Est. 1998 — 27 years of woodworking knowledge
Background On Disston Metal Cutting Saw
Tom Colligan, Peoria
>I have an: 'Extra' Henry Disston & Sons, London Spring, 'This Saw Is Made Special High Temper For Cutting Metal' hand saw and would like to know if this is largely a marketing angle or was this model actually intended and used for metal cutting.
According to the medallion, 'Philada', it's from an early generation yet it looks no different from any other hand saw. Tia, Tom.
Re: Background On Disston Metal Cutting Saw
Bill Houghton, Sebastopol, CA
>As I recall, these were used by plumbers and others who needed to cut through framing that might contain nails and things. Sort of a cholesterol-burning Sawzall.
Re: Background On Disston Metal Cutting Saw
Ernie Miller
>What bill said. they are hard to sharpen and be carefull as the teeth will break easier. I think every one should have one in the till. mine is an Atkins.
Re: Background On Disston Metal Cutting Saw
Tom Colligan, Peoria
>Ernie, do you ever or would you ever use it for routine wood cutting? Thx.,
Re: Background On Disston Metal Cutting Saw
Todd Hughes
>Disston made a series of these saws yours sounds like it might be a 340 for cutting iron and steel. The 1919 Disston catalog said these were made esp. for Structual Iron workers for use where regular hacksaws can not be used. The were also a 341 for cutting copper and bras,the 342 for cutting thin trim and the 343 for cutting something called Kalomine which I think is some type of soft metal[?] These saws came in various lentghs just like regular saws. They also made a series of Backsaws. None of these saws should have thier teeth set because they will snap. They can be filed but imagine they are pretty hard on the file. I have seen more then a couple of the 340s but don't think i have ever seen one of the others. If no etch is present probably hard to tell though that you had one.
...Other makers made these type saws as well. One unusual one was the one made by Atkins and marked Pullman Car. These were carried in the emergency tool kit in the train car in case of an accident and you had to cut metal to get out [or so I have beent told] I have had 2 of these and they have instead of an etch a painted logo on which will quickly disappear if you try to clean the saw like a normal one....Yeah I'm talking from first hand knowledge now.....Todd