Disston #12 Rip Saw 5 PPI, 1896-1917, Hand Sharpened 28",Beautiful Tote, w/Nib

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This is a beautiful hand sharpened Disston #12 rip saw c1896-1917. The #12 is one of Disston's highest quality saws and they are a pillar in the saw user and collector community. The superior quality London Spring Steel and a chip carved applewood handle made these saws ornate and they stood out against other competitors. There was also extra effort put into their production with a fine taper grind and extra hand hammered tension to the saw plate. The medallion on this saw is well struck with a strong easily read stamp. Image #6 shows a close up of the medallion taken with natural light. I started rejuvenating this saw by applying a light coat of oil then hard wax to preserve the aged look and feel of the apple handle. There was no need to go any further with the restoration of the tote; its in excellent original with no splits, damage, or repairs. My philosophy is basic; I take a tool to the condition where a craftsman would be proud to have it on the bench. I use simple hand applied techniques that require extra time and effort. I don't try to over clean, polish, or hide repairs; I let the saw speak for itself and my hand sharpening make it special. The plate has a few small areas of discoloration, no pitting, and an easily read etch, (image #5). There are no kinks or bends, and the saw is nice and straight. I have tuned this saw and rejuvenated it to top performing condition. All of the teeth were inspected for any damage (none) then jointed so they were all the same height. After jointing, I sharpened each tooth with a rake angle of about 8 degrees and zero fleam angle to ensure a straight smooth cut in the hardest of your cabinet grade hardwoods. The #12 steel is very hard and tough on saw files though the result is worth all of the effort, this saw cuts like a dream! The nib is present and in excellent condition, image #10 shows it standing proud where it should be. The set is even and bold as it should be for a 5 PPI saw ready to do some serious ripping. Also, with the 5 TPI inch configuration, this saw will cut through seasoned woods with ease. The saw has the taper from the back to the teeth making it less likely to bind in the kerf. Each tooth was individually inspected and given a final pass with the file if needed to finish my sharpening procedure. All of the above sharpening and restoration procedures were done by hand, by me, with care. Again, I enjoy my time spent making a saw desirable again, the finished product speaks for itself. The saw plate is 28 inches in length and 7 inches from the back to the teeth near the handle. This saw is a beautiful example of a top of the line Disston saw. The plate is bright and straight (image #12), the teeth are well shaped and sharp, the etch is nice and strong, and the handle is in top condition. This saw was lovingly brought to a condition where anybody would be proud to have it on the bench or in a collection of nice vintage saws. If you've never used a hand sharpened saw, you're missing something special. Hand sharpening is not perfect and that's what makes it great. There are subtle differences in each tooth profile which makes for a smooth cutting saw that just feels right in use. The ease with which it cuts, the sound and feel, the comfortable old style tote, its a real joy. These saws were made when carpenters and woodworkers used a saw as part of their daily tasks. The gentle curves of the tote evolved over hundreds of years to be comfortable, to hang well, and not hurt the hand of the user. Modern saws just don't have the same finesse or style. I guarantee my work and saws to your satisfaction. If you are unhappy for any reason, simply let me know and I will take the saw back and refund all of your money including the return shipping (from the USA and Canada). Please view the images closely and use the zoom feature to get an accurate view of this fine saw, there are no hidden secrets, just a quality saw lovingly brought back to where it should be. This is a great old saw an... read more

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