How To Make a Saw Handle For A Back Saw

[@LaraCroftCP]

Making saw handles is something i really like to do fron time to time, i have always some saws i have to make good handles for.

[@civil20082006]

I have practiced this by making backsaws for my young kids. So far I have made three, one for each of my sons. You can’t find saws for small hands so this is a great way to get them a good saw. I use a saw plate from a saw you can buy on Amazon. Then I shorten the plate and sharpen it.

[@sargelegg6679]

was just at an estate sale they had a full set of molding plane in the original crate for 300. wish i had the extra money. Got to nice wooden jointer planes though.

[@giveemtheboot5123]

That is pretty insane. Probably worth $1000+ I would think.

[@timothymallon]

This is like the third or fourth time I have watched this video. I'll be making some handles soon...right after all the rest of the projects I have going on

[@dennismeko]

Showing how the handle grips your hand was a new thought to me. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and skills.

[@Kuro-ik3qn]

I made a saw handle as one of my first projects, didn't even had a vise or proper bench. It was easier than I expected and probably the most fun I had in the shop. I highly recommend making a saw handle. It's always a joy using the saw.

[@maximilianosterberg]

Thanks for a great video. Me and my wife just cleaned out our basement and i found this old sawblade with a broken of handle. I think its an 80-90s saw blade. Gonna give this a try. 👍

[@99octan]

my grandfather made his tools and I still use them to this day

[@bryanmoir]

Your videos and enthusiasm has me restoring an old tenon saw from Germany, and using my and tools more.

[@JackFright]

I love that you call the Veritas saw a "cheap" handle ;) And I am also happy to see that cool wooden handles for tools are the most important thing!

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

I don't think I would say the most important thing but they are the most valued item. Required for making a clean cut no. But increasing the price and value of the saw yes.

[@myerscok]

James it’s great to see the lamb’s tongue being fashioned. You’ve given me the confidence to reshape my Spear & Jackson eBay back saw. Ken from Southport UK

[@thecatofnineswords]

That is the most epic t-shirt and so appropriate for you.

[@Twinhit]

Absolutely love watching this craftsman's channel

[@lazyhobo2454]

Another great video! Thank you James

[@robb9079]

My dad wants me to make a cane for him and wants this style handle. I'm going to make it out of white oak, and it will be one solid piece, i bought some saw handles off eBay so that i can have the exact style he wants and to also have the diston screws and pin. I'm glad i found your channel, I'll be using your techniques with the turn saw and rasps.

[@c.a.g.1977]

They look (s)awesome!

[@Timber_and_Woods]

Great video as always! I picked up an old saw a while back that needs a new handle, and now I have no more excuses!

[@steh8217]

Looking forward to the next video. I have seen a lot of people cut the slot for the saw blade earlier on in case they mess it up. Be good to see how James cuts the slots to ensure they’re right/wright 🤪 x

[@ChrisGray1]

I like how the example of a cheap handle was on a Veritas saw.

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

It is the cheapest backsaws I can recommend.

[@seanpatterson1609]

I enjoy your videos. Thanks for the info on using epoxy instead of cactus juice.

[@tommyroberts9889]

I love making handles! Yours are exceptional!

[@Ed19601]

Nice handles. I really have no idea who Alex Adams is or what list he is on top off. But he did get nice handles

[@TotalBoat]

These handles are gorgeous!! Amazing work

[@chriscunicelli7070]

Real nice James, love making handles

[@fixmastermike913]

I’d love to hear or see more about cactus juice. I’m still fairly new to woodworking and am now intrigued

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

I go over it a lot more in the video on stabilizer kzbin.info/www/bejne/kGPNdpegjqqXZ68

[@fixmastermike913]

@@WoodByWrightHowTo thanks! You’re videos are so helpful.

[@richd8537]

This was a great introduction. Thanks!!!

[@J.A.Smith2397]

I've made 2 or 3 and fixed several plane totes and saw handle horns, great projects James

[@thewalnutwoodworker6136]

I am looking for a trashed brass backed saw to make my own out of. I would love to make my own saw if only I could find a nice folded saw back.

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

Florip saws and Jered Greene both sell folded backs.

