Thread: The Frankenhandle.

Originally Posted by Sawdust Maker

Looks pretty good

I too like the detail at the top of the spine

Though I do wonder whether the valley on the top of the handle could be deeper and the peak between the two half moons less high, or maybe I'm just trying to get it more traditional looking

very speccy piece of wood that

Is it comfortable?

Hi Nick . Yes it has a real nice feel in the hand. I prefer to leave the double coves as they are. Any less and this area will they look too flat. I will have another look at the current height of the top valley. My only concern with making this area steeper is that it may create a weak point within the grain direction. Being an open handle this goose neck part of the handle supports the full load of the saw plate assembly in front. I will have a look at what options are available. You raised some good points for discussion.

Stewie;

As you will see I have made some good progress with the new backsaw build. The handle finish is near completed and just needs a final buff after the shellac has hardened up. You will also not a colour change within the natural wood colour. I've been wanting to experiment further with applying an aged look to the finish, and the final results are very pleasing. This process involved applying a coat of Van Dyke Crystals after each sanding session. Which allows this natural walnut shell dye to penetrate further into the the wood surface after each coat. A coat of garnet shellac is then applied to encapsulate the dye.

Before:



After:





This type of finish is not a new technique and was well practiced by many early tool makers to remove the new wood appearance on such items as saw handles & traditional wooden hand planes. In European countries (which includes United Kingdom) Wood Finishers was a trade qualified position no different to that of French Polishers. During the 1950,s when my father was serving his apprenticeship in Scotland as a Carpenter & Joiner under the tutelage of a Master Craftsman he later described to me how the workshop he worked in had a separate area on the upper floor of the building that was dedicated to the wood finishers to complete their work.

Getting back on track with the backsaw build, The blade assembly has also been fitted to the handle. This was a great opportunity for me to trial out the new 3/16" solid carbide spade drill bit that Isaac Smith from Blackburn Tools sent me with to help drill out the saw bolt holes in the saw plate. I must say I was extremely impressed at how easy this type of drill bit does the job. The hole fit was perfectly aligned to the handle fit. There were no sharp burrs to contend with. No marking of the hole centre's before drilling. And the bit cut through the saw plate as if it were butter. (not margarine) I only wish I had this type of drill bit available when I 1st started out with my backsaw builds. It would have saved me a lot of the earlier heartache. Thank you Isaac. For those unaware Isaac has is now selling these type of carbide bits on his website. http://blackburntools.com/new-tools/...ill/index.html.

Next job to do is to shape the brass back. Nothing too fancy this time round.

Stewie;

Stewie

The so-called ageing treatment looks fantastic, although I might hesitate to describe it as ageing. To me it is a depth of finish that exudes refinement. Perhaps this is because the older tools had a refinement that we rarely replicate in modern times.

Either way, it looks excellent. Although in recent times I have tried to divorce myself from the red timbers, it seems that in some applications I find myself irresistibly dragged back to them, kicking and screaming all the way and in some masochistic sense loving every moment .

The brass hardware looks particularly good against the dark timbers.

Regards
Paul

Good to hear you like the look of the handle finish Paul.

Stewie;

Stewie
When I first saw your handle in burdekin plum.
I thought well just another one of his very nice saws but just another one.
Well i was wrong!
That is gorges and no smart remarks I do really love this one.
The colour on the plum is just outstanding.
Your comments on the old ways is spot on , I also imagine the apprentice stage could I've been 7 years not the 4 we have now.
I trained as a panel beater ,but I would say it was not till about my 6/7 year that I truly new what I was doing before that I was just doing as taught.
After my 6 year I got a feel for moving metal not just pounding it with a hammer.
If that makes sence.
I do wonder what knowledge we have lost with the passing of all those great masters male and female.
But I do also see a lot of new interest in the old crafts(saw making)mixed with the new technologies(ie the drill bit you use)which I think when the balance gets right will be marvelous and push as forward yet again beyond just the technological age a mix of the old and new.
Which gives hope to the future.

Hi Matt. Good to hear you like the changes to the wood colour. I agree with you regarding the early traditional tradesmen skills.

Stewie;

Traditional skills are coming back slowly but surly.
I know at least two guys who like making hand saws and do a fantastic job lol.
Were do I get that burdekin plum from.
I've never heard or seen that type of timber before.
It's got a great colour when finished.

Originally Posted by Simplicity

Traditional skills are coming back slowly but surly.
I know at least two guys who like making hand saws and do a fantastic job lol.
Were do I get that burdekin plum from.
I've never heard or seen that type of timber before.
It's got a great colour when finished.

Matt. I am a bit more skeptical on the revival of traditional skills. Not sure how you go getting Burdekin Plum wood. Its not your typical commercially sold timber . I was just lucky to spot a piece on sale on ebay and nabbed it.

Stewie;

Well you must be a lot better on searching eBay than I am
Well done