Making a Bow Saw, Part 1, Carving the Handle

[skycranehandwork]

If you read my last post you might have noticed I was using a japanese rip saw to mill up some sycamore.

You can see that post here:

https://steemit.com/woodworking/@skycranehandwork/milling-sycamore

It did the job but it is not really the right tool. I am going to use the sycamore to build a bow saw that I hope will track better than the ryoba. I have a bunch of 8/4 walnut that I want to rip into 2 x 2 sticks to build the frame for a bookcase, but so far the ryoba has caused me too much trouble. The grain of the walnut is really wavy so the saw wants to twist.

A bow saw holds the blade in tension so it should be easier to control.

And no, I do not want a band saw. I aim to put the work in woodworking.

I start by drawing the outline of the bowsaw handle.

Then cutting it out with a fret saw.

Refined the shape with a:

Rasp,

Chisel

And spoke shave.

Until it looked like this.

Next time I will make the joints that connect the cross brace.

Thanks for looking and let me know what you think,
Until next time,
@skycranehandwork

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Comments

[marketfinds]

This is a great post. I love woodworking. I also like your use of GIF files to show what you are doing, it makes your post interactive without having a full video.

[skycranehandwork]

Thanks, I try :) Join us on our woodworking discord chat any time.

[mrkstn1]

Man that sycamore has some crazy grain...... I gotta get me some of that...... Bow saw looking good my friend

[skycranehandwork]

I know, right? Thanks. :)

[rt395]

I was gonna say the same thing. Looking forward to seeing the finished product.

[woodworkcurators]

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[jist]

Nice shape. I am impressed you want to do it all by hand, you do get a real feel for wood when you do that. I find I lose finesse when I don't use hand tools for a while

[gsm1974]

Looking good. That grain will really pop when you get the finish on.

[tonemaker56]

Looks great..... I think I would probably find a way to hurt myself with that crosscut saw.......lol

[canadianwoodguy]

This is a true craftsmanship talent unseen, especially without the technology.