Thread: #40, heavy backed dovetail saw

Originally Posted by rob streeper

The damage rate on incoming packages is < 1%, but in my case the vast majority of those are either small packages and or physically robust items. Long and relatively delicate items such as saws are apparently much more liable to destruction.

USPS workers are also in a bit of an uproar (http://postal-indy.blogspot.com/2015...ver-ahead.html) and they are known to sometimes take their frustrations out on packages in their charge.

That being said, the USPS management is pure evil, I have it on good authority that they have their employees spy on each other in the name of efficiency.

Hi Rob. You may wish to look a little closer. It is dependent on the area/ office. But I do know for a fact the UPS actually follows their employees around ( in private vehicles ) to check up on them for what ever reason.
In the mean time, try encapsulating the saw in foam and using your own custom boxes. Those "flat rate" boxes are more expensive than using your own boxes. Just a thought, anyway.

Originally Posted by Ron Bontz

Hi Rob. You may wish to look a little closer. It is dependent on the area/ office. But I do know for a fact the UPS actually follows their employees around ( in private vehicles ) to check up on them for what ever reason.
In the mean time, try encapsulating the saw in foam and using your own custom boxes. Those "flat rate" boxes are more expensive than using your own boxes. Just a thought, anyway.

Whoever hit this one was either extremely careless or purposefully destructive.

The person I talked to had first hand knowledge of the covert surveillance by one USPS employee on the others. UPS has been monitoring employees for years and they all know it, counting steps, routes taken, time stopped and so on.

I'm going to begin sandwiching my saws between pieces of plywood or OSB. I often have access to scrap material in sizes perfect for the task, free too.

Got this letter in the mail today from the United States Postal Service.

USPS insurance claim letter received 091815 redacted.jpg

The backstory is: Customer received box in damaged condition. USPS had affixed a sticker to the box acknowledging that the box was delivered in damaged condition. Customer took the package to the post office and complained. Staff at the post office told the customer to tell me to file a claim for the insured value. I did.

I receive this letter today. Saw and packaging not in my possession, saw is 200 miles away and I don't have the time to go get it and I refuse to pay USPS again to ship it to me. What to do? I called USPS customer service (90 minutes waiting), after numerous false starts and dead ends I finally file complaint about USPS not honoring package insurance.

Note to all: USPS package insurance is effectively non-existent. They make the claims process difficult so as to deter would be claimants. I'm shipping FedEx in the future.

Okay, starting again. I needed a new batch of saw backs anyway so I cut the handle out for the customer. He sent me a new piece of rosewood, super hard material stopped my bandsaw several times despite the use of a TC tipped blade. The back is 10 inch folded 0.125" thick brass. Since there have been so many problems with this order I may include a stainless blade as a bene for the customer (switch blade saw), who by the way has been very understanding.

As to the first saw it now sounds like we may get things worked out with the Post Office - fingers crossed.

#40 part two.jpg

Just over three weeks from the shipment date. The customers Post Office personel have reportedly verified observing the damaged saw, now a week ago, and no insurance payment. Be very, very careful with USPS - they are delaying payments for insured damages. Make sure that your customers keep the damaged items and all packaging.

Hi Rob. The completed handle shown in your latest photo. Who is the maker.

Stewie;

No idea. The customer said it was an antique. If you look closely at the photo you can see impressions of star style lock washers in the recesses. The blade slot is distorted (not shown) but overall the handle is in very good to new condition, other than being a bit dirty.

The blade slot's enormous, 0.042"+ and it looks hand-cut. Doesn't look too much like a blade has touched the sides as there are little bits of swarf here and there.

blade slot.jpg

The slot for the back has been hogged out by drilling, two directions, and a little chisel work. Very narrow back, my medium thickness brass (0.085" X2 + blade slot) won't fit.

back slot.jpg

The recesses for the screw heads have no bolster inletting, similar to the LN type dovetail screws.

Thanks Rob. Interesting handle. The care taken within the shaping the handle represents someone who is quite skilled within their work, but the presentation of the mortise represents otherwise. The 0.042" saw blade slot is a quite unusual for that size and type of handle.

regards Stewie;

Originally Posted by planemaker

Thanks Rob. Interesting handle. The care taken within the shaping the handle represents someone who is quite skilled within their work, but the presentation of the mortise represents otherwise. The 0.042" saw blade slot is a quite unusual for that size and type of handle.

regards Stewie;

I never really looked at the pattern handle but I see that it has a repair and it's flat-sawn and contains some pith.

join.jpgpith.jpg

Still no insurance payment from the Post Office.

High quality joint on the repair. On notice in the 2nd photo what appears to be some uneven rounding to the back of the grip on the non show side. Is the handle beech or apple wood.

Stewie;

Could be either or perhaps maple. The grain is very tight and the density is unremarkable. There doesn't appear to be any finish on the handle.

Rob. The Rosewood your working with. Does it have a recognizable scent to it. If it does it may help identify its species.

Stewie;

This one smells like rosewood only when cut. The first had a much stronger smell. The second piece looks very different in grain pattern and depth of color.