D-26 Conversion

Re: D-26 Conversion

Angelo in Cornwall, NY

>Dave, What size is the saw? For full sized saws, I like Simmonds, No. 12, and No, 7 handles. For mid sized saws, I prefer the no. 7 and for small panel saws, I go with an open handle, based on a one I had lying around and some pics I found on ebay/ I have quite a few handles and can scan some if you like.

28"?

Dave (Arlington, VA)

>Hi Angelo -

Thanks for your post. I've never been quite sure what people measure when they talk about the length of a saw: from tip to the back of the handle, from the tip to the front of the handle; just the blade from the tip to the back?

The 28" I mentioned in the subject line if from the tip of the blade to the middle of the back of the handle. Does that make this a mid-size saw or a panel saw (I thought they were smaller) or what?

Again, I appreciate your post and if you could let me know if the 12 or the 7 fits my size saw, then I'd be happy to try to locate a picture on ebay.

Thanks, again.

Regards -

Dave

Re: 28"?

Angelo in Cornwall, NY

>Dave, A couple of things here.

First, saws are measured by length of the blade, in even number increments. Sounds like you have a 26". Secondly, as far as I know, Disston never made a D-26. Do you mean a D-23? If you do, it has a unique handle. The position of the holes is different then any other saw, except those in the D20-D23 line. It is, however a common saw and you should be able to find one with a nice handle and a rusted up blade and switch them out. This would be the easier route, I think. Retrofitting a No 7 or No 12 handle would not work, for several reasons, including the hole alignment. You might consider making a custom handle, combining the handle shape from a saw you like, and the bolt pattern from the saw itself. Quite easy actually. Hope this helps. BTW, does your handle look like the one below?

Yes and yes

Dave (Arlington, VA)

>Hi Angelo -

Yes, I'm wrong and you're right: it's a D-23, not a D-26 (as there is no such thing). Sorry for the confusion.

And, yes, my saw is very similar to the one you show in the picture. Looks like, however, mine has been sharpened a few times since the teeth do not extend the entire length of the blade (they stop underneath the medallion), and the blade does not protrude from the bottom of the saw handle at all. However, judging from the pictures on the Disstonian website the tip of the saw looks like its about the right size. Hence, my guess that it's been jointed and sharpened a few time. I think it was Tom Law in his video that observed that often frequently jointed/sharpened saws are great users because if their owner like them enough to keep jointing and sharpening them, they must have been a good performer. We'll see.

As to the handle, I am thinking of/planning on making my own custom-made handle. The handle on this D-23 is held together by nine (9) corrogated nails and three (3) standard nails (in addition to being uncomfortably large for my hand). What can I say, it only cost $2.

Thanks for the post and the pic. I very much appreciate it!

Regards -

Dave

Re: Yes and yes

Angelo in Cornwall, NY

>Dave, the D23 has a covertop handle. The top of the blade is covered by the handle. If I were making a replacement handle, I would make it an open top, where the blade is exposed at the top of the handle. Easier to cut the kerf to house the blade. just use a thinner saw with little set and you should be ok. I've also modified a couple of spade bits for drilling the counterbores for the screws. Good luck and lets see a finished pic.