Definition and Types of Bow Saws
– A bow saw is a metal-framed crosscut saw in the shape of a bow with a wide blade.
– It is also known as a Swede saw, Finn saw, or bucksaw.
– Traditionally used for straight or curved cuts in woodworking.
– It is a type of frame saw with a thin blade held in tension by a frame.
– The blade is kept in tension with a turnbuckle or a twisted cord.
Features and Uses of Modern Bow Saws
– Modern bow saws have a metal tubular frame design, patented by Sandvikens Jernverk.
– Commonly used for cross-cutting branches or firewood up to six inches in diameter.
– The ovate metal tubular frame version is known as the Swede saw.
– Modern versions of bow saws share common features such as a coarse wide blade and a metal frame.
– They are rough tools suitable for outdoor tasks.
Traditional Bow Saws and Their Design
– Traditional bow saws have a toothed blade suspended between two long narrow handles called cheeks.
– The cheeks are supported and separated by a thin stretcher in the center, forming a wide H shape.
– The blade tension is maintained by a turnbuckle or twisted cord on the opposite side of the stretcher.
– A finer version of the saw, known as a turning saw, uses a narrow blade with handles for better control.
– Traditional bow saws are primarily used for woodworking, including straight or curved cuts.
Historical Significance of Bow Saws
– Bow saws have been used since ancient times in China and the Hellenistic period.
– They have evolved from earlier saw designs to become versatile tools.
– The term bow saw has also been applied to a type of chainsaw with a large, circular guide bar.
– Bow saws played a crucial role in various civilizations for woodworking and other tasks.
– Their design and functionality have been refined over centuries.
Related Tools and References
– Hacksaw is a related tool commonly used for cutting metal.
– The book ‘Lumberjack Lingo’ provides insights into the terminology and practices of lumberjacks.
– ‘Prevocational and Industrial Arts’ is a book that covers various aspects of woodworking and related skills.
– Joseph Needham’s ‘Science and Civilisation in China’ explores the history and technological advancements in China, including bow saws.
– Wikimedia Commons has media related to bow saws, providing visual references and further information. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bow_saw
A modern bow saw is a metal-framed crosscut saw in the shape of a bow with a coarse wide blade. This type of saw is also known as a Swede saw, Finn saw or bucksaw. It is a rough tool that can be used for cross-cutting branches or firewood, up to six inches (150 mm) in diameter. The name 'Swede saw' probably derived from the ovate metal tubular frame version, invented in the 1920s by the Swedish company Sandvikens Jernverk, and additional patents by two Swedish immigrants to the US. Modern versions all share those common features.
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Traditionally, a bow saw is a woodworking tool used for straight or curved cuts. A bow saw is a type of frame saw. Its thin blade is held in tension by a frame. In English and American vocabulary it denotes a toothed blade suspended between two long narrow handles called "cheeks" that are supported and separated by a thin stretcher in the center of the handles, making a wide H shape (the cheeks form the uprights of the H, the stretcher the crossbar of the H). The blade is kept in tension with a turnbuckle or a twisted cord that runs parallel to the blade between the two cheeks but on the opposite side of the stretcher. If a cord is used, the cord is twisted with a toggle attached to one loop of the cord, adding tension. The toggle hits the stretcher, which keeps the cord from untwisting. A finer version of the saw uses a narrow blade of a1⁄4 inch (6 mm) or less, with handles that allow the user to hold the saw and turn the blade. In this context it is also known as a turning saw, which is larger than a coping or fret saw.
The bow saw was used both in ancient China and the Hellenistic period, and developed from earlier saws.
The term 'bow saw' has also been applied to a type of chainsaw with a large, circular guide bar.
