Backsaw grips size

[Jeff Johnson]

I received a Lie-Nielsen tenon saw for my birthday, and it just doesn't feel... right. I have small hands.

Do the grips on other "premium" tenon saws come a bit smaller?

[Sean Hughto]

Gramercy's are smaller, I think. You can also modify any grip to suit yourself with some rasps, floats, chisels, carving tools, sandpaper, etc.

[harry strasil]

You should be able to purchase a saw with a compatable handle by stating your glove size, I wear XL or XXL if I can get them. LOL At times I have 2 fingers straight along the top instead of the usual one when sawing.

[David Gendron]

Indeed Gramercy have "slender" tote on there saws, but the distance between horne is greater than most other saws. I have, like Jr, big hands and the LN is not confortable to me but the Gramercy is as is the Adria saw.
And you know what they say about BIG HANDS... Big tote!!!

[Richard Magbanua]

I think the Wenzloff saws tend to be a bit smaller from what I've heard.
The current Woodworking magazine has an article about premium carcass saws and they talk about the different handles offered.
Now, you could make your own. There are templates out there (somewhere) for different makers saw handles. Just be sure to do a tutorial for us :)

[Jeff Johnson]

Maybe I'll just file 'er down here & there - custom fit to match every finger, like some pistol grips. ;)

I'll have to ask them about what they use for a finish, so I can make it match. The biggest issue is the index finger - I'd like to be able to wrap the first knuckle around the inletting at the top front of the tote. Maybe I'll make a new tote from an inexpensive wood and do some trial configurations on it before messing with the stock grip.

[Harlan Barnhart]

Maybe I'll make a new tote from an inexpensive wood and do some trial configurations on it before messing with the stock grip.
I would make a nice replacement and keep the LN handle on the top shelf just in case you ever wish to return it to original condition...

I am in the process of making two handles from maple to replace the horrible blocky 60's era handle-like objects that came attached to my flea market saw plates. So far its not that difficult. I used the general form of another handle that felt nice in my hand but changed the angle to match the originals. Maybe I'll post a picture or two.

[Richard Magbanua]

If you really don't like it you can return it. That's one of the reasons Lie-Nielsen is such a great tool company to purchase from. I'm sure the other "premium" saw makers are just as good.

[Ray Gardiner]

Hi Jeff,

Have a go at making your own, it isn't that hard, and there's the satisfaction of making it exactly the way you like.

Just put the LN handle aside so you can always reverse the process.

I did a bit of a blurb on how to do it, http://www.backsaw.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=58&Itemid=102

And here are a few templates you can download
http://www.backsaw.net/cpg/thumbnails.php?album=7


Most important of all, post some pictures of your progress..

Regards
Ray

[Eric Brown]

Medallion Tools would make a handle that fits. Guaranteed.
They use your measurements (see picture) and make a poplar prototype for your approval before starting your saw.

http://medalliontools.com/AboutOurSawsandOrdering.html

127722

Review updated. (He honored his guarantee)

http://blog.woodworking-magazine.com/blog/Update+To+The+Carcase+Saw+Review.aspx (http://blog.woodworking-magazine.com/blog/Update+To+The+Carcase+Saw+Review.aspx)
Eric

[Robert Rozaieski]

The biggest issue is the index finger - I'd like to be able to wrap the first knuckle around the inletting at the top front of the tote.

It's not completely clear from this description but it sounds like you are trying to grip the saw tote with all four fingers. Instead, you should be using a three finger grip and pointing your index finger toward the toe of the saw along side of the handle. You shouldn't be gripping with your index finger. Using the three finger grip and pointing your index finger helps you to guide the saw and keep the cut straight and plumb. This may be why you find the tote feels small. If you are indeed trying to grip with four fingers, you will likely find all saw handles too small. None are made for a four finger grip.

Here's the proper grip, regardless of the type of [western] saw.
http://www.disstonianinstitute.com/howtocutwood/fig14.jpg