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View Full Version : Peace, my Bretheren



Mike Wenzloff
10-23-2006, 1:58 AM
I posted this to the Old Tools list yesterday and thought it might be of interest here, too.

Just thought I would document the rebuild of a Harvey Peace saw I have had. I bought it knowing the handle was broken in a few pieces, but cheap is cheap. Well, it was inexpensive. The first pictures are just of the pattern making, really. I'm going through the trouble of making a plywood pattern as I will probably make more than one.

On the second image, one can just see a paper pattern of a Disston handle of a similar design waiting to be cut out. While I really like the Peace saw, the difference in the Disston design makes for a stronger handle, especially up at the back's mortise. This was one of the areas on the Peace which suffered the worse breakage, most likely the leverage created when the back moved down at the toe, leveraging against the front of the mortise. The top bolt goes through the back itself and when that lever action happened, well, something had to give and it wasn't going to be the metal.

I forgot to take a picture before I dissembled the saw. Mea culpa.

First picture is of the handle, sawn in half to aid in making a pattern for the new handle. You can see how many pieces the handle was in on the one half. What can barely be seen is the crack which went from the beak to nearly through the hand hold.
http://wenzloffandsons.com/saws/temp/peace/peace_0002a.JPG

Pattern drawn on a thin piece of ply.
http://wenzloffandsons.com/saws/temp/peace/peace_0003a.jpg

Pattern BS'd out and the hand hold drilled out in a couple places and
then cut loose with a coping saw.
http://wenzloffandsons.com/saws/temp/peace/peace_0004a.jpg

Pattern filed smooth.
http://wenzloffandsons.com/saws/temp/peace/peace_0005a.jpg

Condition of the blade with the back removed.
http://wenzloffandsons.com/saws/temp/peace/peace_0006a.jpg

This will be cleaned, jointed and sharpened tomorrow.

I'll probably make a web page of making and fitting the handle and simply point to it in future posts.

Take care, Mike

Alan DuBoff
10-23-2006, 4:03 AM
Mike,

Waiting to see pics when it's done.:cool:

Chris Barton
10-23-2006, 4:04 AM
Looking good Mike!

John Bailey
10-23-2006, 4:41 AM
Very timely for me Mike. I'm just starting to rebuild some old saws. Thanks!

John

Ken Werner
10-23-2006, 9:09 AM
Looks great Mike. I'm looking forward to the rest.
Ken

Jim Becker
10-23-2006, 10:11 AM
Thanks for posting that, Mike. I always learn something from your work...

Dennis Peacock
10-23-2006, 11:04 AM
Excellent Mike!!!!! I have a Disston saw I need to work over. It's in good shape, but sure could use a good sharpening (like all the other handsaws in my shop):o ....

Very educational. Thanks for posting.:D

Ted Calver
10-23-2006, 11:53 AM
Thanks Mike. I always look forward to your saw posts.

Dave Ray
10-23-2006, 8:25 PM
Thanks Mike, another good learning experience for me