[@thewalnutwoodworker6136]

@@WoodByWrightHowTo I tried to contact Florip a few weeks ago, no response. How is he doing with the whole brain cancer thing?

[@sergearsenault249]

Merci!

[@artswri]

Nice work!! They look spectacular! Working up the patience to do... Someday

[@professor62]

Beautiful handles, James! Although I must say that the truth is that making them does not seem “relatively simple!” But you sure make it look easy. Thanks, as always, for your guidance.

[@MCsCreations]

Fantastic, James! Nicely done! 😃 Looking forward to the next part! Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@3henry214]

The Blackburn patterns rock! I converted a Stanley straight handle "gent saw" over to an open handle dovetail saw using their pattern, some figured Claro Walnut and brass slotted nut hardware from Taytools. I couldn't be more pleased with the results. Now, after seeing this video I want to "upgrade" the handle on my Crown 10" Tenon saw which is ungraceful and "clunky".

[@robertmccluskey1076]

I made a saw handle from Koa a couple of weeks ago…waiting for the saw plate and bolts from Blackburn. My handle was modeled after the Rob Cosman dovetail saw which I bought 3 years ago.

[@michaels.8663]

Great job James! Really nice!

[@athmostafa2462]

Gorgeous looking saw handles ☺️.

[@ronbadten5803]

I used some old overhead display plastic (clear plastic like card stock) to print the handle. By marking at least 3 hole centers I was able take off and put back perfectly. By being able to see through it the lay out was much easier.

[@ianlogan3055]

Beautiful work, and thank you for showing us all how to make a saw handle!

[@philaandrew100]

Very nice. I have a beautiful chunk of Jarrah Burl that I am planning on making some handles from... one day😆.

[@larryohara6513]

Those are really nice!

[@alanfarnworth2802]

hi. how do you scale the pattern to your hand, fine tuning I get. but how do you mark out the rough stage ( so it fits your hand )

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

he has the patterns in 5 sizes each and has a chart to show you how to measure your hand to match.

[@Subbestionix]

That's a cool project ❤

[@1deerndingo]

How do you do the initial design of the handle so that the index finger naturally points to half way along the saw blade. With varying lengths of blade doesn't that meanthe angle of the handle needs to vary with the blade length? Are there different templates for different lengths of blades?

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

Is that rule of thumb is a fairly poor one in my book. I have several saws that it doesn't fit that I really enjoy using. I know there are quite a few people who hold to it, but there are a lot that don't. The templates from Blackburn to works give you suggested saws for the different handles.

[@midnightwoodcraft]

Thanks for the great vid. Any advise on cutting the blade slot straight? I always mess up that part.

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

Unfortunately that's a skill thing. If the saw is set up correctly it comes down to the person using it. Make sure that you are elbow and shoulder are all in line and you get your body out of the way.

[@SheWhoWoodworks]

Lovely handles! Where did you get your safe side files/floats?

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

Most all floats are safe sided. But most of my files come from garage sales. I will buy a box with a bunch and keep one or two.

[@SheWhoWoodworks]

@@WoodByWrightHowTo Ah I see. I have yet to own any floats. Thanks!

[@thomasmills3934]

I love the lack of editing. ...really would have loved to know what question you were about to answer about how the twists in the burl effect how the saw handle works...

[@MichaelOlsen-Engineer]

When I intend an oil, wax, or oil and wax final finish, I will often use a light coat of mineral oil during scraping / sanding to reveal areas that need more attention. I like mineral oil for two primary reasons. First it is inexpensive, both to purchase and to use (a very small amount goes a long way, especially for this purpose). Second, when lightly applied, it is relatively easy to clean off if required. I prefer a few drops of plain Dawn dish soap on a wet wrung cloth. That said, in most cases there is no need to remove it as many oil / wax finishes will readily apply over the mineral oil. Simply remove the excess by blotting with a paper towel. When no more oil transfers to the paper, you are ready for your finish.

[@thesesh5629]

How do you sharpen an argur bit ?

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

here is a short on that. kzbin.info/www/bejne/q5mXloCVeNGelZY and here is a long form on the topic. kzbin.info/www/bejne/q6uVdHqXjcl6Z9E

[@pedropereira3793]

Great project! Thanks

[@JamesSmith-su3oz]

Comment yes, please make and post the next video. Starting a small dovetail saw using steel banding ( .030") 1.25" x 9 " for the blade. Question, could two picies of oak be glued to make the handel from? A slab of would be nice but used oak pallets are free.

