110 Year Old Hand Saw Restoration - Disston & Sons, Inc.

[@RestoreIt]

Go to thld.co/geologie_restoreit_0222 to save 50% off on your 30 day trial. Thanks to Geologie for sponsoring today's video

[@davidvivian596]

My Dad, who was a time-served carpenter & joiner, used these saws. He would spend the whole of every Sunday morning sharpening all his saws, ready for work on Monday. This was a very nostalgic video for me - thanks.

[@setdown2]

Sounds like a true carpenter…few and far between now adays…✨

[@joshschneider9766]

I have several different disstons myself although I'm more of a jack of all trades. Those old timers were true masters.

[@jamesjohnson2006]

so did I. And we did it all without face cream. Fuc*** amazin!

[@kevinduffy2502]

He must not have known how to sharpen his saw, if you sharpened a hand saw once a week it would not last but a couple of years, the truth is carpenters old school carpenters might sharpen their saws once or twice a year depending on the use of it

[@wadewells808]

Very nice restoration. Not only is it a restoration, but by cleaning it up, it's also a preservation. Old tools last a lot longer when they are cleaned up, than when they sit around with "all that history" and keep rotting away. Very well done!

[@gnashings]

I'll be honest, I CAN see all sides of the restore, don't restore, don't OVER-restore conversation, and while I am personally a somewhere in the middle (for example, I think I wouldn't have sanded the handle, at least not as thoroughly as you did) I don't have an issue with any approach that aims to preserve history. Everything else is just semantics, friends arguing which roads to take on a weekend road trip, and not strangers arguing over property rights. Beautiful work and a real joy to behold!

[@Michael-ul8bv]

Outstanding job, loved the mallet to scare the brass parts into submission

[@cattelona100]

as a carpenter my father taught me saw sharpening at 15 in 1971 , we used a long flat file placed on top of and in line with the teeth moving the entire length until all teeth were level some would have a tiny flat spot some more so , you then proceed to sharpen the saw as you did making sure each tooth came to a point by removing the flat spot , you would then have a sharp even straight line of teeth

[@BruceNitroxpro]

cattelona100 , Right on! I wondered if someone still understood that technique.

[@smerd1]

I was about to comment that he did not range the teeth to the same height first with a flat file, also never put any kerf set on the teeth, then I saw your comment 👍I still have my Diston saws from my apprenticeship in 1983 😁

[@BruceNitroxpro]

@@smerd1 , I will turn 81 on July 4th... and I totally agree! My dad taught me, too. He could do anything... electrical engineer, chef, head of the ASA... and I still can't keep up! ROFL Mom, too!

[@cattelona100]

@@smerd1 yes I was going to mention setting the kerf but I presumed he would figure it out when it jams in the wood lol

[@joshschneider9766]

Wait your dad was the head of the predecessor to the nsa?

[@joshschneider9766]

Good ole disston. Their family still makes tools to this day!

[@mobydoux]

Great job ! I loved the 80's beat during blasting. The sound was not too loud. As always, it's a real pleasure to watch an old tool being restored.

[@geraldfitzgibbon7428]

You sharpened the teeth. Did u set them as well? Saw teeth are slightly tilted out to each side. Its what gives bit clearance to the blade as it cuts Its great job on the saw. I liked the blueing

[@blueoxmillworks]

Good for you....Eric

[@70mmbobbyj]

Another great restoration, always good to see old tools getting a new lease of life.

[@1959Berre]

It is good practice to use the right size screwdriver. It should be the same size as the screw slot. Also you need to set the teeth when sharpening to avoid rubbing the blade against the wood.

[@mikehudick7074]

It's also good practice to use a soft mallet or block of soft wood against a handle when trying to beat it into submission!! 🤨

[@Timothy-remembers]

Why don’t you make a video?

[@shaneraven2621]

You should also top the saw teeth so that they are the same height before sharpening and setting 😉

[@petedetects7012]

I thought the same thing. Lol those little slotted head screwdrivers can cause a bulge In the metal. Also place the finished saw on a towel or large piece of.paper . I would upset if I scratched my finish sh.

