Replies

1. 
   hammer1 | Mar 30, 2008 06:33am | #1

   You can't cut arcs with a standard panel saw. Different blades can be changed in a bow saw from rip to scrolling. It was the traditional European saw and cabinetmakers like Tage Frid used them. You can reverse the action from push to pull just by turning the saw end for end. The blades can be much thinner since they are held in tension rather than deriving strength from the blade. In the day, just buying a narrow blade would have been less expensive than buying a handled panel saw. Panel saws can bind in the cut when the kerf decides to pinch. There is less friction in the kerf with a bow saw and they cut a bit faster. Little twists in hand movement when sawing are not transferred to the cut as easily, as with a western saw.

   Bow saws are different in the hand. You can't start a cut in the middle of a board like you can with a panel saw and their depth of cut and reach is limited. A bow saw can do many of the things a powered bandsaw can do. For those type of cuts in a hand tool only shop, a bow saw is a must have. In the hands of an experienced user, they can be quite versatile. Frid cut his dovetails with one.

   Beat it to fit / Paint it to match

2. 
   AdamCherubini | Mar 30, 2008 04:49pm | #2

   The term bow saw is fairly non-descriptive. When I think of bow saws, i think of a saw that uses a bent wood or steel bow to supply tension. These tools are for tree pruning. The term "frame or framed saw" isn't much better.

   I have and use a 12" turning saw that's essentially like a big and very fast cutting coping saw. Its a wonderful tool for furniture sized scroll work.

   For years I used an 18" frame saw with a fixed blade as a tenon saw. It was light, fast cutting, and the only alternative as 18" backsaws weren't available at that time. Given the choice, I prefer the backsaw.

   For general ripping, nothing beats the open "western style" saws for the wide boards we have access to. Other cultures didn't have such wide stock and were able to use smaller saws for trimming type operations.

   So to answer your question, there are some limited advantages to frame saws. You can cut curves, they are light and cheap, can be easily modified or reconfigured for special applications. But essentially, frame saws, like japanese saws are what you must use if your country lacks the technological ability to produce sheet spring steel (which is no small matter). The British and Dutch used frame saws until they had the ability to do otherwise, sometime in the 17th century. Then, according to Goodman, there was a c-change with British and Dutch woodworkers, very quickly switching over to the broad "plate" saws. I think that's telling.

   That aside, I think I can see a relationship between frame saws and the basic medieval furniture structures for which they were used,( i.e. frame and panel) and modern woodworkers who use machines to dimension stock and wish to use hand saws to cut joints.

   Adam