Replies

1. 
   kennedy136 | Dec 23, 2002 01:17am | #1

   Dave,

            If I were you I'd make my own.  Most of the modern saws-read sold in the last 30 years, have  or in your case had, handles that are just blister raisers anyhow.  Find a pattern from an older saw that you like (and that fits your hand) and make your own.  Use something nice for the handle such as curly maple/cherry  or even an exotic such as bubinga or lacewood.  A handle doesn't use very much wood so cost isn't much of an issue.  Just cut it out with a jigsaw/band saw or coping saw and roundover the hard edges with a router or file so that it is comfortable .  You can cut the groove for the blade on the bandsaw or with a backsaw.  Drill your holes for the screws, sand it nicely, oil it and you're done.  You will have something far nicer than anything you could buy assuming you can find a replacement.  I haven't seen any sources for a replacement as there are a lot of different patterns regarding shape and hole placement for the screws.  Give it a try.

                                                                  Mark

1. 
   Snort | Dec 23, 2002 02:50am | #2

   I've bought kinked saws with good handles at flea markets for under 5 bucks. That's a whole bunch cheaper than I could make one...I've gotten handplane handles that way, too...and parts for some of my other junk<G> EliphIno!

1. 
   DaveRicheson | Dec 23, 2002 01:36pm | #3

   Thanks, I believe I'll take the profs' advice and make my own. I am not much on flea markets or yard sales, but have a few buddies checking those sources for me already. One even has a paper template of the hole pattern folded in his wallet. Been three months now,and he goes every weekend, no luck yet.

   Dave

1. 
   Cargo47 | Dec 26, 2002 08:07pm | #10

   For patterns, an old saw works well, or use/modify the ones in the back of Aldren Watsen's book, HAND TOOLS (dovetail/backsaw, panel saw, etc.). 13/16" cherry worked well for me - use 7/8" in you have really big hands and 3/4" if smaller. The blade slot can be cut with a decent back saw, though removing some set with an india stone will help here. For a tight fit, go for a backsaw kerf of about .006 over the blade thickness in the handle area. Work the contours with rasp, scraper, and some sandpaper. A router roundover approach works for some folks, but a true oval-shaped grip is much nicer.

   If you want to do a thumbhole handle, try to find an original to copy - the contouring is pretty critical for a good fit.

   Holes for new saw nuts can be cut with a sharp HHS bit or in a pinch, a dull bit and lots of pressure.

1. 
   bill_1010 | Dec 26, 2002 08:11pm | #11

   I think another company bought sandvic(sp?) bunch of letters and numbers now.  Their card scrapers go under a different name now

   Handles can be found on ebay too.

2. 
   IronHelix | Dec 23, 2002 03:31pm | #4

   Handles, if you find a new one, will be more expensive than a moderately priced new handsaw.   Likewise for the cost of retoothing and sharpening an old saw...locally it is $25............and right on the shelf is a nice 8pt Sandvick for $18. I just hated to retire my 50+year old Disston.  But I Did!!! 

   Modern economics....disposable goods concept...............I'm I next ??>?!!!!!

   ...............................Iron Helix

1. 
   69firebird | Dec 23, 2002 03:44pm | #5

   IH,  I din't know that one can still purchase a Sandvik. Being Scandinavian, my two Sandviks (About 20-25 yrs old) are two of my most cherished posessions. All the saws I see these days are crap and I would be embarassed to use one.

   I would ask you where I can purchase one but I see I would have to make a road trip out to see you! Is there a distributor web site that lists retailers?

   Thanks,

   Eric

1. 
   gpwest | Dec 23, 2002 09:54pm | #7

   Eric,

    I  bought a Sandvik 7 tpi crosscut through mail order from Highland Hardware a few months ago. (Around $40)  They had a batch of them in their retail store in Atlanta when I visited there last summer;  I was going to order one, when I got back home, from the catalog, but they weren't listed. (Would have bought it at the store, but was flying back home and it wouldn't fit in my suitcase.)  I just called the mail order number and they pulled one from the retail store stock and shipped it to me. They are good people to deal with; they may have some of those left in stock.   They are on the net.     GP

2. 
   IronHelix | Dec 24, 2002 02:33am | #8

   I purchased my Sandvik at a local Menonite Saw Shop.........on the cardboard scabbard I see Sandvik Saws and Tools Inc. P.O.Box 2036, Scranton, Pa. 18501.

   Mr. Martin at the saw shop is from Pennsylvannia....he really likes the Sandvik also!

   Try a web search engine on the above info......................Iron Helix

3. 
   junkhound | Dec 23, 2002 04:53pm | #6

   Dave:

   post or e-mail me the saw hole pattern with dimensions and original saw number, if I have a spare handle, I'll send it to you as a Christmas gift (will get there late I'm sure).  Literally have scores of old saws, bought most for 50 cents or $1 at garage sales over the last few decades, primarily for the Logo screw !

   The 'make your own suggestion' is, however, the best, even beats out a free handle, you will always get comfort from having made the handle when you use the saw.

   BTW, favorite old saw is a Disston# 196 Docking saw, boy does that cut!

1. 
   DaveRicheson | Dec 24, 2002 05:18pm | #9

   Thanks for the offer. I think I'll try making my own, as the prof suggested. I have hickory, red oak, ash, and some hackberry slabs in the shop, so I can practice untill I get one right.