[@jamescampbell7780]

I did not see the teeth topping process. Or was the teeth all at the same height?

[@jerrycomo2736]

I'm a hand tool wood worker and I've restored several Disston Saws to make them useable again. The only thing I do differently is the saw blade. I don't "Blu" it but instead once clean, hit it with a heat gun, get it very hot, then spray with "WD-40 Corrosion Inhibitor". Then at days end during shop clean-up, wipe them down with oil. One big mistake I made is with a "Keystone" saw. The Disston logo is stamped into the blade, but the Keystone logo was screen printed on it and that got removed accidently.

[@markphillips6154]

I’m 72. Got a tip for my dad when I was nine or 10 I suppose when you’re using a saw like that your index finger should be on the outside pointing down the length of the saw you’ll get much straighter cuts

[@nealnaz]

I appreciated seeing you credit Fitzee. He shares usable welding techniques, and I am glad to see you used one. Another technique for repairs on old antique split wood, instead of using wood glue, is using various viscosity of cyanoacrylate (super glue). Depending upon need, thick for filling missing splinters or gaps of wood, or thin, which through capillary action would have completely traveled through the crack in the saw handle, has worked better for me. Also, using an accelerant cure spray with super glue, can also be very helpful.

[@ericlee3421]

Great restoration, loved the comments thinking about dads and granda’s

[@davidwatsonbr]

To remove patina from brass, bronze, you should mix 1/3 of vinegar, 1/3 salt and 1/3 flour. Let it rest for a while (couple hours). After that you can polish it. (;

[@henryrossouw930]

I have also have a disten of about 80 years old.The best saw ever.I have mine professionally sharpened and its a pleasure to use it.

[@Storoit]

I enjoyed watching your video of the work you did on the antique saw. However I’m afraid you may have overlooked a couple of things during your restoration. Restoring the brass to a shiny finish is fine, but in my view, having restored a number of saws myself, removing all of the patina from the handle is something that you should not do. I lightly go over the handle with 4/0 (0000) Steel wool, removing any paint or foreign materials from the handle, and any grime or other dirt buildup. And then go back with boiled linseed oil as a finish and protective measure. I would offer to you that I would never blue a saw blade. The blades were not blued at the time of manufacture. Yes this will leave you with a blade that looks stained, or has dark areas, but it’s a 100 year old saw, and steel does tend to get spotty with age. And finally, before sharpening the teeth, one should take a straight edge and lay it along the teeth so that the teeth points touch the straight edge. This will enable you to determine if the teeth are of equal height, and if not will show you any gaps between the straight edge and the teeth that may exist. If there are gaps, you would take a straight bastard file, 10 to 12 inches in length, and file the tees horizontally taking the file along the line of teeth until all of the teeth equally touch the straight edge. At that point the teeth are ready to be re-sharpened. You may have to take some teeth down a bit more than others to get the teeth to equal height, but straightening the teeth in this way makes the saw cut a lot better. Paul Sellers has a couple of great videos on his channel specifically dealing with sharpening both rip and cross cut saws, and another video on straightening the line of teeth as I’ve described above so poorly. Good luck and happy tool restoring!!

[@pauldockins9635]

A beautiful old saw, the height of working good taste. Thank you for sharing

[@zwolfe12]

I just restored a very similar saw with what appears to be the exact same handle. I had no idea how old mine was. I'm thinking it's from the same time frame. Nice restoration! I love the before and after. You did a much more thorough job than I did.

[@kevinduffy2502]

The medallion on diston and son saw give a good idea of the age go on line there is a diston and sons website

[@crazyerikz]

I almost died when the hammer came out. Im glad it didn't break

[@bitshtannicajohnson6957]

*I know! Don't worry, the linseed oil soaked rags in the trash can will get revenge*

[@Y-li]

Lol ​@@bitshtannicajohnson6957

[@asahoura2798]

At 6:59 "all this will be covered by the handle." Then why weld the holes and risk the original temper of the steel?

