Thread: D8 Heel Backsaw.

Hi Rob. As I have no intention on keeping this saw, its use will be determined by its new owner.

There are areas around the handle that react differently to the rasp. As such there is a great need to take care when working closely to the inside profile lines. I have no problems recommended Jarrah for saw handle's. Its just not a timber you can aggressively attack with a rasp.

Stewie;

Rob

Jarrah is one very pretty species of timber, looks magnificent when finished

Whilst not as hard as some of our other Aussie timbers, it can be a pain on tools as it often has a pretty high silica content

Originally Posted by Sawdust Maker

Rob

Jarrah is one very pretty species of timber, looks magnificent when finished

Whilst not as hard as some of our other Aussie timbers, it can be a pain on tools as it often has a pretty high silica content

The silica comment reminds me of mesquite. Does Jarrah sometimes have rocks inside it? Mesquite is notorious around here for picking up trash including rocks, bits of wire and anything else laying near the trunk as the tree grows. It also produces enormous and very pretty burls, here's a pic of one I have. These are caused by Mistletoe.

mesquite burl.jpg

Hi Rob. Jarrah is not prone to the issues you mention within Mesquite.

Stewie;

Shaping work to the handle is now complete, apart from some minor touch ups to the lambs tongue to improve its flow and appearance.

I have also added a double step to the outside curvature on the bottom rail of the handle , to improve soften that transition point.

An external curve has also been added to the exposed heel of the saw plate as a means of improving its transition away from the handle.

The handle will now undergo further coats of amber shellac and light sanding in between to fill any small micro voids within the wood surface. It should also aid to further darken the final appearance of the Jarrah wood.

Stewie;

The handle has received its 4th and final coat. Its actual appearance is about 2 shades darker than the camera was able to pick up. I will leave the shellac finish to further harden over the next 5 days before hitting it with a mechanical buff.

The chamfered edge on the brass back has been hand filed . This was done using a round needle file, a standard cut feather file; followed up by a fine cut feather file, and 400 grit sand paper. A 600 grit Grey 635 Bear- Tex Pad was then used to remove any fine scratches on the brass surface.

The slotted brass back has been secured to the top of the saw plate using a Loctite thread sealant.

The next phase of the backsaw build will be hand filing the saw teeth.



A closer view of the edge profile around the handle cheeks.


Stewie;

From a distance the surface pattern on the saw plate reminds me of Damascus Steel.

Stewie,

What is your intended purpose for this saw? It has the appearance of a mitre saw given its length. Do you intend to put fleam on the teeth?

Looks great, by the way.

Cheers,
Luke

Originally Posted by Luke Maddux

Stewie,

What is your intended purpose for this saw? It has the appearance of a mitre saw given its length. Do you intend to put fleam on the teeth?

Looks great, by the way.

Cheers,
Luke

Hi Luke. I dont advocate the use of fleam on 0.020 and 0.025 saw plate.

There is no reason why this saw cannot be used free from a mitre box.

I have no plans to keep this backsaw.


regards Stewie;

The saw teeth have been filed 11 tpi with a 10* rake angle.



Remaining to do will be to apply the set; give the teeth a single pass with the jointer file; then resharpen each tooth to a point.

The plastic sheeting is to protect the saw plate while its held within the saw vise.

Stewie;

The following are photo's of the now completed backsaw.

During final test cuts, I found it difficult to find a fault within this saw's functionality and design.

regards Stewie;

Hi all. I am contemplating the use of the same heel pattern on future backsaw builds. Any feedback as to your like or dislike of this feature would be appreciated.

regards Stewie;

Originally Posted by planemaker

Hi all. I am contemplating the use of the same heel pattern on future backsaw builds. Any feedback as to your like or dislike of this feature would be appreciated.

regards Stewie;

It looks good and it's a little harder to do well. I guess we'll see if people want that type of feature.

Cheers,
Rob

Hi Rob. Its can be difficult trying to interpret what others will like or dislike. As an example :