Mike Allen1010
03-09-2011, 4:59 PM
Most of the old Atkins, Disston and Simmonds saws I have were quite rusty, even pitted when I got them.
Despite my best efforts with naval jelly, sandpaper, metal polish and buffing I'm never able to get the blades to the bright, mirror finish that you see in some of the "like new" saws that have been well cared for throughout their life.
I have used gun barrel "bluing" (I'm not sure if that's the right term?) on some of my old saw blades as the final step in the blade refinishing process and personally I like the look and it seems like the bluing does help bring out marginal etchs that were previously difficult to see.
My question is is there any functional benefit to "bluing" less-than-perfect saw blades that retains some stains and surface imperfections even after rehabilitation, or is the effect purely cosmetic?
It seems to me that the blued blades feel smoother when I run my fingers over them, than Blades of similar age/quality that I haven't blued, but I'm not sure if: A) I'm just imagining that the bluing makes the blade smoother or B) even if the blue blades are smoother, if it makes them run any smoother in the cut?
I would appreciate any thoughts, opinions or experiences on this question. I know many of you have lots of hands-on practical experience in this area and your feedback would be very helpful.
Thanks, Mike Allen
Despite my best efforts with naval jelly, sandpaper, metal polish and buffing I'm never able to get the blades to the bright, mirror finish that you see in some of the "like new" saws that have been well cared for throughout their life.
I have used gun barrel "bluing" (I'm not sure if that's the right term?) on some of my old saw blades as the final step in the blade refinishing process and personally I like the look and it seems like the bluing does help bring out marginal etchs that were previously difficult to see.
My question is is there any functional benefit to "bluing" less-than-perfect saw blades that retains some stains and surface imperfections even after rehabilitation, or is the effect purely cosmetic?
It seems to me that the blued blades feel smoother when I run my fingers over them, than Blades of similar age/quality that I haven't blued, but I'm not sure if: A) I'm just imagining that the bluing makes the blade smoother or B) even if the blue blades are smoother, if it makes them run any smoother in the cut?
I would appreciate any thoughts, opinions or experiences on this question. I know many of you have lots of hands-on practical experience in this area and your feedback would be very helpful.
Thanks, Mike Allen