[@wvcruffler123]

Just acquired 4 antique saws in this shape. Great starter ideas.

[@ReelSpider]

This EXACT saw is one of the collection of inherited hand saws I want to restore. Over 100 years old, untouched in more than 40 years, rusted, handle broken... Still drew blood at the slightest bump against my arm.

[@ReelSpider]

One of the newest saws in the collection my Wife's Grandfather handed down.

[@milk_chemistry]

their fairly common i have 20.. i think i've only paid like $60 in total for all and most was over paying for some rare ones just look around

[@valkyrjavakre6439]

Not a fan particularly, but I appreciate bringing this back to life. This is more of a renew rather than restore. The bladed weren't blued. And there is a particular shape you lost when you sanded it to oblivion lol. But overall it looks nice.

[@Dalesworkshop]

I have 4 saws that I will need to do the same thing too,. Thanks for the information it will help me a lot when I restore mine.. You did a great job. Enjoyable video.

[@BruceNitroxpro]

The restoration was a success! The only thing I might suggest for improvement was the size and shape of the screwdriver used on the handle. It may be a bit small. That might have spoiled the project at its inception,

[@philipchandler330]

Fabulous restoration great attention to detail learned a lot Thanks so much!!

[@tatiananaugolnykh]

I've found one just like it, and it took a lot of work just to remove the rust and metal pitting. But for $2.50 I could not let it remain covered in rust. The handle was sanded, soaked in birch tar and torched after - it all looks great and the main thing it cuts better than my brand new hand saw. Old tools should be appreciated, not thrown away.

[@kjamison5951]

Shows 100 year old saw in sepia tint, restores saw in full colour. Bravo, nice job. I am imaging the ghost of the great-grandfather looking at the restored saw and saying, “That’s where my saw went!”

[@curtislovecraft2389]

I bought an 1860s thomas turner suffolk works 26" saw today for a mere 50p ..it only needs a polish up and it's ready to go ..then I will put it back into use ..I find it amazing that something made so long ago can still serve it's purpose..

[@IrishLion-re8bu]

I collect "Disston Saws" so I LOVED this video. Excellent Job bro! Way to preserve history 👍🔨👍

[@bradleyswasey6778]

I own some Disston saws myself. I feel that this man butchered the saw. Not impressed.

[@Teamclarksonrealestate]

Do you know what it means when the the medallion has Disston * Disston on it? It doesn’t have a city at all. Trying to work out how old it is.

[@ytwhite5930]

Great results! I've got two DISSTON and SONS saws(1904 and 1910) and they're both going to get your treatment. I particularly liked your method of sharpening your blade. Good stuff that made sense. I'm starting on my two right away! Thanks for the great video!

[@ehisey]

Dont give it the sand blasting, welding or blueing. Sandblasting eliminates and chance to save the factory etching which can survive under even sever rusting. Do look up proper jointing and setting as neither was done here and both are critical.

[@kevinduffy2502]

This is a what not to do to restore your saw video

[@alanlane3869]

The finish on the handle is really nice. Cheers

[@joshd3166]

Nice restoration,Ihave quite a few disston saws that belonged to my grandfather that are actually in decent condition,rip saws and cross-cut saws.I don't think the saws I have are 1800s era probably 1920s ish.Disston saws can be worth a pretty penny depending on their original condition and model on ebay etc,but on the other hand they are a piece of history these tools helped build our coutries and have thought of hanging them up on display.

[@VeroniqueAiyacs]

Disston did vanish his saw handles. When the boiled linseed has fully dried, the vanish will take. I normally spray vanish the saw screws separately before assembly. Best wishes, Veronique.

[@petemclinc]

As a kid I glass beaded a bunch of my grandfather's old, rusty hand tools, which I now regret. Blasting raised the wood grain resulting in a rough finish and obliterated the maker's marks.

[@RG-gd5tc]

Nice video. Bluing was a mistake...will wear off with use. Would have been a great project to wet sand and shine up!

