Thread: Bowsaws

Sorry, too late at night, forgot the arttachment

Looks great Andy,
Hope you plan on running a tutorial day on making these because I will be coming for one
For everyone else, I have used the little coping bowsaw and it is really nice to use considering the size!

What sort of string did you use?

I tried to get a "traditional-looking" string for mine, but the tension broke everything I tried (bar pyjama cord, and nylon cords.)

Cheers,
Andrew

Thanks guys.
Andrew, the best string I've found is waxed thread as used by leather workers, I think its hemp or linen. As the tensioner is wound, this thread seems to work itself together, with the wax sticking. Maybe my imagination, but the resulting cord is stronger for it. On the big one however I used a quality synthetic cord but I don't think it looks traditional.

Cheers,

Cool saws, Andy.

Any reason for the 'knob' on the winder of the smallest one?

Hi Zenwood,
The knob is actually a sleeve block, with a groove carved into 2 sides for the strings to lay in. The tensioning toggle slides through the block (tightish) so it is easy to do half turns when winding. I noticed it on a couple of saws on-line and thought I'd incorporate the feature, which works very well.
Cheers,

They look great Andy. Did you use the old bandsaw blades for them?

My 28" arrived from the US, with 4 x Fletsch (?) blades. Intend to do comparisons with other saws, rip and crosscut. Will post with pics when complete.

Mine is great to use and cuts straight and quick. I think you're right in making 3. Gives better choice. The 28" is a bit big for some things.

Any reason you went string over threaded rod? Keeping to tradition, maybe?

How did you join the centre strut? My shopbought one just has a steel spline protruding vertically and a corresponding slot on the struts end? That way doesn't detract from the strength of the end pieces.

If you can make them in an economical way, I think there will be a quid in it for you. Great work.

Hi Bodgy,
Your comparisons will be interesting. I've heard the proper blades cut better than bandsaw stock, which is what I've used (except the little coping saw version). Personal preference with the string...looks better, but no idea if it actually works better. On several saws I've made I simply use a short dowel each end to locate the centre strut, but have also cut tenons and a loose fitting mortices.

Cheers,