D8 heel Backsaw.

[swagman]

The saw bolt assemblies have been installed.

Shaping of the edge profiles on the handle has started.

Stewie;

 

[swagman]

Of relevance to this handsaw and many other examples, the area of saw plate directly under the handle only serves a limited function.. As a result, the total length of any saw plate is not an indicator to its usable stroke length. With this backsaw for example; it may have an 18" saw plate, but with the extended heel pattern, only the front 14" of tooth line will likely see much work.

Stewie;

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af2 ... 1431354079

 

[RogerP]

Which begs the question. Why bother then?

I know, because it looks nice.

 

[swagman]

Hi Roger. As the saw maker, is more a case of being aware of this designs constraints, and insuring that there is plenty of allowance given to the saw plates length forward of the handle.

Interestingly. Harvey Peace chose a different path on their P - 47 backsaw. http://www.hyperkitten.com/tools/hwpeac ... acksaw.php

Stewie;

 

[swagman]

Further progress made with the final shaping of this backsaw handle. Jarrah is certainly on my list of difficult Australian timbers to shape into a saw handle.

Stewie;

 

[swagman]

Shaping work to the handle is now complete, apart from some minor touch ups to the lambs tongue to improve its flow and appearance.

I have also added a double step to the outside curvature on the bottom rail of the handle , to improve soften that transition point.

An external curve has also been added to the exposed heel of the saw plate as a means of improving its transition away from the handle.

The handle will now undergo further coats of amber shellac and light sanding in between to fill any small micro voids within the wood surface. It should also aid to further darken the final appearance of the Jarrah wood.

Stewie;

 

[swagman]

The handle has received its 4th and final coat. Its actual appearance is about 2 shades darker than the camera was able to pick up. I will leave the shellac finish to further harden over the next 5 days before hitting it with a mechanical buff.

The chamfered edge on the brass back has been hand filed . This was done using a round needle file, a standard cut feather file; followed up by a fine cut feather file, and 400 grit sand paper. A 600 grit Grey 635 Bear- Tex Pad was then used to remove any fine scratches on the brass surface.

The slotted brass back has been secured to the top of the saw plate using a Loctite thread sealant.

The next phase of the backsaw build will be hand filing the saw teeth.



A closer view of the edge profile around the handle cheeks.


Stewie;

 

[swagman]

From a distance the surface pattern on the saw plate reminds me of Damascus Steel.

 

[Phil Pascoe]

Why the thread sealant? Just because it's thinner (easier) than epoxy?

 

[swagman]

Why the thread sealant? Just because it's thinner (easier) than epoxy?

Yes. That's a reasonable description.

Stewie;

 

[swagman]

The saw teeth have been filed 11 tpi with a 10* rake angle.



Remaining to do will be to apply the set; give the teeth a single pass with the jointer file; then resharpen each tooth to a point.

The plastic sheeting is to protect the saw plate while its held within the saw vise.

Stewie;

 

[swagman]

The following are photo's of the now completed backsaw.

During final test cuts, I found it difficult to find a fault within this saw's functionality and design.

regards Stewie;