Saw Options
Each of my saws is available with a number of options to make it a personal expression of your aesthetic
preferences.
The Saw Plate
Material options:
9" and 10" dovetail saws: The smaller of these saws is made with 0.015" plate, and the larger with 0.018" Although many vintage saws of this size were made with blades thicker than this, most modern users prefer the speed and lesser effort that thinner plates offer.
12" carcase and 14" sash saws: These saws are offered in two plate thicknesses: 0.020" and 0.025". Although many vintage saws of this size were made with blades thicker than this, most modern users prefer the speed and lesser effort that thinner plates offer. While 0.025" plate makes a fast and responsive saw, some will prefer the additional delicacy of a 0.020" plate, especially in a cross cut saw. Due to the more strenuous nature of ripping, a 0.025" plate is recommended for rip saws.
The Spine
Material options: Spines are offered in architectural bronze and brass. Architectural bronze is physically and visually similar to brass, but has just a tinge of pink or red in it. In my opinion, it also ages much more gracefully. If you want a strict traditional look, you will prefer the brass spine.
Design options: Saw spines traditionally ended in an elliptical profile. If you are looking for a more elegant termination, my lamb's tongue detail adds visual interest to what is an otherwise severely straight line.
The Saw Nuts & Bolts
Material options: Saw nuts and bolts are available in brass and bronze. Bronze is physically and visually similar to brass, but has just a tinge of pink or red in it. In my opinion, it also ages much more gracefully. If you want a strict traditional look, you will prefer the brass hardware.
Design options: Looking for a subtle touch to make your saw stand out? Bronze saw bolts are available with Borromean rings inlaid into the head of the bolt, setting it apart from every other saw in your till. When ordering a pair of saws, consider ordering one of the pair with one or more inlaid bolts, making it simple to distinguish between the two at a glance.
The Handle
Material options: All of my handles are made of premium hardwoods selected for their beauty and structural integrity. Whenever possible, I source my handle woods from local sawmills that air dry their lumber. Below are the woods I commonly work in.
American beech: Quartersawn American beech is a beautiful and stable hardwood, with a long history of use in saw handles. Cut and air-dried at a local sawmill, the cream, pink, and tan shades interspersed with golden flecks is particularly striking in a London pattern handle.
Apple: The quintessential wood for American saw handles. Although finding large logs is difficult, the rich and varied hues make the search worthwhile. Most handles will have a mixture of sapwood (ranging from cream to golden) and heartwood (ranging from tan to brown to pink). There may be pin knots or small bark pockets, but never in a location that will weaken the handle. Cut and air-dried at a local sawmill.
Walnut crotch: Walnut crotch is one of the most beautiful hardwoods. If you are searching for a saw that stands out from the crowd, this may be what you were waiting for.
Other Woods: Looking for a specific wood or a one-of a kind handle? Do you have a special piece of wood that is crying out to be made into a handle? Depending on the wood, it may take some time to find and dry. If you would like to supply the wood, I recommend sending enough for two handles; this will protect against hidden defects or mistakes. Before sending any wood, please print out the handle template for your saw and hand size to check that the handle blank is large enough.
Please note that due to allergy concerns, I do not work with any of the woods in the rosewood family.
Closed handle design options: At the heart of my closed saw handle design is an 1840's Disston pattern, one of the most comfortable and fetching designs to ever grace a saw. Using this pattern as a foundation, two varieties emerged: a fishtail or dolphin pattern, and a London pattern.
Fishtail pattern handle: When you imagine a mid-19th century American saw, this is the handle pattern that may come to mind. Despite a few subtle design changes and embellishments, this finely detailed handle remains true to its heritage.
London pattern handle: When you imagine an early 19th century English or American saw, this is the handle pattern that may come to mind. Despite a few subtle design changes and embellishments, this finely detailed handle remains true to its heritage.
Other patterns: If my standard handle designs are not your cup of tea, I am happy to work with you to create another style that reflects your tastes. Whether you draw up your own original design or have an existing saw handle to work from, I can make most any idea come to life. Please contact me for full details.
Size options: A saw's handle plays a vital role in comfort while sawing. While an ill-fitting handle is uncomfortable and discourages extensive use, a properly shaped and sized handle invites you to pick it up at every chance. With that in mind, I produce five standard handle sizes that will comfortably fit most any hand.
Sizing the handle to fit your hand