Many saws exist in frames - many of which deserve to be part of everyone's toolkit. Visit www.blackburnbooks.com for books and to sign up for lessons in Woodstock NY.
I really enjoy your discussions of woodworking hand tools. I was a home improvement contractor for many years, and I had to have all the latest and greatest power tools. Since I've retired and have a very small workshop, I have had to learn how to use hand tools because of space limitations. Gone are most of my stationary tools with the exception of my beloved lathe. Now I've had to learn how to use basic woodworking hand tools. I must say, the workshop is much quieter and way less dusty. It takes me longer in some cases, but I get an immense amount of pleasure from hand tool woodworking.
Oh Mr. Blackburn you continue to delight us with these great tutorials . It's nice to see someone else who agrees with me on owning a bandsaw . They are quite a labor saver . Cheers my friend and blessings to you sir .
Watching you and the older generation reminds me of my grandad, banks of knowledge and fun times we get up to in his shed we’re legendary. How much I used to hear him tutting when I make a goofy mistake and how he would tell me the correct way of doing things
Paul Sellers also mentioned the bandsaw was the only machine tool he really wanted very often too. I just got an old bucksaw and sharpened it up. Good stuff.
Thank you for sharing your vast knowledge of hand woodworking tools. Your approach is interesting and I learn something new from every single one of your episodes. I was wondering whether you have met Paul Sellers? I think that you both complement each other in the various ways that you each approach hand woodworking tools.
I have made a few frame saws over the years. One will take a 24” (I think) mitre saw blade (the hand saw type, before anyone asks) and it works well for larger joinery tasks. I also made a turning saw with a length of 1/4” band saw blade, again it works great. I even have one with a standard hacksaw blade. I’m also thinking about making one to take a coping saw blade because I’m not happy with the tension I can get on my old “Eclipse” coping saw. These saws are easy to make from scraps and are very satisfying to use. Incidentally, in Scotland the name for what you call a “saw buck” is a “cuddy”, a Scots word for horse.
Great information. Love your delivery and the information you're sharing. Be great to see how you use the bandsaw in your shop. I'd like to get rid of my table saw as I don't really have the room for it and the bandsaw (and I find the bandsaw more useful overall). Thanks!
I have made myself a twelve and a six inch turning saw. They are pleasant to use. A twenty inch frame saw would be nice as well but sourcing a blade is difficult. I have just received a couple of your books. They are well written, have much useful information and as a bonus they are attractively priced. Regards from Israel.
The largest fret saw can be modified to make it more controlled. If you lay it flat on the table and fix a metal bracket on the handle so the bracket pokes away from the steel curve . Now get a lump of lead and fix that to the end of the bracket. Wrap the lead safely in plastic tape. If you guess the lead weight correctly the saw will balance beautifully in any position --vertical /sideways . The whole saw plus lead counterweight adds up to twice the original weight but it feels as if it`s floating in air . The forearm muscles can stay relaxed .
Hi Graham, I am really enjoying working my way through this series and I thank you for that. However with each episode I find myself yearning for information on the shop space itself. I hope you have plans for a tour and guidelines on space requirement for the one man hand tool dream shop.
I love frame saws! Once I managed to nail a design that worked for me I made a whole series of those, based on the Chinese version. Chinese frame saws have turning bolts that are flush with the handle, which means you can position your hand right behind the blade. The way they use it on a low bench also makes for very efficient sawing using the great length of the saw.
I have just recently learn that my "deep throat coping saw" is in fact a "fret saw" I've had this saw for almost thirty years! Not only did I have the name wrong but I never really knew how to use it. I tried using it as a coping saw and that awkward even for a early student. I replaced it with a standard coping saw, but kept it for a conversation piece. It's a long story but I've finally been able to set up my own shop and wanted to give it another try. Trying to find five inch coping saw blade is not fun. My uncle was determined to help me and together we found out it's a fret saw. Of course then finding blades a much easier. I only found a couple of videos on using a fret saw and that's when I learn of the birds mouth. I really wish I had that information 30 years ago. I was able to make a platform to go in my bench vise and now I only have to decide what my first project will be. I'm thinking some heart shapes to decorate for Valentine's Day. I said all that to say I really appreciate you pointing out the difference. It might save someone 30 years of frustration.
