Making a Bow Saw, Part 1, Carving the Handle

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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