Replies

1. 
   BG | Nov 27, 2003 11:12pm | #1

   bill,

   I think I've heard others say handles were often either birch or apple.  How does that sounds as a possibility?  Don't know for sure, but apple's grain is maybe a bit finer?
2. 
   BobSmalser | Nov 27, 2003 11:57pm | #2

   If you see pores ala oak or walnut....it's rosewood in the finest of saws.

   But I suspect it's apple with a grain and figure like cherry.

   File the chip flat and let in a piece of cherry after matching the figure and grain...use a 4-1 marine epoxy like West System or Acraglass and clamp with a length of surgical tubing.

   When cured, file and sand to match the contour.

   Don't take off any old finish until your repair is done, then use Formby's refinisher to smear the old finish residue onto the new wood.  Topcoat with oil or varnish when done.

1. 
   Bill_Y | Nov 28, 2003 07:53am | #3

   Does apple have the same or similar reddish brown color as cherry? I've never worked with any. Also, you can easily make an indentation with your fingernail. Not so easy in cherry. How hard is the apple. Where do you find it?

   Thanks,

   Bill

1. 
   BobSmalser | Nov 28, 2003 08:41am | #4

   I'm holding an apple Disston D12 in my hand now.  Problem is, depends on the individual tree....mine are all just as hard a cherry with slightly finer figure and about the same natural color.  Not dented easily with fingernail.

   Apple is available at any orchard or from crab trees in the woods.  But cherry is a good match for repairs.

   I've replaced entire horns in birch when I couldn't get another substitute and stained/finished the repair to match...so I wouldn't be too concerned about substituting cherry for apple.

   Could also be beech...but between all of them, apple is the lightest in weight.

   Edited 11/28/2003 8:55:25 AM ET by Bob

1. 
   Bill_Y | Nov 28, 2003 08:33pm | #5

   You know? I always thought apple wood was lighter; more like pear. I don't know why. Just assumed. Anyway, thanks. I'll either try to find some apple or just go ahead and use some cherry. The handle has lost its top from the base of the horn out to the top forward corner. Should be pretty easy fix if I can find a piece with the right grain.

   Thanks to everyone for the help,

   Bill

3. 
   jazzdogg | Nov 29, 2003 03:02am | #6

   Bill,

   From your description, sounds lke alder to me, although that's not too likely unless the wood was sourced out of the Pacific North West. Alder might match fairly well, though, and it's inexpensive.

   FWIW,
   Paul

   Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, you're right.
1. 
   Bill_Y | Nov 30, 2003 10:32pm | #7

   Jazzdogg,

   I'm not familiar with the color/grain of alder lumber even though I know the tree. Who knows where the handle came from. The saw is about 60-70 years old. Can't say whether it was top-of-the-line but I think it is a good saw. It was sold by Montgomery Ward in the 40's and 50's. That's who my father worked for when he bought it.

   When dry, the wood is almost the color of cherry. However, when you wipe on some mineral spirits, the handle wood turns several times darker as it soaks up more of the spirits. It is definitely a softer wood than cherry.

   I would like to try some of the woods mentioned; apple, alder, etc. Any ideas where I can acquire small pieces that are dry. I think there are some places that sell lumber mail order. I'll do a search but sure would appreciate any suggestions.

   Thanks,

   Bill

1. 
   BobSmalser | Nov 30, 2003 11:34pm | #8

   I doubt that the handle is alder...there were no sawmakers i know of in the pac NW.

   Got any orchards nearby?  Knock on their door and ask for a piece of their firewood...heartwood only....rough out a billet from it and stick it in the microwave for a bit on low heat til it stops steaming.

   Then let it acclimate to the shop for a week or so before you machine it.

1. 
   Bill_Y | Dec 02, 2003 05:11am | #9

   Bob,

   Interesting suggestion. Unfortunately, we don't have apple orchards around here. Just Pecans and Satsumas (like small oranges). I got another suggestion to use poplar and stain it to match. I have some scrap and I think I'll experiment with it before I make a permanent repair.

   Thanks for the suggestion. I won't throw it out.

   Bill

1. 
   BobSmalser | Dec 02, 2003 05:57am | #10

   Want me to mail you a chunk of airdried Red Alder?

   A good match and  I have about 5,000 BF of it stacked and dried....5 years seasoned.

2. 
   Bill_Y | Dec 05, 2003 04:44am | #11

   Bob,

   That would be great! I'll e-mail you my address. I'll be more that happy to pay you and reimburse mailing cost.

   Bill