Project Information
This was my entry for the 2014 LumberJock Saw Swap (ErikF had inspired me to build a saw even before the saw swap began. You should check out his blog tutorial on the tools for making your own saw from scratch.) I quickly discovered that building a handsaw almost entirely from scratch was completely possible with limited tools! I also discovered that it is addicting to build one, and I am already working on a second version for a co-worker.
The 9" dovetail saw is made from 1095 high carbon steel plate that is filed at 15 ppi rip, purchased from Dominic at TGIAG.com. The brass back was machined from a bar of ¾" by ¼" C360 stock. I used my router table with a variable speed controller to cut the .020" slot using a slot cutting wheel and a jig, as well as the chamfers. I have had pretty good results this way. The split nut hardware was purchased from TGIAG.com as well. The handle is modeled after the Moses Eadon dovetail saw, and made from a scrap piece of highly figured maple with antique maple and walnut dye. I used lacquer for the finish and rubbed it out with #0000 steel wool. I think next time I would avoid the walnut dye (just use the antique maple) and use poly for a finish. It builds quicker and is more durable.
Hey the saw is far from perfect, but it was a blast to make. For those of you who didn't participate in the build, you really missed out! It was a lot of fun and educational. The best part, you can build a great saw from a kit and only shape the handle if you dont want to mess with machining. There are plenty of great resources for picking out the perfect handle template to boot. Go build one!
God Bless
The 9" dovetail saw is made from 1095 high carbon steel plate that is filed at 15 ppi rip, purchased from Dominic at TGIAG.com. The brass back was machined from a bar of ¾" by ¼" C360 stock. I used my router table with a variable speed controller to cut the .020" slot using a slot cutting wheel and a jig, as well as the chamfers. I have had pretty good results this way. The split nut hardware was purchased from TGIAG.com as well. The handle is modeled after the Moses Eadon dovetail saw, and made from a scrap piece of highly figured maple with antique maple and walnut dye. I used lacquer for the finish and rubbed it out with #0000 steel wool. I think next time I would avoid the walnut dye (just use the antique maple) and use poly for a finish. It builds quicker and is more durable.
Hey the saw is far from perfect, but it was a blast to make. For those of you who didn't participate in the build, you really missed out! It was a lot of fun and educational. The best part, you can build a great saw from a kit and only shape the handle if you dont want to mess with machining. There are plenty of great resources for picking out the perfect handle template to boot. Go build one!
God Bless
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