Backsaw depth stop

[Judson Green]

Couple months ago I made this little fixture to clamp on to my 12" backsaw, think I used it once or twice. But yesterday it proved indispensable cutting a bunch of slots (future dog holes) for my new bench top. I must have seen a picture of something like this somewhere but did a little searching and couldn't find anything. Not sure what it's called.

Just some scrapes and maybe a dollar at the hardware store. Tapered the ends of the inside, so when screwing it together it closes in the center first.

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Do you guys use something like this?

[Curt Putnam]

For a name are you maybe thinking of a stairsaw? That's what this effectively is.

[george wilson]

I have seen a fixture like this except made of metal. They were offered for sale somewhere. I also think I've seen thin blade saws with slots in their blades for thumb screws to hold a brass strip. Might have been for cutting fret slots in guitar fingerboards.

[Joe Bailey]

There was a time when you could buy one off the shelf ...

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[Andrew Fleck]

Thanks for posting this. I was looking to make something similar. Tapering is a good idea. I did the same thing to some cauls for clamping the center of large pieces.

[Eric Brown]

Here's another one.

[Judson Green]

Thanks guys, I knew I saw something like it before.

But do you use it?

I'm curious if this is a crutch or a useful fixture?

[Dave Anderson NH]

"I'm curious if this is a crutch or a useful fixture?" My answer would be Yes Judson. For one or 2 cuts it is probably a crutch, but in cases where you have to do a large number of them it is very useful. The depth stop allows you to work more efficiently and at greater speed and most importantly end up with every cut exactly the same depth. I would think of it as a production aid.

[Judson Green]

Ok thanks. That makes sense, I wouldn't use it for a onesie twosie.

[Jim Koepke]

My Bishop #10 gets used often when making repeat cuts.

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This picture is from before it was cleaned and put into service.

It has two sets of teeth. One side is filed rip and the other is filed crosscut.

jtk

[Judson Green]

Here's another one.


My Bishop #10 gets used often when making repeat cuts.

284563

This picture is from before it was cleaned and put into service.

It has two sets of teeth. One side is filed rip and the other is filed crosscut.

jtk


That saw, that kind of configuration, with the handle up out of the way, rip & cross cut, seems like it would be uniquely useful.

I'll have to keep my eyes open for one.

[Winton Applegate]

I was thinking of this one when I read that you said you had seen it around some where.
http://www.japanwoodworker.com/product/156947/9-Joinery-Saw-with-Depth-Stop--Kondo.aspx
I have not bought one. Yet. Or made one. Yet.

So I don't use one. Yet.

Way to go on your dog holes ! I am proud of you.
I would do that now but I chickened out and resorted to Dado bladeness back in the day.

[Judson Green]

Way to go on your dog holes ! I am proud of you.
I would do that now but I chickened out and resorted to Dado bladeness back in the day.


Ah shucks, thanks Winton

It's just that "whitewood" from the local borg so pretty easy going.

[Richard Line]

I ran on to this aide at Jim Tolpin's Hand Tool Haven class at the Port Townsend Woodworkers school. Jim showed one, and we used it to cut a dado (I think that is what we cut). His was made from a cheap, modern back saw. I bought a cheap new back saw, initially for a saw to practice sharpening on. The sharpening went better than I expected, then after reducing the set, that cheapo cut better than I ever expected. The next step was to add the depth stop. I used a piece of plywood that was handy. I've used it enough to make it handy. Cutting the edges for dadoes and grooves, then chiseling out the waste. I've also used it to cut lap joints. Often I've used it to cut a number of kirfs within the dado waste to make the chiseling easier.

I didn't taper the stop, and thinking about that, I wouldn't as that may bend the saw's plate, and keep it from cutting as straight. Its only a vertical stop, not a brace for the saw.

[Federico Mena Quintero]

This is brilliant. I was thinking of cutting up an old/ugly saw to make a stair saw, but for the very limited use I'd give to it, yours is a much better option!