Replies

1. 
   robert1 | Nov 02, 2003 07:16am | #1

   Try Highland Hardware

2. 
   Scrit | Nov 02, 2003 09:30am | #2

   Possibly not of interest, but I found that Roberts & Lee, the London (England) sawmakers still make bow saw blades in sizes from 8in to 16in. They also make pad saw (keyhole saw) blades, too.

   Scrit

3. 
   RANGERP75R | Nov 02, 2003 10:48am | #3

   timber

   http://www.highlandhardware.com

   Danish Bowsaw $39.99 

   Contintental Frame Saw(large bowsaw) $39.99 4 differnt teeth setting.....

   sarge..jt

4. 
   BG | Nov 02, 2003 02:04pm | #4

   Timber,

   In addition to Highland, Woodcraft carries Frame saws too....or just blades at $4.99 each and you can build your own.  I made one a couple of months ago using some scrap maple..fun little project...you don't really need plans, most of the dimensions are dictated by the length of the blade and how it's connected to the end handles. 
5. 
   Timberwerks | Nov 02, 2003 04:28pm | #5

   Thanks guys, Do any of you use one? If so how do you like it?

   Dale

1. 
   Scrit | Nov 02, 2003 05:18pm | #6

   Hi Timber

   I do use a bow saw from time to time, an older one stamped with the maker's mark "Nurse" (a London tool seller of years gone by). They are pretty easy to use and don't require too much effort - they can also cut 6 to 8in thick stock - try that with a power jigsaw - so they have their uses. I always take one out with me when working on site - nice thing is that they can be broken down and packed flat in a minute or two and if the string breaks it can be knotted (continue until knot:string ratio exceeds 1:6.....). If you do get one just remember to point the blade to cut towards you on the pull stroke.

   Scrit

2. 
   BG | Nov 02, 2003 05:52pm | #7

   I don't have a bandsaw so I rip wide flat pieces on the TS with the blade at full height, both sides and finish up with the frame saw...it works.  On smaller pieces I can use it to resaw but I'm having a problem with tracking straight...

3. 
   Napie | Nov 03, 2003 04:28pm | #12

   For everything, beats a back saw hands down for dovetails and other hand cut joints.  They are so easy to make, you can have ten or more for the price of dovetaile saw.

6. 
   BobSmalser | Nov 02, 2003 06:36pm | #8

   Highland and Garret Wade sell the blades...and I can't think of anything simpler to make out of scraps. Buy the blades, eyeball the proportions, and have at it.

   http://pic3.picturetrail.com/VOL12/1104763/2594266/31846134.jpg

   http://pic3.picturetrail.com/VOL12/1104763/2594266/31846102.jpg

   http://pic3.picturetrail.com/VOL12/1104763/2594266/31846085.jpg

   Look in the Gallery for more detail on how they are constructed.

   
   

   ---

   Edited 11/2/2003 10:40:33 AM ET by Bob

1. 
   Timberwerks | Nov 03, 2003 03:42am | #9

   Bob

   Thanks, those look very nice. I do think I will make my own from some nice Birdseye or Curly Maple. I also will purchase one to try out for awhile and use it as a guide to how I will make one more personal.

   Dale

1. 
   derekb | Nov 03, 2003 03:52am | #10

   You can always make your own blades too.  If you can get a hold of some broken band saw blades, just go to a local welding shop and get them to tack a couple pins on them and you are set to go.  That is the plan that I have in mind.  I just haven't gotten around to making the saw yet. 

   derek

1. 
   Napie | Nov 03, 2003 04:26pm | #11

   I have made them from bandsaw blades, you do not need pins, just use a nail to drill pin holes in the ends of the blade.  A blunt soft nail will remove the temper and go right through.  I went on a bowsaw kick after meeting Tage Frid and now use them for everything, including dovetails.

2. 
   Scrit | Nov 03, 2003 06:32pm | #13

   The blade on both British-style and European style bow saws isn't pinned. It is punched-through and the blade holder, a turned brass pin with a slot cut in it for the blade, is also drilled-through from the side. To hold the blade simply pop it into the end of the holder and push through a small panel pin. Much easier than welding pins on

   Scrit