Replies

1. 
   larinUP | Jan 31, 2009 10:59pm | #1

   Is that templates, like real wood? Or are you looking for sketchup or jpg type templates?

   Larry

1. 
   alanplanesaw | Feb 01, 2009 04:18am | #2

   larinUP,

   jpg-s or something on the computer that I can print out is fine.

   Alan - planesaw

1. 
   PADDYDAHAT | Feb 01, 2009 06:18am | #3

   Alan, the last time I looked, Joel of "Tools for w--etc" had a free plan for a DT open handle on his site. It looks like a good one. I have tried them all -the modern ones- and found Mike Wenzloff's to fit me best. Oh, and his saw cuts like a dream.

   One factor for me was the fullness of the grip that allowed my large, but not huge, palm and heel to fit with the traditional three finger grip and a sufficient thickness to fill my hand. An other factor was the lack of a big  flat area on the sides with an edge for a transition to the rounded back of the handle as he shapes it to a true radius and not just a quick round over to the flat sides. To me it is much more comfortable and improves control of your stroke in the cutting. As they say -it comes to hand very well- or does for me in any case. Paddy

2. 
   larinUP | Feb 01, 2009 05:42pm | #4

   Planesaw,Try a Google search for "wood hand saw." When the pages load click on images in the upper left hand of the page. If you use Sketchup, you should be able to import one of the pictures and convert it to a skp drawing. You could also scan a picture from a catalog or book. Larry

   
3. 
   KiddervilleAcres | Feb 01, 2009 05:54pm | #5

   Alan,

   I think the one Paddy is referring to is here: http://www.toolsforworkingwood.com/Merchant/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=toolshop&Product_Code=GT-DKIT.XX&Category_Code=CGT

   It has a full scale drawing for the handle.

   Be aware that it requires you to use cherry so if ye need some give me a holler.  :-)

   Regards,

   Bob @ Kidderville Acres

   A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!

   Edited 2/1/2009 9:55 am ET by KiddervilleAcres

1. 
   alanplanesaw | Feb 02, 2009 01:25am | #6

   Bob,

   Thanks for the link and the offer for cherry.  I think about 100 board feet ought to do it.  Probably 10 boards, 10 ft long, 10 inches wide with no sap wood.  By the time I get through all of that I should have at least one decent handle.

   :-)

   Actually, the link ought to get me to a decent handle.  It will be a bit of time before I get to it, but I wanted to get things lined up so when the time shows up, I'll be ready to get goin'.

   Thanks Bob and everyone,

   Alan - planesaw

2. 
   WillGeorge | Feb 03, 2009 03:49am | #7

   Why not just go someplace that sells various large sized dowel rods or maybe something in the shop you have (like a square stick) and hack off the corners so is 'sort of' a nice fit in the hand..

   Once you have a 'rod' that 'feels' nice.. Carve something that fits you hand and fingers in comfort.. As in like carving and sawing.... Sort of like fitting a hand gun grip... It does not have to be perfect.. 'Just feels right'...

    Go from there to you saw dimensions for the rest of the handle!

   EDIT: I forgot.. The PERFECT fitting is harder to do!

   
   

   ---

   Edited 2/2/2009 7:51 pm by WillGeorge

1. 
   KiddervilleAcres | Feb 03, 2009 01:13pm | #8

   Will,

   Not a bad idea.

   Take a handle that is close to what you want, use it to trace a pattern on another piece of wood, then bandsaw it out and shape it with rasps, files, etc.  That's what I did when making a handle for me crosscut sled.  Kept shaping it until it fit my hand like a glove.

   You can feel the places on your hand where there is more pressure than other areas when you grip it.  Just work on those till it feels good.

   Regards,Bob @ Kidderville Acres

   A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!

1. 
   WillGeorge | Feb 04, 2009 11:34am | #11

   Bob.. I'm just stupid mostly.. However I have some good moments..

    

3. 
   roc | Feb 03, 2009 10:28pm | #9

   Planesaw,

   You might want to follow this guy around ( I mean on the web )

   http://blog.woodworking-magazine.com/blog/CategoryView,category,Saws.aspx

   he has some definite opinions ( and facts ) about handsaw handles. He answers e-mails . . . perhaps with a template.

   roc

   
   

   ---

   Edited 2/3/2009 2:28 pm by roc

1. 
   alanplanesaw | Feb 04, 2009 03:40am | #10

   roc,

   Thanks, looks like some great info.

   Alan - planesaw

4. 
   Gene_DiNardo | Feb 05, 2009 04:53am | #12

   Try http://www.backsaw.net

    Hand Saw Handle Templates and Photos

1. 
   alanplanesaw | Feb 05, 2009 06:11am | #13

   Gene,

   Thanks.

   Alan - planesaw

2. 
   WillGeorge | Feb 06, 2009 05:09am | #14

   GREAT LINK! Thanks...

5. 
   Gene_DiNardo | Feb 06, 2009 05:29am | #15

   Alan,

   I'm not sure I pasted the the right link.

   Try this one.

   Gene

   http://www.backsaw.net/cpg/thumbnails.php?album=7

1. 
   alanplanesaw | Feb 06, 2009 05:33am | #16

   Gene,

   Thanks for the extra effort.  I found them through your earlier link and have one printed out and sitting here on my desk.  Hope to see about cutting one out soon.

   Alan - planesaw