New look backsaw.

[Stewie Simpson]

I recently purchased this backsaw which as you can see from the photo's is in need of some tender care. Its was manufactured by Slack & Sellers , at their Speeds Work Factory, Sheffield, England. (1988 - 1990.) Its fitted with a large saw plate measuring 14" long x 3 1/2 " deep; 10 tpi. Possibly a Sash Tenon Backsaw.
http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af219/swagman001/Step by step refurbishment/PICT0028.jpg
http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af219/swagman001/Step by step refurbishment/PICT0029.jpg

Its fair to say that the handle on this backsaw lacks any real shape & charm as would befit this wonderful sheffield saw maker who's history started back in the 1850s. Time for a bit of face lift.

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af219/swagman001/Step by step refurbishment/PICT0030.jpg
In this photo I have flat sanded both faces of the handle, and penciled in where I will start working on the new shape.
http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af219/swagman001/Step by step refurbishment/PICT0035.jpg
And here is the assortment of hand tools I will be using for the handle reshaping.

[Stewie Simpson]

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af219/swagman001/Step%20by%20step%20refurbishment/PICT0031.jpg
As you can see in this photo, by removing a lot of the bulk from the top and bottom horns its allowed me to then focus further into reshaping the rest of the handle. The bottom rail is much slimmer and I have added in a lambs tongue. Near the top horn I have included a hounds tooth to the shaping. Of note is how I have avoided changing the original distance between the tips of both horns.
http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af219/swagman001/Step%20by%20step%20refurbishment/PICT0032.jpg
In this photo I have marked in the areas that require rounding off. I have purposely kept the top edge of the handle flat to give the handle shape a more crisp profile.
http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af219/swagman001/Step%20by%20step%20refurbishment/PICT0033.jpg
Looking good. The handle has now been rounded off and sanded down to 220 grit and its ready for the finish to be applied.

[David Weaver]

I know where this is going, I saw the pictures elsewhere. The result is excellent and a huge improvement over the stock saw handle.

Well done :)

[Stewie Simpson]

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af219/swagman001/Step%20by%20step%20refurbishment/PICT0034.jpg
http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af219/swagman001/Step%20by%20step%20refurbishment/PICT0043.jpg
http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af219/swagman001/Step%20by%20step%20refurbishment/PICT0042.jpg
And here is the completed handle after 2 coats of proofseal, 4 coats of garnet shellac, & 2 coats of wax.
The saw plate has also been cleaned down and resharpened ready for work. I hope you enjoyed this posting.

[Stewie Simpson]

I know where this is going, I saw the pictures elsewhere. The result is excellent and a huge improvement over the stock saw handle.

Well done :)

Thanks David.

[Mike Holbrook]

Stewie,
Very nice work! Would you like a few more handles to work on? I just happen to have a few. Since I have been working a few myself I know there is a bunch of work in removing all that wood with those hand tools. Maybe I need to draw a few lines to work to instead of just grinding away.

[Stewie Simpson]

Thanks Mike. It does take a bit of time and care with good reshaping. I am sure you would have the attributes it takes to do a similar job. All the best. Stewie.

[Paul Saffold]

Nice work, Stewie. Thanks for the inspiration. You've certainly given a plane-Jane some pizazz.

[Joshua Byrd]

I already commented on the other forum (jossimbyr over there), but I wanted to reiterate what a fantastic job you did. Looks amazing.

[Jim Koepke]

That is an impressive improvement.

jtk

[Chris Griggs]

I really like the look of that handle Stewie. I've got a couple that you may have just inspired me to do something similar too. Nice work!

[Dale Cruea]

Nice job Stewie. You have given me inspiration for a Lynx back saw I bought about 10 years ago and never liked. That handle looks like it would improve the saw greatly.
Now if I only had the skill to do it.

[Stewie Simpson]

Thanks Paul. Glad its inspired you.

[Stewie Simpson]

Thanks Joshua.

[Stewie Simpson]

Thanks Jim.

[Stewie Simpson]

Hi Chris. Glad to hear its inspired you.

[Stewie Simpson]

Hi Dale. To gain the skill you need the practice. Go for it.

[Brent VanFossen]

I love the handle. The original looked okay, if unrefined and bulky. Your rework is lovely.

[Rob Harris]

I love the handle. The original looked okay, if unrefined and bulky. Your rework is lovely.

I concur. The rework is a great idea and very well executed. Bravo!

[Mike Allen1010]

Stewie, I really enjoy your posts that show how you did the work and the tools you used. Your description of what you were trying to accomplish both aesthetically and functionally with your re- shaping of the handle is also really interesting and helpful to me. Congrats on a great result! Mike

[Stewie Simpson]

Thanks Rob.

[Stewie Simpson]

Thanks Brent. Glad you like the new look.

[Stewie Simpson]

Thanks Mike.

[george wilson]

My comment seems to have vanished,Stewie. You have made remarkable improvements in handle making these past months. I am surprised that there was enough extra wood in the original handle to get this beautiful result. Congratulations!!!

[Archie England]

Gorgeous ;)