Glad to see the framed saw variations laid out on a table. The saw names in different languages are overlapping even where the designs may be very alike. Your explanation ("that these saws are in a frame") avoids the troubles with those names - bravo. The buck saw variation from Scandinavia (often called bågsåg, Swe. "bow saw") is a quite simple design - but not of great help to the woodworker, more for the homesteader.
Thank you Graham! One day I have built the Japanese-style frame saw (the blade is inside a frame, no ropes) out of pine and a piece of thick and wide bandsaw blade. No luck, however. Probably this thick blade needs more tension than my pine frame and home-made tension mechanism can get.
Do you have a link to a picture of such a japanese frame saw? The only pictures i can find is two people sawing bords with a realy big rope tensioned saw. Shure it is not meant to be tensioned by rope or threaded rod? The only frame saws i can think of that dont use a mechanism to tension is the fret saw style and the bow saws that used thw springiness of a spruce branch (and is the common buck saw style here ib sweden in a modernised metal form
@@borjesvensson8661 No plans. It is just a rectangular frame, the blade is placed in the middle and held by the threaded rods made out of the M10 bolts.
Funnily enough, one of the few power tools I don’t own is a bandsaw :( Currently just don’t have the space in my workshop - one day! I do however use my coping saw and file saw (fitted with an ‘Abra’ blade) fairly frequently, they make cuts nothing else really can! I did also have a bow saw knocking around but never really found a use for it, so gave it away about a year ago. I hope it’s being put to good use Thanks again for another great vid :)
I am very much enjoying your videos Graham, thank you. I love using a Japanese pull saw and I would like to point out that when I make a cut with it I start the cut at the plank edge closet to me and pull down rather than up, like using a coping saw. The sawdust is pulled out of the cut and onto the floor. If you were pulling the saw upwards and towards you like a western saw then your technique would be wrong for the tool.
Thanks!!! I have built a Roubo style frame saw to resaw larger wood beams that are too much for my rip saw to handle. I am new to it so I am still learning how to use it . Could you make a video on how to use and maintain it ( like sharpening it, correct sawing...) Thanks!
Graham you have a fantastic old tool collection may I ask are you in the USA or UK as I'm not quite getting your accent you are defiantly what I call a tool man any way buddy thank you for sharing all the best Budo from French farmhouse diaries channel
Thank you so much and Would you kindly direct us for a saw blade supplier for those of us who are interested in building up one of the models you show?
Hi Mr. Blackburn. Is there any reason for the two different joint styles on the frame saw cross beam? Meaning is the mortice and tennon a better joint than the bridal joint? I am thinking of building a frame saw but cannot find decent information except for a preference in skill level to choose between the two styles. And thank you for the graet videos.
I find the mortised-crossbar version to be a little easier to work with, especially in the smaller sizes with curved uprights, but I think it doesn't make much difference in the use.
You missed one. Not sure what it is called, but the blade is between the frame (in the middle pointed horizontal to the frame) and is used to resaw boards.
Until the North Sea broke through what is now the English Channel at the end of the last ice age, what is now Britain was indeed part of Europe. But as you point out, I'm no longer quite so sure...
@@robertmacleod6221 maybe a wee bit 🙂. But true: we are not the same. Neither are Dutch and Belgian, German and Polish, Italian and Greek, and so on. So what's your point?
I really enjoy your discussions of woodworking hand tools. I was a home improvement contractor for many years, and I had to have all the latest and greatest power tools. Since I've retired and have a very small workshop, I have had to learn how to use hand tools because of space limitations. Gone are most of my stationary tools with the exception of my beloved lathe. Now I've had to learn how to use basic woodworking hand tools. I must say, the workshop is much quieter and way less dusty. It takes me longer in some cases, but I get an immense amount of pleasure from hand tool woodworking.
Good to hear!
I could spend hours, just sat in the corner of your workshop, watching and learning.
Bring sandwiches!
Oh Mr. Blackburn you continue to delight us with these great tutorials . It's nice to see someone else who agrees with me on owning a bandsaw . They are quite a labor saver . Cheers my friend and blessings to you sir .
You are very welcome
Watching you and the older generation reminds me of my grandad, banks of knowledge and fun times we get up to in his shed we’re legendary. How much I used to hear him tutting when I make a goofy mistake and how he would tell me the correct way of doing things
Sounds like a good guy!
