Collecting saw handles
As a harmless distraction from war and mayhem, consider the aesthetic merits of saw handles. Like this one — the beech handle of a nineteenth century dovetail saw made by Thos Turner & Co, of Sheffield.
I did not think up the idea of showing you this. I was prompted by the website of Los Angeles cabinetmaker Bob Brode, with its collection of saw handles. Here’s what he says about them:
Having looked at and held quite a few saw handles over the last few years, I’ve become intrigued with their variety. Every maker seems to have had their own twist, however slight, and many are quite handsome as purely aesthetic objects. It’s also interesting to see how differences that are visually small can have a noticeable effect on feel, especially for prolonged use. Also, over time many have acquired attractive colorations and patinas.
We have been looking for replacement handles for 2-man saws (antique saw blades need handles). Our antique mall could sell them by the dozen and I have 3 saws missing their handles. Do you ever get so many that you sell some?
Saw handles from some makers are Pure Functional ART, Eye Candy, A Joy to Hold and Behold, Sensous in the feel of their grip... er.. sorry lads, getting carried away here.
I am in the process of creating replacement (Custom) handles for several of my saws and planes from an Australian timber known generally as Acacia or She-Oak. Once oiled and waxed they are a thing of beauty. I'm also making a "suitable" handle
(perhaps it should be known as a "grip") for a panel saw blade which I aquired sans "grip" but complete with split? nuts and "sight".
Perhaps one fine day when I'm able to, I'll re-post complete with appropriate jpegs.
To Antiques & Uniques: I asked the helpful experts on the oldtools mailing list about sources of ready-made crosscut saw handles. Bruce Chrustie gave me an answer:
The Crosscut Saw Co in Senaca Falls, New York [ www.crosscutsaw.com ]
See the "two man saw handles" on page 3 of their catalog.
To Wood4Me: Yes please, I'd like to see pictures of your sheoak saw handles!
For the record, here is another US source for crosscut saw handles:
www.lehmans.com
See Homestead Tools > Hand Tools > Woodworking and Lumberjacking.
(Thanks to Kirk Eppler for the pointer).
Would you happen to know of a place that I can locate a Diston saw handle. Ours broke. Any information would be appreciated. Thanks. Ken
I have come across some fine old saws with a screw or two missing and would like to restore them to working status. Anyone know of a source for the brass fittings (Two-piece screws) for Diston saws?
Howard: I don't know a source for saw screws, but you might find some useful information on this website:
www.vintagesaws.com
I bought my husband a pit saw blade for Christmas - sans the handles. I've been trying to find just the handles. It is a two man pit saw, not a cross cut saw. Got any ideas of where I can find the handles?
Hello everybody,
I am from holland and i just look for a diston saw, do you no where i can some.
I have an old Diston saw I am thinking of selling on eBay. Can anyone tell me if it is better to clean off the rust or leave as is. I believe the rust is all surface, although there may be some small pits close to the handle. The handle is in wonderful shape and all the original screws are still in it.
I AM LOOKING FOT A COMPLETE HANDLE FOR A CROSS CUT [2 MAN SAW]
I have one handle for a 2 man saw. It's made by the "Pen saw corp York PA. I'm willing to sell or trade for it.
thanks
Dave
I have a large collection of 2-man crosscut saws from 5ft to 12 ft along with a large number of crosss=cut saw handles and pit saw handles.I am selling off my collection of old logging tools.
If interested, give me an email.
Regards, Dr. "J"
Dear Don Jastad
Please could you tell me what types of two man saws you have for sale.
I have a Disston No.12 crosscut saw 72".
I'm looking for similar saws to use in a club we are setting up for competitions, please could you advise which saws are the best for this, I understand that you have pro competitions at your side of the pond, what do they use.
Many thanks in advance
Davy
I have a very comprehensive collection of cross cut saw handles and they are available. call me for prices and types.
message for anyone who may have replacement handles for crosscut saws... I need handles for an Atkins crosscut saw.
I would like to know about the design of the blades and the markings on them.
To all crosscut saw users, should you need a good cutting blade, with or with out handles. At this time I have in excess of 130 of good quality saws. These are in various forms and condition. Probably the most comprehensive handle collection on the West coast. I have been in this game for almost 40 yrs and have had hundreds of winning blades. Expert sharpening for any use, many satisfied users.Get the good ones while they are still available. Best blades on the bucking side of things are the SIMONDS #520 pattern. I have them from 5' to 7'6", used and new.
Leave your rusty saw as it is if you are selling on 'fleaBay'. A collector will be happy to restore it. S9o long as the blade is straight and not exactly rotten, you can describe it as is, ad you should find a buyer.
regards JW UK
YOU CAN GET NEW SAW "NUTS" FROM RUTLANDS IN THE UK FOR ABOUT 3.50 GBP
LOOKING FOR SIMONDS NO.#6 ADJUSTABLE TWO MAN SAW HANDLES..ANYONE? KEVINBYLER@SBCGLOBAL.NET thanks
I have an old Disston saw handle for my on my cane/walking stick. They are wonderful for that purpose. Very few "armstrong" power tools fit me much as I get older. (-;
The brass two piece nuts can be worth more than the complete "antique" saw. I have sold several on ebay over the years to collectors and the bidding was fun to watch.
Looks like you have collected some serious saw collectors here!