Burdekin Plum - large tenon saw.

[Stewie Simpson]

Work has begun on a new tenon saw. The handle wood this time is Burdekin Plum. The saw plate is 0.025 gauge; 18 inches L x 3.5 inches D below the brass back.

The basic shape of the handle, with the saw bolt assemblies installed.

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af219/swagman001/burdekin%20plum%20tenon%20saw/_DSC0490_zpst9qfmrmj.jpg (http://s1009.photobucket.com/user/swagman001/media/burdekin%20plum%20tenon%20saw/_DSC0490_zpst9qfmrmj.jpg.html)

Housing of the handle to the saw blade assembly has been completed.

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af219/swagman001/burdekin%20plum%20tenon%20saw/_DSC0491_zpss94tjnvb.jpg (http://s1009.photobucket.com/user/swagman001/media/burdekin%20plum%20tenon%20saw/_DSC0491_zpss94tjnvb.jpg.html)

Further shaping to the handle has also started.

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af219/swagman001/burdekin%20plum%20tenon%20saw/_DSC0493_zpshp6kcdbw.jpg (http://s1009.photobucket.com/user/swagman001/media/burdekin%20plum%20tenon%20saw/_DSC0493_zpshp6kcdbw.jpg.html)

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af219/swagman001/burdekin%20plum%20tenon%20saw/_DSC0494_zps76wcntwh.jpg (http://s1009.photobucket.com/user/swagman001/media/burdekin%20plum%20tenon%20saw/_DSC0494_zps76wcntwh.jpg.html)

Stewie;

[george wilson]

Once again,a great saw is under way!!

I'd LOVE to have some plum wood. Many years ago the landscape people in Wlliamsburg cut down a plum tree about 5" in diameter. It was like cherry,but with a lovely lavender color. Much lighter than this plum you show here. Totally different species.

I failed to get any of it,but it was too small to do much with. I wonder if the lavender color persists,of if it fades away soon.

Has anyone here had experience with plum wood's color retention?

[Stewie Simpson]

Thanks George. I will be re-evaluating the current direction of my work in 12 months time.

regards Stewie;

[Brian Holcombe]

I love these threads Stewie, great work.

[Stewie Simpson]

Thanks Brian. That's nice to hear.

Stewie;

[Joachim Schmidt]

Hello George,

antique keyboard instruments in Europe especially chlavicords have had sometimes plum natural keys. I have built some clavichords with plum keys and observed, that the lavender color very quickly faded. You can mesure that in weeks. Perhaps some months. After years (ca. 2-3) the color changed to darker brown. Almost to Rosewood but with less grain figure.

Hope this was helpful.

[Shawn Pixley]

Stewie, just beautiful! I love reading these, though I have no desire to build saws.

[george wilson]

Thanks,Joachim. At least I did not miss out on the nice lavender color after all.

[Stewie Simpson]

Thanks Shawn.

[lowell holmes]

I shouldn't post this, but I will. I think others will agree.

Let me say I would be happy to pay for what I am about to request.:)

I would appreciate a tutorial by Stewie on shaping saw totes. Maybe one of the magazines could get involved.

[Stewie Simpson]

Full shaping of the handle is now completed. A quality amber shellac finish can now be applied.

Stewie;

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af219/swagman001/burdekin%20plum%20tenon%20saw/_DSC0495_zpssiahcqgn.jpg (http://s1009.photobucket.com/user/swagman001/media/burdekin%20plum%20tenon%20saw/_DSC0495_zpssiahcqgn.jpg.html)

[Christopher Charles]

That plum is fetching. Beautiful work and thanks for sharing your progress. How did you source the plum?

Cheers,
Chris C.

[Stewie Simpson]

Hi Chris. From my experience Burdekin Plum is an uncommon timber to source. The board I purchased was advertised on ebay.

regards Stewie;

[Mark Stutz]

Stewie,
Another outstanding saw. It would look great in my shop!:D

You had asked previously and I neglected to answer then, about comparison to other makers. My only comparison is to a couple from Mike Wenzloff that I got over 10 years ago when he was just starting out. I would add yours in a heartbeat.

[Stewie Simpson]

Hi Mark. Appreciate the feedback. I haven't had the opportunity to view Mikes earlier saw making work.

regards Stewie;

[Chuck Hart]

Stewie, I think your work is exceptional and I like the art of the handle. It actually does have a very distinct appearance. I would happy to have one of your saws in my shop. The metalwork I have seen is also well done. I sure would like to see how one cuts.

Chuck

[Stewie Simpson]

Thanks Chuck. I appreciate your feedback.

regards Stewie;

[Stewie Simpson]

There is not much left to do on this backsaw before is fully complete.


The handle has received its final coat of amber shellac. I allow 5 - 7 days for the shellac to harden before buffing the surface to a shine.

The profiled edge on the brass back has been filed by hand, then hand sanded to a brush finish.

