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Once the “H” frame parts were ready the time came for some ergonomics and design. My handle is quite simple, it includes a few curves that can be cut with a band saw or a coping saw, or chopped out with a chisel. Build a Frame Saw

I decided to use a chisel because I wanted to emulate what my students would be doing once they start the project. I believe that a chisel would give them more control than a coping saw. To help in preventing unintentional over-chopping, perhaps even splitting the arms, I cut a few relief kerfs every inch or so.

Build a Frame Saw Build a Frame Saw Build a Frame Saw

After I finished chiseling I used a rasp and a file to fine tune the design, then I cut the kerfs for the hacksaw blade. I used a rip saw first and then I enlarged the kerf with the hacksaw blade itself.

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Build a Frame Saw Build a Frame Saw

After driving holes for the saw’s pins (in our case we used screws) and cutting the twine tensioning key, the saw was ready. I showed my students the saw with one arm in the “raw” while the other arm was completed to help them visualize the project’s progression.

About the blade: The saw blade that I installed in my prototype is a Nicholson hacksaw 12” blade, 18TPI. It is inexpensive and thin, which is an advantage when sawing wood.

I wish one of the saw manufacturers would have offered a 12” blade with Japanese teeth, or even just a Western pattern; this would enable the owners of hacksaws to comfortably saw wood and would also provide my students with a pretty good blade, making this saw project a winner among beginners and seasoned woodworkers alike.

Later this spring I promise to show a few of my student’s saws, which they are currently working on.

Build a Frame Saw

Click here to read part 1

Click here to to read part 2

Click here to to read part 3

 

Click here to download the frame saw drawing…

 — Yoav Liberman


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  • indelicatow

    This is an excellent project for new woodworkers, whether young or older. Thanks for showing all the steps, I plan on making one in the future for myself.
    Did you have any luck finding 12″ blades for wood? I did a quick search, and it appears there might be a few options that could work (http://www.amazon.com/Bahco-51-12-Blade-12-Inch-Wood/dp/B0001IX7G0). Not sure on the quality though, if you have already looked for ones.

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