Bow Saw
 | ||
This bow saw is very handy for cutting shapes and other general uses. The frame is made with Hard Maple and the handles and tab are made out of Rosewood.
| ||
| I cut two peices for the handles and one for the spreader. | |
| Here is a layout before the pieces where cut. | |
| The tension tab was cut from Rosewood, and is about 1/4 inch thick. | |
| Another view. | |
| The handles where made by laminating two pieces of 3/4 inch thick rosewood to make blocks. | |
| The mortis and tenton joints where cut for the spreader before the side pieces where shaped. Also the holes for the blade holder where also drilled. This operation is much easier before the handles have been shaped. | |
| Closeup showing layout of pattern on handles. | |
| Two handles trimmed to correct size after laminating. | |
| I used a backsaw to cut chuncks out and then a chisel to cut alway the waste. This is a perfict job for bowsaw, but harder when you don't have one yet. A coping saw can be used as well. | |
| I used my spokeshave to clean out and shape handles. | |
| Starting to take shape. | |
| Closeup showing mortis and hole for blade holder. Note the mortis for the speader wants to be able to swivel alittle. But there should be no side to side movement. | |
| I cut a piece of metal rod to lenght and used a file to form a point, this was then hammered into the rosewood handles. Not shown is that I drilled a 1/16" diameter hole about 1 inch back from end of handle. The hole runs through the rod and I used a finishing nail to act as a anchor. | |
| Another closeup | |
| Finished product. I used my planes and spokeshave to round off the handles to make them rounded. Also the sides of the handles have been smoothed to make holding easier. Blade is mounded in place with same method as used with my frame saw. The cord is 500lb test dacron line I had. | |
| Closeup of handle. | |