[@robertjwilliams3532]

Would have done neither. Just lightly sand and then cover with a very thin coat of oil.

[@RG-gd5tc]

@@robertjwilliams3532 That would be smart. Maybe not the best video, but tons more practical...

[@mikehutchison9589]

I have 2 saws to clean, was wonderful, best way. Thx for the info.

[@cydrych]

My OCD was in overdrive when I saw that you didn’t ensure the slots for the screws were arranged in the same direction. Other than that, it looks great, thanks for the video. I’m planning to restore an old handsaw this summer and these videos and the information provided by the folks in the comments will be in valuable. Now I’m off to find a video or twelve about setting the teeth after topping and sharpening the blade.

[@shedmanx3640]

What a beautiful job you made of that. I love the respect for the age of the saw in your restoration. It’s turned out beautiful. I have never been game to try media blasting a saw blade. Now I have seen you do it, I will give it a try the next saw I restore.

[@lessmith7966]

Please don't, that will remove the saw etch.

[@madswellejus]

Thank you for sharing! Nice job

[@darius2640]

oh yeah I got one that looks very similar to this also from grandads collection, doesn't cut for squat, needs restoring too

[@gerrymaxi6681]

Great job by you. your attention to detail is first class. However, for me the patina is the history of the saw, I have two of these that belonged to my father (deceased)and i could never sand him out of these saws. One never knows what my future generations will do with them. Thanks for the excellent video.

[@re-fix9678]

good restore👍👍😘

[@RedOni87]

Beautiful and elegant tool. Great restoration.

[@dalevodden1359]

Looks brand new nice job excellent work 👍

[@kitbag9033]

Nice bit of work. Fun fact; many modern saw handles of this type are designed to provide a 90 degree angle to the saw back, so if you're caught out without a set square you can, at a pinch, use your saw to mark out.

[@Jaqaroo]

That was great! I liked the mallet part.

[@Exorbity]

Compared to how simple things were once not only made to last a century but to look beautiful as well, this day and age is like a planet of apes that has taken over.

[@darenwunderlich5906]

I loved this restore! Excellent! Keep up the great work.

[@guataco]

Patina is just dirt and grime. Love the result.

[@Orwic1]

Great restoration. I’ve got several saws (I think some made by Disston) I inherited and although they’re in fairly good condition, I think I might have a go at this.

[@Arakelyan33]

As always great work. Hello from france

[@kyolym]

The original maker would be proud

[@T_ndhlovunator]

Nice work man

[@jorgepelegrini7286]

Buenas Noches Sr. Exelente trabajo !!!Un saludo cordial.--

[@toddavis8603]

"My Grandfather was born in 1896. Great restoration sawyer!"I have a collection of about 50 saws, and use them, or sell them, from time to time.Henry Disston had a patented spring steel, Philadelphia Plant called Tacony.

[@Fikry-Elfassakh]

Bravo . Greet from Egypt .

[@robhall7787]

Only thing is, that bluing that everyone seems to like using in every video on here, is now all over your wood!

[@branned]

200-year saw....very cool!

[@VIKING33NY]

Very Impressive!

[@codemonkeyhacks3973]

Good restoration and you didn't go too far with it. Other people do mirror finishes on metal and 'candy gloss' colors/finish elsewhere... but the original item never had that finish. Your restorations is much more faithful to the original saw.

[@ThorTubeview]

Really like your explanations.

[@mathuparrish6798]

Well done!

[@johnkinnane547]

G’day and greetings from Tasmania Australia 🇦🇺 good restoration I have one of these saws mine I bought years ago the handle on mine has been carved around lower part and it was brand new. They used shellac on the handles anyway good video regards John

[@malcolmbarney24]

I have one of these stowed away in the loft nice job pal 👍

[@stevenmqcueen7576]

Super video. Thanks.

[@RestorationEndeavours]

Nice work. Just found your channel, love your work.

[@arnhemseptember2009]

Looking good, well worth the effort!