Paul Sellers also mentioned the bandsaw was the only machine tool he really wanted very often too.
I just got an old bucksaw and sharpened it up. Good stuff.
Great!
Awesome historical info! Thanks again for an excellent video!
Glad you enjoyed it
Another very good informational video, Graham. Thanks!
My pleasure!
Thanks for sharing Graham!
My pleasure!
Thank you for sharing your vast knowledge of hand woodworking tools. Your approach is interesting and I learn something new from every single one of your episodes. I was wondering whether you have met Paul Sellers? I think that you both complement each other in the various ways that you each approach hand woodworking tools.
Thank you very much! Yes, I met Paul Sellers years ago at the Woodworking Shows
I have made a few frame saws over the years. One will take a 24” (I think) mitre saw blade (the hand saw type, before anyone asks) and it works well for larger joinery tasks. I also made a turning saw with a length of 1/4” band saw blade, again it works great. I even have one with a standard hacksaw blade. I’m also thinking about making one to take a coping saw blade because I’m not happy with the tension I can get on my old “Eclipse” coping saw.
These saws are easy to make from scraps and are very satisfying to use.
Incidentally, in Scotland the name for what you call a “saw buck” is a “cuddy”, a Scots word for horse.
Love it! My grandparents were Scottish so I'll include cuddy froom now on!
Great information. Love your delivery and the information you're sharing. Be great to see how you use the bandsaw in your shop. I'd like to get rid of my table saw as I don't really have the room for it and the bandsaw (and I find the bandsaw more useful overall). Thanks!
My bandsaw is currently on the other side of the continent but hopefully I'll get to it sooner or later.
Pretty interesting indeed, Graham! Thanks for the lesson! 😃
Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊
Thanks, will do!
Thanks for the interesting historical information.
Glad you enjoyed it
I have made myself a twelve and a six inch turning saw. They are pleasant to use. A twenty inch frame saw would be nice as well but sourcing a blade is difficult.
I have just received a couple of your books. They are well written, have much useful information and as a bonus they are attractively priced.
Regards from Israel.
Good to hear. Thank you!
The largest fret saw can be modified to make it more controlled. If you lay it flat on the table and fix a metal bracket on the handle so the bracket pokes away from the steel curve . Now get a lump of lead and fix that to the end of the bracket. Wrap the lead safely in plastic tape. If you guess the lead weight correctly the saw will balance beautifully in any position --vertical /sideways . The whole saw plus lead counterweight adds up to twice the original weight but it feels as if it`s floating in air . The forearm muscles can stay relaxed .
Sounds good!
Hi Graham, I am really enjoying working my way through this series and I thank you for that. However with each episode I find myself yearning for information on the shop space itself. I hope you have plans for a tour and guidelines on space requirement for the one man hand tool dream shop.
Great suggestion!
I love frame saws! Once I managed to nail a design that worked for me I made a whole series of those, based on the Chinese version.
Chinese frame saws have turning bolts that are flush with the handle, which means you can position your hand right behind the blade.
The way they use it on a low bench also makes for very efficient sawing using the great length of the saw.
Very cool!
I have just recently learn that my "deep throat coping saw" is in fact a "fret saw" I've had this saw for almost thirty years! Not only did I have the name wrong but I never really knew how to use it. I tried using it as a coping saw and that awkward even for a early student. I replaced it with a standard coping saw, but kept it for a conversation piece. It's a long story but I've finally been able to set up my own shop and wanted to give it another try. Trying to find five inch coping saw blade is not fun. My uncle was determined to help me and together we found out it's a fret saw. Of course then finding blades a much easier. I only found a couple of videos on using a fret saw and that's when I learn of the birds mouth. I really wish I had that information 30 years ago. I was able to make a platform to go in my bench vise and now I only have to decide what my first project will be. I'm thinking some heart shapes to decorate for Valentine's Day.
I said all that to say I really appreciate you pointing out the difference. It might save someone 30 years of frustration.
I'd be pleased if that happens! Thanks for your remarks.
Glad to see the framed saw variations laid out on a table.
The saw names in different languages are overlapping even where the designs may be very alike. Your explanation ("that these saws are in a frame") avoids the troubles with those names - bravo.
The buck saw variation from Scandinavia (often called bågsåg, Swe. "bow saw") is a quite simple design - but not of great help to the woodworker, more for the homesteader.
