Thread: A Slack-Sellars ripsaw

Ian

Yes I like that story. It appeals to my sense of humour, but I think you would have to pick your opposition carefully.

A while back I was at our local Mitre 10 store and had to borrow their handsaw to cut some scantling to a suitable length for transporting. The M10 man commented that it was not often to see someone use the full length of the saw.

I had never even thought about it, but then recalled that one of my old uncles had taught me to use a handsaw. His claim to fame (according to him that is) was that he had built the timber panneling in the Houses of Parliament in the UK. He was however adamant that the saw does the work. No significant pressure; Just long smooth strokes. That way, providing as you pointed out the saw is sharp, you can saw all day long.

On that chainsaw contest you wouldn't want to compete against these blokes:

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60Tamp2fHhg]YouTube - V8 Chainsaw[/ame]

Regards
Paul

Originally Posted by Bushmiller

.... The M10 man commented that it was not often to see someone use the full length of the saw.

Paul - no, it's not a common sight these days. Sounds like your uncle & my dad were from the same school.

Originally Posted by Bushmiller

On that chainsaw contest you wouldn't want to compete against these blokes:

You're not wrong there! But then I wouldn't want to compete against any chainsaw these days. Not only are they so much better, my ageing body would crack up before I got halfway through even a small log.

I still use my old man's ancient 070 very occasionally, and it's enough to remind me that I'm much better off in the shed cutting fine dovetails, than out getting the raw material..

Cheers,

His claim to fame (according to him that is) was that he had built the timber panneling in the Houses of Parliament in the UK.

Regards
Paul

I presume that this was the post-war repairs to the chamber of the House of Commons, rather than its construction from 1840-70ish! Either way, I bet it was fine work.

cheers,
B-D.

Originally Posted by Blue-deviled

I presume that this was the post-war repairs to the chamber of the House of Commons, rather than its construction from 1840-70ish! Either way, I bet it was fine work.

cheers,
B-D.

The old uncle was fairly ancient, but not 19th century. I think your assumption is correct. I was told the story when just a little boy. It wasn't my place to point out when the original building was constructed.

Just out of interest, this same uncle told me that when he was an apprentice carpenter he would be told to go and make a door. He said that it would take him a week. This was between the two WWs so we get the time frame correct.

It don't think it was an indictment of the speed at which he worked, more a coment on the tools available and the quality of workmanship.

Regards
Paul

I bought a Slack Sellars panel saw when I was doing my apprenticeship in the 1970s. It had a plastic handle which had a texture and colour almost as if it was moulded from MDF (but it was plastic from memory).

We (us apprentices) joked that maybe they didn't sell very well ("slack sellers").

I wonder if it was hard point or similar, as it cracked lengthwise maybe 6mm below the gullet of the teeth, for about 25mm.

I'd never heard of them before and I've never seen one since.

Cheers, Vann.