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

Sure you can laminate. These will be tenon and sash saws

[@jerrygillette854]

Nice work,James. I got some patterns from Blackburn as well, and they are very good and detailed. I made a dovetail saw handle from birdseye maple. One question for you. I've heard you speak of "live oak" before, as well as here in this video. What exactly is the species you are referring too?

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

Love oak generally grows in the south and is often very twisted and interlocking. Quercus virginiana it is called live oak because it keeps it's leaves all year round.

[@hubrigant]

If the horns are the important parts, how important/useful is the bottom of the loop? With well-fitted horns, is a pistol grip as comfortable and functional as a full loop one?

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

The full wrap just makes the whole handle stronger generally anything from a sash saw up has one and smaller do not. Also with smaller saws the angle of the handle becomes greater and greater to the back of the saw. In both cases the horns should fit the same.

[@jgo5707]

Do you recommend any specific place to get a saw blade and pins? I'm interested in making my own handle but not sure where to go to get the rest of the saw

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

I got mine from Blackburn Tool works. The only thing he doesn't have are folded backs. Those I got from Florip saws

[@ianpearse4480]

We live in a world that has saws and those saws need guarding. I suggest you pick up BLO and share a post. LOL

[@bryanhodson]

I love the channel, absolutely fantastic information. I have noticed all the videos I watch say to use a 1 inch thick piece of stock, is there a reason? I'm making a small dovetail saw handle out of 5/8 white oak and it feels amazing. I figure thicker might feel like a broom handle and lose the orientation I get from thinner stock.

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

It is a personal preference but traditionally they were made around 7/8 of an inch to 1 in. I find that if it gets down to 3/4 of an inch that is way too thin for me. But everyone's different.

[@bryanhodson]

@@WoodByWrightHowTo thank you. I have to say, your channel answers questions that other channels cause. I expect when I recondition the big ripping saw and sash saw, something closer to 1inch will be better. Right now I am starting with a small dovetail saw 8×2 inch plate and thin oak scrap just to develop the techniques needed... thanks to your channel!

[@dotdot7779]

Gorgeous grainy handles! Would you suggest rehandling plastic handles (like Bahco for example) too make them more pleasure too use?

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

Oh yes. A handle that is designed for you always feels better and gives you more control.

[@ianhenderson8305]

Thanks!!!

[@levilam522]

Very nice...

[@gcranston83]

Hi James, really beautiful pieces. I've just inherited an old back saw that I need to take apart to clean and recondition. I'm having a hard time finding a driver to open the split nuts. Any suggestions? I'll have to test if it holds on to my hand on its own when I've got it apart. Thanks for the tip!

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

Most people make their own. Rex Kruger will soon be selling one. but there are not many places to get one. BlackBurn Tool works also sells then but he is on a 2-3 month back order.

[@gcranston83]

@@WoodByWrightHowTo thanks. Guess I'll start on some metalwork.

[@johnbesharian9965]

​@@WoodByWrightHowTo, What has always struck me as odd is how cabinet makers and other flat blade screw and fastener drivers for woodworking are tapered in cross section instead of hollow ground like gunsmiths screw drivers are. Much less chance of the blade slipping and damaging the wood you're working on, the screw slot, or both.

[@daniel_bohrer]

16:20 So yes, isn't the burl gonna warp and twist, and fall apart from the stress from being used? Or is the epoxy impenetration strong enough to support that?

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

the burl will be stronger for droping it and less prone to breaking due tot he interlocking grain, and the stabilization will stop almost all movement.

[@daniel_bohrer]

@@WoodByWrightHowTo ah, hadn't thought about the interlocked grain!

[@levilam522]

Now you can make half a dozen for me... lol

[@A2woodArt]

Maybe you can add link in the description to the blackburn handle templates? May help ppl as it helped me before

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

Woops. Just added it!

[@robertberger8642]

Good!

[@alexanderkononov1113]

Nice

[@07fjcruiser1]

very nice!!!!

