Handsaw handle replacement

Hey everyone,

Ever feel your late-model Disston #4 handle sucks?

Mine is terrible after a couple minutes of use. So a bit of wood and some time changes things.

I drew out the shape of a saw I do like the feel of, a Fulton backsaw, onto a wood blank. From there, cut the shape the handle with a BS and cut the hand hole with a coping saw.

When you layout for the holes, lay the blade on the blank oriented properly, mark the holes and drill them using an 1/8" bit. Then drill from the largest to smallest diameters. Meaning, use an auger or forstner for the heads, then the appropriate size bit for the through holes for the bolts and nuts on their respective sides of the handle.

Some more marking and drilling for the back's mortise, a bit of paring out the mortise and a whole lot of rasping gets you the result below--or better!

http://wenzloffandsons.com/saws/temp/dc_0001a.jpg

Take care, Mike

As always that looks great MikeW.
What is the timber and what finish do you use on saw handles?

Fantastic Work!:D

Hi Rowan,

Thank you!

The wood above is Bloodwood and the finish is a shellac-based rubbing varnish.

Something as simple as replacing a handle on a saw one uses often sure makes a difference!

Take care, Mike

Does it cut better or do you just feel better cutting with it? :)

I know how you feel, I appreciate a fine tuned saw as well as other fine hand tools. When it feels good, is it good. That is one fine looking handle, the Redblood is an excellant choice.

Thanks for posting and inspiring my lazy self.

Mike,
If you are still around do you happen to know who , where or when the Fulton backsaw was made? I have one I am trying my darndest to identify but can't seem to narrow it down.

Thanks in advance.

George Lowe - sourdough - from Alaska:?

Now that's a nice job ,I like the handels with the lambs tongue ,just adds class to a nice saw.
I have a huge chunk (50kgs) of desert bloodwood in my shed at the moment all waxed up I cant wait for it to be dry enough to use .Its the colour of Cabernet Saviguon.(sp?).
Hoping my son brings some more of the tree home this week.

Kev.

On the subject of handles - forum-member Ray G has some great handle templates on his website Backsaw.net (look for the links in the column on the RH side of the home page).