Mr. Conover,
I recently unpacked several handsaws that I purchased at an auction. They were $2-$3 a piece (Atkins, Disstons and Stanleys). I have no idea why I bought them but I’m guessing it was the Wood Gnomes (the ‘gotta have it’ spirits that infest the air at all tool meets and auctions.) Anyway, they sure looked good when I got them but they now all seem to have bends (again-Wood Gnomes). When I sight down the back what, if any, bending is acceptable? There are no noticeable ‘kinks’ (which I would describe as a clearly delineated angling of the metal) but some minor waving. If the saw needs to be straightened or re-aligned, how is this done and who does this professionally (or is it a task easily done by me?) When I check thru the various forums on the internet there is little consensus (these are woodworkers after all) as to what to do, what hammers to use, what really is ‘straight’, etc. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Scott
Replies
Adkins was the finest saw made in America and possibly the world, outside of Japan. They had their own steel mill and a secret process to produce steel that was hard but not brittle. Diston was almost as good (in my opinion). The Stanley is good for removing weeds from the cracks in your sidewalk or other important tasks.
A back saw should be arrow straight. If it is not, you can usually set it on strategically located wood blocks and straighten it with judiciously placed blows from a wood mallet. (This is a case of presenting an itemized bill for fixing a computer by hitting it with a sledge hammer. $20 for hitting it and $200 for knowing where.) Waviness, or even kinks, can be removed by taping with a hammer against a chopping block. After this they need to be set, jointed and filed. (I have a DVD on my website on how to file saws.) If you do not want to bother with all this work I will take them off your hands for $5 each (including the Stanley) and you will have made a tidy profit.
With best regards,
Ernie Conover
Mr. Conover,
How did you know about my sidewalk? I will be putting the Stanley to use later today. It didn't work to well on my dog's nails so it's good know of other uses. Thanks for all your information and I will definitely look to your website. The three saws in question are 1 Disston 16 with minor waves, 1 Atkins crosscut of undertermined model with a gentle bend and another Disston that is essentially straight (later model somethingorother). I will try your technique and let you know how it comes out. If I fail miserably (always a possibility) you may be getting a package. Thanks again,
Scott
Good luck and good sawing.Regards,
Ernie Conover
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