (excluding German VAT and shipping)
the saw also comes in 600, 500 and 400 mm versions. The 400 mm version is less than 61 Euro (excluding German VAT and shipping)

Why not make a frame saw?
Buy a blade from os.
Or use a piece of bandsaw blade to try it.
When I worked for Garret Wade we sold blades, I might have one from the left overs from when they departed Oz.
Here’s a pic of a Peugeot.
H.

Actually have been looking at frame saws as well, always wanted to make one. Likely going to be buying a saw from Bushmiller but I think I'll make a frame saw too.

I know The Woodworks Book & Tool sell them, anyone know of any other kits locally? Also if you did find a blade you want to part with @clearout I could send money your way [emoji1]

a frame saw is pretty easy to make out of what might otherwise be described as "scraps"

essentially you need two arms, a middle compression member and a means of tensioning the blade -- a twisted string and a paddle will work. Plus you need a means of holding the blade in the frame.

And then there's the blade itself.
The "best" blades are Japanese style rip tooth blades.

A frame saw is probably the most efficient ripping saw. It takes less effort to go x inches than a handsaw, but is a lot harder to keep straight when you first use one. They are best operated by two people, then you can really rip through a log. (In our current circumstances, you'll have to make it extra long so you can maintain the correct social space from your partner ). I've made a couple now, and bandsaw blade seems to be quite ok. I was dubious about using it at first, because the rake angle of most bandsaw blades is very aggressive, but if you don't lean on the saw, it cuts quite well without grabbing.

To make holes in the ends, use a carbide-tipped bit, they'll cut through saw steel quite efficiently..

Cheers,

Thanks everyone! I've got a saw coming from Bushmiller soon and will be attempting to make a dutch frame saw over the easter holidays while I'm off work for a couple of weeks.

I found these in the stash.
They are only a foot long and 8 tpi.
A bit of surface rust but they’re yours for postage if you want them.
H.

Originally Posted by clear out

I found these in the stash.....

Henry, those blades would be ideal for a nice little turning saw, but might be a bit stretched slicing up a slab of hardwood....!

Cheers,