I picked up this Atkins saw on ebay for a good price. The saw plate was dirty, but dead straight and the horn was broken off, so I decided to try my hand at making a handle (a first). Only electrons wasted were drilling out a starter hole for the inside portion of the grip and drilling the holes for the saw nuts. The pattern was traced from the original and cut w/ a coping saw. I just guessed for the missing horn. Shaping was done w/ a rasp and a couple of files. The finish is 2 coats of BLO.
I realize cherry may not be traditional but I asked my son should I use a light wood (maple) or a dark wood (walnut) and he replied "a medium wood" -well in my scrap bin that menas cherry.
Anyways, I cleaned the saw plate up w/ some sandpaper and MS but there are some pitted spots that remain dark (but no loose rust). The etch was very faint from the start so I'm not sure any more info than it's an Atkins from the medallion. It's a 5ppi rip saw. I sharpened it w/ a progressive rake: 8 degrees for the 1st 2 inches, then gradually shift to a zero degree rake over the next two and maintain the zero rake for the remainder. This was my 3rd time sharpening a saw and am pleased at how well it cuts and easy to start for me.
Also, one of the saw nuts was missing and the corresponding bolt broken. Does anyone know a good source for replacements? I borrowed one from another saw, but would like to have all present and accounted for.
I realize cherry may not be traditional but I asked my son should I use a light wood (maple) or a dark wood (walnut) and he replied "a medium wood" -well in my scrap bin that menas cherry.
Anyways, I cleaned the saw plate up w/ some sandpaper and MS but there are some pitted spots that remain dark (but no loose rust). The etch was very faint from the start so I'm not sure any more info than it's an Atkins from the medallion. It's a 5ppi rip saw. I sharpened it w/ a progressive rake: 8 degrees for the 1st 2 inches, then gradually shift to a zero degree rake over the next two and maintain the zero rake for the remainder. This was my 3rd time sharpening a saw and am pleased at how well it cuts and easy to start for me.
Also, one of the saw nuts was missing and the corresponding bolt broken. Does anyone know a good source for replacements? I borrowed one from another saw, but would like to have all present and accounted for.