The Bucksaw - My Favorite Farm Tool

Pa Mac’s topic of discussion today on this edition of My Favorite Farm Tool is the bucksaw. It’s sort of in between a carpenter’s handsaw and a one-man cross cut saw, since it’ll perform many of the same tasks of each. From bucking up firewood, to basic carpentry or log cabin building, pruning large limbs in the orchard, or even splitting a carcass with butchering-the bucksaw is a simple tool that even kids can we taught to use safely. They also look beautiful hanging on the wall as decoration-which, unfortunately drives the price up. And if you can’t find a complete bucksaw to buy, Pa Mac gives suggestions for making your own with new blades commonly found in hardware stores.
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[@PaulRansonArt]

Grand video Pa Mac. I inherited a few old tools which I cherish. Sadly bucksaws are not a staple of the UK. But I have a fine selection of rip and cabinet saws. All belonged to my Grandfather. - Thanks again😃😃

[@LitoGeorge]

For those struggling with rust: the 3M and every kind of variant of oil will "dry" out in short order and if you don't keep up the wiping, whatever is metal will rust. A better solution is that linseed oil. I use raw, as I dont like the chemicals in BLO. Apply it, and if you aren't going to use the metal during winter, and its exposed to lots of moisture, it will over time polymerise and form a natural "plastic" coating over the metal preventing rust. My tools live outside, are exposed to rain (we have a heavy wet winter), and the LOil is the only solution that lasts with a single wipe. For even better sealing (and quicker too), apply the RLO on your metal in a thin coat, bake in oven at 350degC for 20 odd minutes. You will see it polymerise before your eyes. Amazing.

[@farmhandscompanion]

Great tips, LitoGeorge! Thanks so much

[@douglasvantassel8098]

Great episode. Thank you for making these!

[@nicolem376]

I love this series ❤

[@Ham68229]

Buck saw or bow saw, which is actually easily made by one self. Paul Sellers has a video on making one of these. Extremely versatile, only limit to this type of saw is the length of blade it has. One thing people who own these tend to forget, release the tension when not is use. That one you have that's split or cracked, that's the result, can easily fix, just takes time to do. You also don't need to use wire, can use small rope/twine to tension with, if you use the stick tension method. I'm hoping one day soon, to make a trip your way. Just takes lots of planning for my busy life. LOL Great video as always, cheers :)

[@olddawgdreaming5715]

Great video Pa Mac. I have one of those Buck Saws and hope to get my boys to make some for their collection. They are useful for sure. Thanks for sharing with us, stay safe and have a lot of fun and sales Next Month. Fred,

[@JF-fx2qv]

I don’t know if I can claim a favorite farm tool. Still, I do like my buck saw.

[@MarkWYoung-ky4uc]

If I was close by, I'd definitely come by and shop. I'm constantly checking our local antique shops for old tools.

[@HomesteadingAlaskatoMaine]

old timey, I like it.

[@jvin248]

Building one of those saws has been on my to do list for quite some time. I have a bow saw so I don't need a bucksaw...

[@Mynx5050]

Yup, I have 2....thank you kindly Pa Mac, much love❤❤❤❤

[@stephenrice4554]

Excellent tool , used something similar trimming timbers building sheds and barns years ago . Great video 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@Bluegill_Hill]

Old timer that gave me his buck saw said guys would carry coke bottle of oil with rag stuffed into top, to lube saw as they worked. I'll definitely come visit store sometime, neighbor!

[@farmhandscompanion]

Sounds right, Bluegill_Hill; I've heard half pint whiskey bottles with coal oil stuffed with pine needles like a brush, and kept in the back pocket. And yes, come on down sometime for a visit!

[@Bluegill_Hill]

Pine needles, not a rag, that's right. It's been several years and I forgot. Has been on my mind as I plan to use the saw this autumn for firewood and will utilize same technique with bottle/needle oil brush. Your vid is perfect timing to assure I get mine in top shape, thanks!

[@Barbarra63297]

I have three metal bow saws the biggest one has a perfect length blade to make a buck saw and you can usually find bow saws (modern metal ones) at yard/garage sales pretty cheap but it's the blade you're after. You might have to drill out the rivet but that's no big shake.

[@farmhandscompanion]

Good word, Barbarra

[@ciphercode2298]

Excellent choice for a video as fall approaches. Im not sure if they still carry them,but Lehman's used to sell these and even replacement blades.

[@nicolem376]

Have you tried Noah Bradley’s wood sealer? He has a video showing how to make what he has used for years on the log cabins and it’s an easy DIY. It’s a mix of boiled linseed oil, odorless mineral spirits and beeswax or paraffin wax (I just take the wicks out of cheap tea light candles, and melt them). It makes a great finish and sealer. Brings the wood back to life. I think it would be great for old tool handles. It makes it easier for the linseed oil to spread and soak in and the little bit of wax makes water bead up on the surface but it’s not enough to change the grip. It’s cheap and easy to slap on and works a treat. And it lasts a very long time before you have to reapply again. He goes many years between applications on the logs exteriors.

[@naturewatcher7596]

Any advantages compared to hand saws which are easily available in stores and quite affordable?

[@mleonard3163]

I have an old bucksaw that I inherited from my neighbor's garage. She picked it up at a garage sale to paint for a wall display but never got around to it.

[@farmhandscompanion]

That's the kind of procrastination I favor

[@clarenceriffle320]

Great video as always I've got a bucksaw with a lance tooth blade for firewood looking for the one with a crosscut tooth on it I've made a couple using a bow saw blade but not the same as them older style just think lof who all as used it how much was it used I've read the farmers shop book that has the angle a bucksaw should be filed even has homemade setter in it the print is from 1923 1st edition i just as I've got a number of them to 1949 some of the setters is not in everyone of them thanks for the video and you ever think of a video of the grinder and sharpening equipment a old fashioned homestead would need ? Keep up the great work and god bless you and yours