[@tonyc.4528]

I've been torn, in the past, when restoring old things. In the end, I think the man that made the item would be happy to have it looking new, appreciated and continued to be used rather than put on a shelf and looked at in deplorable condition to "save the old look".

[@garymontesano5903]

Thanks for your well produced video. Your appreciacion of old quality tools showed with every step. One suggestion: the width of your slotted screw driver is undersized for the width of the slots in the Chicago screws. With my restorations, to keep from marring the soft brass, I filed down an old no longer used chisel to where it fit the entirety of those screw slots snugly. And now one criticism: pounding on the handle with a hammer made me cringe. Using the mallet or heating up the blade would have been better choices. Best wishes.

[@sgtleobella]

1896 technically was over 110 years ago...it was 126 years ago. I know, I get stuck 15 years in the past from time to time, as well lol

[@daedalus_20v]

He was referring to himself, actually. Mr. Restore It is 110 years old (he looks so young because he's been restored).

[@tonywatson987]

As others have commented, it would have been better to flatten all the teeth to the same height with a flat file, then do the alternate sharpening, followed by setting the kerf with a decent saw-set. I nearly shat when you hammered on the end of the handle - approach the task from the blade end using a block of wood to encourage the handle off backwards. Oxalic acid will get rid of the stains, then I would stain and seal with a couple of coats of shellac. Not a fan of the blueing - having said that, a better restoration than many I've seen!

[@Austeration]

Looks great 👍 cleaned up perfectly. Fantastic job.

[@connector8748]

wow!! Another resuscitation project.

[@bobjoncas2814]

...looks great, very nice resto, keep safe...

[@Miricrafts]

Nice result 👍

[@tinkeringtaylor3053]

Great job done Restore it

[@PappaMike-vc1qv]

You are correct.. no gloss finish on the handle. The shellac or varnish on hand tools would cause blisters. Boiled Linseed was the standard for most wood handles. These saws usually had emblems etched into the surface and you could have preserved that by soaking the blade in vinegar and then taking the rust off with steel wool and oil.

[@Renalda5TV]

I really enjoy random items restorations. I'd say I prefer this over car restorations

[@stevejeffries1603]

Well done Son

[@CogentConsult]

Nice job! I probably would’ve paste waxed the blade and maybe even the handle, just to make them shine a bit more.

[@Иван-о3ъ6ь]

amazing and better than new

[@brycecrousore1985]

10 stars! Beautiful restoration. Cheers from Minnesota, USA ... love every video you make.

[@paulaleeper5389]

great job keep it up..

[@tomswindler64]

Good video,nice to see a tool that old,looks good shape,maybe last another 100 years.keep it up.👍👍👍😎😎😎

[@RestorationAustralia]

Nicely done.

[@BigAmp]

I remove the handle then soak the blade in evaporust for a day or so then give a good going over with steel wool. Not so sure about blasting or welding. Brilliant result on the handle and especially on the brass.

[@DwightMS1]

That wasn't a restoration. It was a resurrection. Magnificent work.

[@laser170323]

Won't the blueing get rubbed off when you saw? You'll have a stripe down the side of the saw blade from the wood. That's why no saws have a blued blade.

[@iTeerRex]

With all that nice brass, my guess is, it had a dark cherry glossy finish. Like a top of the line piece.

[@54mgtf22]

Love your work 👍

[@ProzaKc1]

Besides making saws He started a small factory town in what is now North East Philadelphia. There is still a Disston Street that runs down into the Tacony neighborhood

[@pascaljeske7307]

Very great Job Love it and a next perfect Video 👍❤️👍

[@R2D2trashcan]

The g.o.a.t is back!

[@frankbiz]

Very nice job in the restoration! 👍🏻

[@sonyhk3824]

Well done. Cheers 👍

[@NikosDIY]

Gordon Ramsey @13:05: 'And that's how you marinade a handle.'

[@geoffmatthews6283]

I have a Disston "Lumberman" of about the same age. Most of the original logo etched into the blade is still visible. I'm considering restoration.