Sorry I never learnt Svenska.
Awesome video.
Thanks!
Thank you
You're welcome
Thanks for sharing 😊.
My pleasure 😊
Thank you Graham!
One day I have built the Japanese-style frame saw (the blade is inside a frame, no ropes) out of pine and a piece of thick and wide bandsaw blade.
No luck, however. Probably this thick blade needs more tension than my pine frame and home-made tension mechanism can get.
Go for it! Never tried a Japanese framed saw!
Do you have a link to a picture of such a japanese frame saw? The only pictures i can find is two people sawing bords with a realy big rope tensioned saw.
Shure it is not meant to be tensioned by rope or threaded rod? The only frame saws i can think of that dont use a mechanism to tension is the fret saw style and the bow saws that used thw springiness of a spruce branch (and is the common buck saw style here ib sweden in a modernised metal form
@@borjesvensson8661 No plans. It is just a rectangular frame, the blade is placed in the middle and held by the threaded rods made out of the M10 bolts.
THANK YOU GRAHAM...Until next time...I will try not to "fret" to much until than, ha.....TM
Have fun!
Funnily enough, one of the few power tools I don’t own is a bandsaw :( Currently just don’t have the space in my workshop - one day!
I do however use my coping saw and file saw (fitted with an ‘Abra’ blade) fairly frequently, they make cuts nothing else really can! I did also have a bow saw knocking around but never really found a use for it, so gave it away about a year ago. I hope it’s being put to good use
Thanks again for another great vid :)
You're very welcome!
Thanks
You're very welcome!
I am very much enjoying your videos Graham, thank you. I love using a Japanese pull saw and I would like to point out that when I make a cut with it I start the cut at the plank edge closet to me and pull down rather than up, like using a coping saw. The sawdust is pulled out of the cut and onto the floor. If you were pulling the saw upwards and towards you like a western saw then your technique would be wrong for the tool.
Very true!
Thanks!!! I have built a Roubo style frame saw to resaw larger wood beams that are too much for my rip saw to handle. I am new to it so I am still learning how to use it . Could you make a video on how to use and maintain it ( like sharpening it, correct sawing...) Thanks!
Noted. I'll add it to the list.
Such good information!
Please put a link for your books .
Cheers Master .
I have: www.blackburnbooks.com
Graham you have a fantastic old tool collection may I ask are you in the USA or UK as I'm not quite getting your accent you are defiantly what I call a tool man any way buddy thank you for sharing all the best Budo from French farmhouse diaries channel
Born in London, lived in Europe for a while, and have been in the US most of my life.
Thank you so much and Would you kindly direct us for a saw blade supplier for those of us who are interested in building up one of the models you show?
Other than antique or vintage tool online sites (such asThe Vintage Tool Shop) your best bet is fleamarkets and ebay.
Now I want a buck saw
It's almost fleamarket time - keep an eye out!
Hi Mr. Blackburn. Is there any reason for the two different joint styles on the frame saw cross beam? Meaning is the mortice and tennon a better joint than the bridal joint? I am thinking of building a frame saw but cannot find decent information except for a preference in skill level to choose between the two styles. And thank you for the graet videos.
I find the mortised-crossbar version to be a little easier to work with, especially in the smaller sizes with curved uprights, but I think it doesn't make much difference in the use.
Hey, i know this is off topic from the video, but do you know the purpose of the threaded insert on your workbench? i have a similar one
Its the hole for my high-end holdfast. See episode 12.Holdfasts.
You missed one. Not sure what it is called, but the blade is between the frame (in the middle pointed horizontal to the frame) and is used to resaw boards.
Yep. Hopefully the subject of a future episode (Sometimes called the Roubo saw)
I'm looking to make a frame saw to cut like an Alaskan chainsaw mill so I can handsaw a long flat board. Anyone ever see one of these?
Sounds interesting!
Britain is part of Europe as well, although the British tend to think otherwise 😁
Until the North Sea broke through what is now the English Channel at the end of the last ice age, what is now Britain was indeed part of Europe. But as you point out, I'm no longer quite so sure...
Wee are not the same.
@@robertmacleod6221 maybe a wee bit 🙂. But true: we are not the same. Neither are Dutch and Belgian, German and Polish, Italian and Greek, and so on.
So what's your point?