DIY Frame Saw

2/4/04, 4:26 PM #1

Dirk Wright
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DIY Frame Saw

Dirk Wright

>I have idea for a frame saw that I'd like to make, but I need advice on which kind of blade to get. The intention of the saw is for straight cutting only, not curved work. I have other saws for that. So I think I want wider blades, 1/2" to 1" or so. I alread have 3 commercial frame saws, from 12" long to 28". European frame saws were the first ones I used that actually cut straight with ease, so they are my favorite. I have an idea for one that generates considerable tension in the blade, so I've been looking for a source of blades.

I found a bandsaw blade dealer that is willing to sell me 2 foot lengths @ 4$ each, but I need to specify blade width and tpi. I see other frame saws with tpi up to 14, but this manufacturer makes them up to 24 tpi. Should I get several blades in various tpi? If so, which? Is 1" too wide to be adequately tensioned? I have an ECE frame saw with really wide blades, so maybe this isn't such an issue. Maybe I should ask for something like 1" wide blades in 10, 14 and 20 tpi? Help!

Re: DIY Frame Saw

2/4/04, 8:32 PM #2

Dennis
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Re: DIY Frame Saw

Dennis

>I picked up a 10tpix1" and it was hard to get the tension up in my 30"bow saw. I'm working on a frame saw (blade in the middle,stretcher each end),so i really don't know how that 1" blade will work in it.

For my frame saw I'm planning on using a 6tpix 1/2",but i only will use it to resaw.

Best you just try one and see what you like.

Dennis

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Re: DIY Frame Saw

2/4/04, 8:41 PM #3

Dirk Wright
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Re: DIY Frame Saw

Dirk Wright

>Thanks Dennis. I'm planning on using Timberwolf brand blades, which apparently don't require as much tension to function properly. I'm going to buy a bunch of them and try them out. I've got some ideas on how to make a saw that can generate enough tension to make sawing precisely with wide blades practical.

What I see as missing is a short 14-20 tpi frame saw for dovetails and tenons. Most frame saw blades are in the 6-13 tpi range. So that's part of my inspiration for this. I just love frame saws....

Re: DIY Frame Saw

2/4/04, 10:58 PM #4

Dennis
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Re: DIY Frame Saw

Dennis

>I would look around your local area for shop that does sharpening and makes up bandsaw blades,they usually have big rolls of different blades and will for couple bucks let you try out different sizes.

I find for dovetails and tenions,and it works for me,its a rip cut your making so i use 10tpi.

Guess i will get busy on the frame(resaw)and see what works for that. Got some nice logs,2'long, of mother-in-law tongue(Albizia lebbek) that should make some nice boxes.

Dennis

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DIY Frame Saw

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