Info and help ,saw set.

[squib]

I found this saw set and wondered if anyone has any imformation about it ,it would seem easy to use and it adjusts for size of teeth so it should be ok for all saws even dovetail saws .
My main problem is that there is a little flat spring that comes in from the back and lifts the hammer after each set, which is broken.It should be easy to grind a new one from a lock sring or similar but how do i drill a hole for the holding screw.The spring is about 1 1/2" by 5/16" with an 1/8" hole in one end (measurements from memory).

 

[AndyT]

There was a discussion on this question a while back, but I can't find it at the moment. I think the consensus was:

- use a really hard drill bit (cobalt?), or
- put a nail / blunt drill in a drill press, bear down hard on the steel and let friction locally heat up your spring to red heat and de-temper it enough to drill through.

 

[Alf]

Looks like it might be a Preston Patent Punch Saw Set No.1460. Nice. Generally that variety of set is designed with larger saws in mind iirc, but I don't honestly know a lot about them.

Andy's covered the hole making, although there's another option that can work - punch the metal and grind off the nub that creates. Voilà, a hole.

 

[AndyT]

Yet another idea would be to start with a piece of steel that already has a hole in. For the size you need, the end of a hacksaw blade might do (with the teeth ground off).

 

[squib]

Thanks for all your help, i shall try the nail first and then because i can't resist i will punch and grind (mmm , doesn't sound right). I think a hacksaw blade is too thick but i could grind down the thickness aswell.Alf thanks for the info, you are right saying it is for bigger saws it is just that i adjusted the brass stops right out and it seems like it will work on fine blades as well with no modding which may be useful , i have an old gent saw that i shall try.It may not be for a while as i just started the next door.

 

[Alf]

You may find the shape of the anvil/size of the hammer are a problem, but maybe not.

 

[squib]

Andy and Alf thankyou both, today i decided i couldn't wait so i tried drilling some coil steel...fantastic both.In the end i centre popped the final bit and ground the back to leave a very small pin hole then ran a nail in it to soften it , you can see the colour changing, then drilled to size.I actually had to use two pieces to get the right spring back.I then cleaned up the set and lo and behold on one of the arms (very small)...Preston... and all parts are numbered 29.Lovely little set that definitely needs screwing down to use.
Thanks again Squib.