Originally Posted by
Pete Taran
I'm familiar with both gents and it's not remotely peculiar. There is no known instance of any US maker at any point in time showing a tapered saw back. I have original catalogs going back to the mid 1800s, and it just doesn't exist. Any suggestion to the contrary needs backed up by examples not derisive comments suggesting lack of research.
Additionally, in the English literature I have, they show parallel backs as well, at least from the late 19th Century on. Who has a usable example of a 1720 English saw? If the tapered back was such a fantastic and required feature, why was it not carried forward and use in America? Inquiring minds want to know.
Interestingly, no comment on the points about hang angle in light of those two tremendous variables which impact the angle? Namely deformed spine and loose handle?