E.C. Atkins fans?

[Michael Ray Smith]

I've developed an affinity for Atkins saws -- not only for their merits but also for the local history (I live in Indianapolis). Is anyone else who is particularly interested in Atkins and would like to share information?

[Michael Ray Smith]

By the way, I have a copy of a speech given by H.C. Atkins, then president of E.C. Atkins, to a local Rotary club in 1939 that I got from the Indiana State Library. It's not hugely illuminating, but he discussed a bit of the company's history and some of the manufacturing technology. The PDF is too large to attach. If anyone wants a copy, send me a private message and I'll email it to you.

[David Weaver]

I like the atkins saws, but I'm not so much of an intentional fan as much as I am a bottom feeder who will pick up first and second line saws when they're cheap.

[Chris Griggs]

I don't know anything about the company, but I have an Atkins panel saw that I love. They made nice stuff.

[Kim Malmberg]

I am absolutely in love with the Atkins saws. I think they're excellent saws, good looking and filed the correct way, they perform better than most saws. And I always have had a great affection for the underdogs. Only problem is that I am by no means very knowledgeable about the history or production.

[Erik Manchester]

Michael,

I have a dozen Atkins saws, mostly full sized saws (2x400, 2x401, 2x64, 2x53, 2x51, 1x67 and a No 1 Mitre Saw) and they all are excellent performers. The Atkins Silver Steel saws had almost a mirror shine if one can fine a mint example.

[Mike Holbrook]

I have 3 Atkins hand/panel saws and I am very fond of them. I am still looking for a couple more. I was searching for them just the other night. Not exactly sure why but the old Atkins saws seem to perform better for me than most of the others. I have one with a bend in it that I am thinking about having a professional work on. I am afraid of just making it worse. Even with the bend it cuts better than most of my other saws.

[Michael Ray Smith]

You have a good portion of the top two tiers! I had one 400 but sold it. Wish I hadn't.

[Mark Wyatt]

Being in Indianapolis, I'm also a local fan of Atkins saws.

[Michael Ray Smith]

Yeah, I know, Mark!

[Mike Allen1010]

Michael Ray,

I am a huge fan of Atkins saws! IMHO the "Silver steel" and "Damasked finish" they use make their saw plates some of the best ever made.

I especially like the # 53 and 65 with their "Perfection" style handles that place the users hand closer to the tooth line which I think gives excellent power and control.

Here are some pictures of my favorites: three 400 series and a big #53, 7 PPI crosscut saw (second from the top):
DSC_0020.jpgDSC_0021.jpgDSC_0022.jpgDSC_0023.jpg

Here are a couple more that I'm currently in the process of restoring/sharpening -- a 8 PPI, #53 and 10 PPI 54 (yes, I know I have a big saw "problem"!).

DSC_0024.jpg

These last two will probably end up on the mega-auction site or the SWC classifieds. Feel free to shoot me a PM if anyone's interested - I'm always happy for my saws to go to a fellow Neander who will appreciate using them.

All the best, Mike

[Erik Manchester]

Mike,

Those are a bunch of nice saws you have there. The 400 series were the best that Atkins produced and the tension and taper in mine are excellent. I agree with you on the Perfection handles, particularly the wheat carved versions prior to 1910. I also really like the Atkins 64 and have two big 28" rippers where the extra weight in the big blades makes quite a difference in use. I am keeping my eye open for a crosscut version but the only one I have seen in the last few years was one the Michael Azmica, the saw guru, had for sale on his site a couple of months ago and it went for a princely sum well beyond my budget.

I am in the process of moving this summer and must pack up the shop for a 1000 mile road trip after which I will have more time to spend in the shop.

[Mark Wyatt]

Here is one of my favorites. #53 22" 12 PPI cross-cut panel saw.

[Chris Vandiver]

Here is one of my favorites. #53 22" 12 PPI cross-cut panel saw.

Killer saw!

[Erik Manchester]

+1 That saw is a beauty.