[@privatekarateka3745]

At 3:50 I thought bro was rubbing butter on his saw😂

[@romanprekop6613]

comment down below, hope this helps! 🙂

[@Hansenomics]

I can handle this!

[@scottmartin7717]

Finally, a woodworking topic I can grasp!

[@jakes9708]

Comment down below! 😁

[@alexanderguestguitars1173]

I tend to do quite a bit of shaping in my professional life, like you did on those handles. I personally don't use files and rasps on wood. To my mind files are really for metal, and rasps tear the grain of the wood in a most unpleasant way (that's what I think anyway). My process is to get the profile cut out, then aim to cut off a 45 degree bevel all around both the profile on both faces. The depth of the bevel will depend on how large the finished radius you want. For this I use chisels, knives and gouges. They remove stock far quicker than a rasp. Once you've got the bevel, take off the shoulders of the angle, so you are left with 3 flats around the profile that you can smooth over to create the radius. The next part is the finish shaping and it is done with 80 grit sandpaper. In fact the red silicon carbide paper works far better than good old fashioned sheets of sandpaper. The grit stays on the paper and doesn't crumble off or break down anywhere near as quickly as with sandpaper. It also has a stiff backing, which helps the grit to cut through the material, whereas a soft backing will tend to ride over imperfections and you will need more pressure on the sandpaper to do the same job. Always use a square of sandpaper (whatever size) and fold it in 3 along one direction. This will give you an abrasive surface both sides which wont slip against itself (like if it was folded in half). The front will cut the material and the back will grip the skin of your fingers, so it doesn't slip. Another thing which can be of great benefit is inserting a thin flexible (but not too flexible) strip of material inside the folds of the paper. You can glue it in place if you want. Use a piece of veneer or a cut up spread tub lid. This will give you a "bendy stick" which will cut in a similar way to a rasp, but will gently curve and conform to the overall shape you're trying to create, thereby knocking off all the high spots. It really does work like no other tool I know. Go over all the shaped surfaces with 80 grit (60 or 40 grit is okay, but a bit too coarse for me) until the shapes are all perfect. Next switch over to 120 grit to smooth out the surface and get rid of the scratches. Use the 3 fold sandpaper square as before, with bendy sticks as well. Once you've gone over the shaped surfaces with the 120 grit, you've essentially got the thing done! All you've got left to do is fine sand with 240 grit (then higher if you want) to remove any fine scratches and leave a lovely silky finish. Job done! Simple, relatively quick (much quicker than files and rasps), and it gives perfect results. But if you find yourself sitting there rubbing away endlessly like Alladin on his lamp trying to smooth out shapes or remove scratches, you're using too fine a grit! go back down to a coarser grit, remove the imperfection (much more quickly!), and then you can jump back to the fine finishing grit. Trying to shape timber with too fine a grit won't work anyway because the fine grit won't knock off the high spots, and will just follow the existing contours.

[@anonymousaccordionist3326]

Silence up above. ;)

[@What_Other_Hobbies]

Comment down below: You handled them great.

[@davidheglin926]

Comment down below 😛

[@brianhall137]

It will interesting to see if the resin impregnation is sufficient to overcome the weak grain structure...especially for the handle made almost entirely from end grain.

[@patrickc.7235]

comment down below! :P

[@brolovski_brodog]

👍🏻

[@standswithfish]

Anyone ever tell you you're a very burly man? I would try to make a handle myself, but I am impatient and it would turn out to be a hack saw handle!

[@chagildoi]

Comment down below

[@Bargle5]

So, a comment down below helps? OK, here you go.

[@federicofadda1162]

COMMENT DOWN BELLWWW!!!!!!!!

[@lamborghieni77]

👍😉✌

[@TheRealMagisD]

comment down below............

[@christopherharrison6724]

Comment below

[@benstradling7615]

If I see a saw with a handle just like those I'd imagine that it would just kept going up and down because it would be balanced to perfection .🙄🙄🙄

[@Mutant_11]

"You couldn't handle it." 😖

[@Mars-zgblbl]

Traditionally, apple was used for saw handles

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

That depends on the tradition. In some it was beach. In otherwise ist was ash or oak. Others preferred cherry or walnut.

[@marcbarash6045]

comment

[@franklerouge]

Comment down below