10-04-2016, 03:59 PM
My goal for this winter is to really advance my hand sawing skills. I've collected a handful of saws and now it's time to tune them up and put them to work. The first priority of tuning them up is to replace a few handles, which I hope to make myself. I've done a little preliminary research on making handles but haven't come across a definitive resource yet, and when I need a definitive resource I come to Woodnet. At this point consider me (almost) totally clueless on the process.
I'll lay out my ideas and understanding at this point: I have a handle that is a good fit that I'd like to copy but I also know there are templates available online. I like the ones with layout for forstner bits to help eliminate saw blade marks on most of the inside radii. As far as fit, I'm just going on what feels comfortable. I think most generic handles are too big for the average hand but I'm not sure how much extra room there should be for my fingers.
I don't have any mechanical sanding options so I will have to do the work with files and rasps. I've never done any shaping of wood with these tools and I'm not sure what I'll need. My bit of research so far has turned up a multitude of file and rasp variations. At this point I'd like to stick to some inexpensive tools available someplace like a local big box store. If I find this is something I really enjoy, an investment in more expensive tools might happen down the road.
Once I get a template and the correct tools, some tips on method would be very helpful.
The pic are of a rip filed saw that I got from a HS shop auction. I really don't know much about it's quality. I recognize the Atkins brand but don't know if its from an era of good quality or not. The problems with the handle are quite obvious.
I'll lay out my ideas and understanding at this point: I have a handle that is a good fit that I'd like to copy but I also know there are templates available online. I like the ones with layout for forstner bits to help eliminate saw blade marks on most of the inside radii. As far as fit, I'm just going on what feels comfortable. I think most generic handles are too big for the average hand but I'm not sure how much extra room there should be for my fingers.
I don't have any mechanical sanding options so I will have to do the work with files and rasps. I've never done any shaping of wood with these tools and I'm not sure what I'll need. My bit of research so far has turned up a multitude of file and rasp variations. At this point I'd like to stick to some inexpensive tools available someplace like a local big box store. If I find this is something I really enjoy, an investment in more expensive tools might happen down the road.
Once I get a template and the correct tools, some tips on method would be very helpful.
The pic are of a rip filed saw that I got from a HS shop auction. I really don't know much about it's quality. I recognize the Atkins brand but don't know if its from an era of good quality or not. The problems with the handle are quite obvious.
How do you know you're learning anything if you don't screw up once in awhile?
My blog: http://birdsandboards.blogspot.com/
My blog: http://birdsandboards.blogspot.com/