Spine change to backsaw.

[Stewie Simpson]

Hi . I just finished putting a new brass spine on my latest backsaw build. I think it looks so much better now.

Stewie.

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af219/swagman001/Backsaws/SDC11067.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af219/swagman001/Backsaws/SDC11066.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af219/swagman001/Backsaws/SDC11065.jpg

[Chris Griggs]

Stewie,how do you go about folding the backs. I attempted to make my own back for a saw a couple weeks ago by bending some 90 degree, 14 gauge (not extruded) angle iron in a vise as describe by Bob Rozaieski here (http://logancabinetshoppe.com/blog/2009/01/a-pair-of-dovetail-saws/). Unlike Bob though I was not smart enough to use an old vise and instead used my cast iron QR vise that is at the end of my bench Broke the vise in the process and did't even manage to get the metal folded properly! STUPID ME thats an expensive miskake! [insert profanity here]

Anyway, I'll probably just order one of Mike Ws folded brass backs instead, but if I can figure how to do a better job bending the steel I would rather do that, simply because I like the look of a steel back. Any insight into how you fold your backs would be much appreciated.

[David Weaver]

I can't speak for stewie, but absent a mill to slot backs, I think you will be far ahead to order backs from wenzloff and then refine them when you get them.

They are unchamfered and they do have some evidence of work hardening on the back (some superficial cracking along the top of the spine that you could chamfer off - well, maybe they don't all, but the last one I got does).

At any rate, they are cheaper than you're likely going to find 260 brass and cut it to size, and they are straight, so you are far ahead.

Your other option is to get or make an acceptably strong sheet metal machine and bend them yourself.

I will continue to order them from Wenzloff as I do saws, I can hardly believe he offers parts for the price he does.

[Stewie Simpson]

Stewie,how do you go about folding the backs. I attempted to make my own back for a saw a couple weeks ago by bending some 90 degree, 14 gauge (not extruded) angle iron in a vise as describe by Bob Rozaieski here (http://logancabinetshoppe.com/blog/2009/01/a-pair-of-dovetail-saws/). Unlike Bob though I was not smart enough to use an old vise and instead used my cast iron QR vise that is at the end of my bench Broke the vise in the process and did't even manage to get the metal folded properly! STUPID ME thats an expensive miskake! [insert profanity here]

Anyway, I'll probably just order one of Mike Ws folded brass backs instead, but if I can figure how to do a better job bending the steel I would rather do that, simply because I like the look of a steel back. Any insight into how you fold your backs would be much appreciated.



Hi Chris. Can't help you on advise. I use slotted brass back with these saws and not the folded type.

Stewie.