[OP]
Member
I'm looking to spend some Christmas money on either a new saw or wooden plane.
Rather than start another "What X should I get" thread, I was wondering if there are any recommendations for USA based Saw makers or traditional wooden bodied plane makers.
Contributor
My experience is with only one USA based saw maker, Ron Bontz.
http://www.bontzsawworks.net
In another thread the results of making a handle for a Ron Bontz dovetail saw kit is shown:
http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?249983
After making a saw handle, it is easy to see why the price of the parts sans handle is such a tempting way to go:
http://www.bontzsawworks.net/diy-parts-kits/
A good handle takes a few hours to make.
jtk
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty."
- Sir Winston Churchill (1874-1965)
Member
For handsaws, in addition to Ron Bontz, Wenzloff & Sons (if you can find them – hard to come by these days), Gramercy Tools (Tools for Working Wood), Lie-Nielsen, Bad Axe. For traditional wooden planes, Steve Voigt (who is likely to read this), J. Wilding Planemaker, Old Street Tool (formerly Clark & Williams) ...and I'm sure I'm forgetting some.
Member
I have a Bad Axe sash saw. Absolutely my favourite saw amongst my new saws (I'm an old saw junky) hands down. If I was looking to buy several saws for my money, and didn't care how traditional they looked, I think you can't beat the LV carcass and dovetail saws for the money.
Paul
[OP]
Member
I have just over 350. Looking these over, I'll probably get a LN and just save the money for another purchase. Thanks everyone!
Guest
If you want to spend that $$$ on a saw i highly recomend BadAxe. Unless a tool is solely utilitarian to you then i suppose the LV is probably a good choice.
image.jpg
[OP]
Member
I want a saw 14" long that can cut 3.5" deep.
The woodworker in me wants a custom made saw. The practical dad in me says get the LN. it is half the price, and use the savings to get something else.
Decisions....
Contributor
I LOVE my Bad Axe sash and dovetail saws but the practical dad is to be respected!
Member
I have LN, Bontz, and Bad Axe saws...the LN will be fine.Originally Posted by Joe Kasier
Good luck!
[OP]
Member
I have been looking at these kits, and I am seriously considering it!
Member
have
Ohhh yes...and since I am not a commercial woodworker...i treasure every night that I got to the wood shop and don't to fire up the table saw or miter saw....
Contributor
I have had my curious hands on just about every maker's, listed above, saw. I don't think you can go wrong with any of the above listed makers. I have a couple of Wenzloff, and Lee Valley saws, myself. Just because.The Lee Valley is IMHO the best bang for the buck. The Lie Nielsen or Adria next, if you like the handle and feel. I didn't see Blackburns tools above. Issac makes a nice saw from what I understand as well, but don't know if he is taking any orders or not. Beyond that, much is dependent upon budget and preference. So I will just go back to my little hamster cage and chase that evasive carrot.
Contributor
If you go that route you might want to make a practice handle first from scrap. It can be used to help determine the size you will want and can also help with what hang angle works for you.
There is nothing like having a perfect fitting saw handle.
Mine were made based on the pattern available at Gramercy tools. Here is the post on my first handle making project:
http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?180712
jtk
Last edited by Jim Koepke; 01-05-2017 at 10:57 PM.
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty."
- Sir Winston Churchill (1874-1965)
Member
He said "USA-based". You can't recommend LV until we annex them...
Member
Adria? I wasn't aware Eddie was still making saws.
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