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af219/swagman001/burdekin%20plum%20tenon%20saw/_DSC0496_zpsgw4vxa4v.jpg (http://s1009.photobucket.com/user/swagman001/media/burdekin%20plum%20tenon%20saw/_DSC0496_zpsgw4vxa4v.jpg.html)

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af219/swagman001/burdekin%20plum%20tenon%20saw/_DSC0497_zpsnkgvdkwx.jpg (http://s1009.photobucket.com/user/swagman001/media/burdekin%20plum%20tenon%20saw/_DSC0497_zpsnkgvdkwx.jpg.html)

Shaping of the saw teeth has also commenced. 10 tpi; 10 degree rake; rip profile.

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af219/swagman001/burdekin%20plum%20tenon%20saw/_DSC0498_zps2zoquf5c.jpg (http://s1009.photobucket.com/user/swagman001/media/burdekin%20plum%20tenon%20saw/_DSC0498_zps2zoquf5c.jpg.html)

Stewie;

[Stewie Simpson]

before;

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af219/swagman001/burdekin%20plum%20tenon%20saw/_DSC0490_zpst9qfmrmj.jpg (http://s1009.photobucket.com/user/swagman001/media/burdekin%20plum%20tenon%20saw/_DSC0490_zpst9qfmrmj.jpg.html)

and after;

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af219/swagman001/burdekin%20plum%20tenon%20saw/_DSC0497_zpsnkgvdkwx.jpg (http://s1009.photobucket.com/user/swagman001/media/burdekin%20plum%20tenon%20saw/_DSC0497_zpsnkgvdkwx.jpg.html)

[lowell holmes]

Stewie,

I appreciate your last post. It essentially is a tutorial.

Well done. It gives us something to emulate.

[Stewie Simpson]

Hi Lowell. I just need to be careful on how much information I give away. Every saw maker has their own little secrets.

Stewie;

[lowell holmes]

Stewie,

I knew it was presumptuous to ask for the tutorial. I understand you must protect your secrets.

The photos you showed in this string are appreciated. You are very generous in sharing them.

The basic forming of the handle is something that many of us can do, but the crisp carving and finish you do is spectacular.
I appreciate seeing it.

You have let the genie out of the bottle on some issues, such as your finishing techniques. You have been very generous.

[lowell holmes]

Stewie, you have been generous with your postings. I for one appreciate it.

I thought my last post had been lost. That's why this redundant post was made.

[Stewie Simpson]

The saw teeth have been sharpened 10 tpi, at 10 degree rake angle, rip profile.

Being rip tooth, does that imply this backsaw wont work well on crosscut grain . You be the judge.

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af219/swagman001/burdekin%20plum%20tenon%20saw/_DSC0500_zps3wmsjsr6.jpg (http://s1009.photobucket.com/user/swagman001/media/burdekin%20plum%20tenon%20saw/_DSC0500_zps3wmsjsr6.jpg.html)

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af219/swagman001/burdekin%20plum%20tenon%20saw/_DSC0501_zpsp5s7qw49.jpg (http://s1009.photobucket.com/user/swagman001/media/burdekin%20plum%20tenon%20saw/_DSC0501_zpsp5s7qw49.jpg.html)

For those interested, the weight of this backsaw is 0.825kg or 1.8 ibs

Stewie;

[Stewie Simpson]

For those that have read my thread on the use of a machine vise to fine tune the tooth set, 4 layers of masking tape on each jaw was used for this backsaw.

Stewie;

[Stewie Simpson]

I should also mention that I am a strong proponent of adding the tooth set before final sharpening takes place.

Stewie;

[Stewie Simpson]

As a general rule, where the saw plate exceeds 0.025 gauge, I do recommend the use of fleam on a backsaw that's dedicated for cross cut work.

Stewie;

[Chris Hachet]

Absolutely wonderful....wish I ahd the desire to build saws...

[Stewie Simpson]

Handle has been mechanically buffed to a lovely shine.

This backsaw build is now complete.

regards Stewie;

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af219/swagman001/burdekin%20plum%20tenon%20saw/_DSC0503_zpsqnauxphz.jpg (http://s1009.photobucket.com/user/swagman001/media/burdekin%20plum%20tenon%20saw/_DSC0503_zpsqnauxphz.jpg.html)

[Stewie Simpson]

Changing the subject slightly. I purchased a very nice block of featured Australian Jarrah the other day. Measures 22" x 6 1/2" x 3 1/2". I am looking forward to using it on future traditional tool making projects.

Stewie;

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af219/swagman001/burdekin%20plum%20tenon%20saw/_DSC0502_zpswutjes0v.jpg (http://s1009.photobucket.com/user/swagman001/media/burdekin%20plum%20tenon%20saw/_DSC0502_zpswutjes0v.jpg.html)

[Brian Holcombe]

The finished handle is really spectacular!

[Stewie Simpson]

Thanks Brian.