Quality Take Down Saw?

Dannyboy Leather said:
For those who haven't used a takedown bucksaw, have a look at a bucksaw video. http://nwwoodsman.com/Videos/Bucksawvideo.html



1Tracker, I agree. I have constructed several bucksaws and bowsaws in the woods (demonstrations for scouts, students, etc.) and it makes for a worthwhile bushcraft project. All of the parts for the bucksaw are fairly easy to fabricate and I start with the stretcher or brace (horizontal center piece) first. Even the shouldered tenons on the stretcher and mortises in the two arms are easy to make with a little patience and a SAK (tenons and mortises are not necessary with a more primitive saw frame). A simple looped rope or cord and toggle are used to adjust the tension at the top of the saw frame (the saws in my photos use a metal rod). Screws, bolts, pins, wire, wooden pegs, etc., can be used to hold the blade to the frame. I know a few fellas who carry just a saw blade in the event they might have to build a frame around it.

A primitive bowsaw is fast and easy to make also. What I don't like about the bowsaw is its tendency to bounce and skip at the beginning of each cut (these saws have ruined a few knuckles). To avoid the bounce and chatter at the beginning of the cut, place or rest your left thumb (if right-handed) slightly over the blade until it has made a few passes and settles down. This will prevent it from jumping up and hitting your bracing hand. I still much prefer the rigidity and durability of the bucksaw. :)

As simple as it gets.
primitivebucksaw1.jpg
Click to expand...
What a good idea. I never thought of making one in the bush and just carry along a blade. I used to make buck saws and sell them at the blackpowder rondevouzs. Till I got tired of making them. There is just something about wood that I like. I made them out of ash. A curly or quilted maple one would be nice for show. Don't know how strong it would be. I like your primitive bowsaw.
 
Nice suggestions.

And a great conversation over the merits...

I have carried a sven saw http://www.svensaw.com/ And I really liked, all very solid, with only one wingnut, so no tools required either.

I have also used Bahco Bow Saws quite a bit, and if it is cold out, and I will be required to produce some wood, I would definitely take one. In fact, I have taken one just because they are so effective.
 
Dannyboy Leather said:
I have a huge variety of takedown saws (own some Siky saws too). But, for serious cutting in the bush, I use one of the 24" takedown Pack Saws from Pole & Paddle http://www.poleandpaddle.com/saw.html . I carry the light weight saw in a slim canvas bag strapped to my pack (the saw blade stores in the frame of the saw). As you know, the 24" blades can be found anywhere and are easy to replace. I carry a couple of extras in the canvas bag. The saw weighs very little, cuts like one of my timber saws. :)

crookednorlandbucksaw1no9.jpg
Click to expand...

I would agree with a bowsaw like this one.
If you happen to lose the wingnut, you can always use some light rope or wire.
Thanks,
Del
 
I was using my Outdoor Edge Pack Saw today. It seems to do a very good job and it doesn't weigh too much.
 
I throw in my 2 cents worth...I love my Wyoming saw.
Its strapped to my pack frame, I have a fixed saw that I carry alot also. The Wyoming saw gets used everytime we're elk hunting and has cut its fair share of wood and bones. Once the animal is quartered and strapped down, we go and cut a couple of walking sticks with it. Makes walking out with a heavy pack so much easier.
It breaks down easy and puts together easy.
So...my vote is for the Wyoming saw
 
Quick Update:

I got the saw the other day and was pretty impressed with it simplicity and quality.

Couple things that were brought up about it.

The blades don't seem to be run of the mill blades that you can buy anywhere. They have no threaded end. Only two plastic tabs that seem to be specific to this saw. Might be able to make something work though.

The wing nut cannot come off. The thread at the very end are altered so that it makes removing the wing nut impossible. It would still be a good idea to keep a spare in your pack. But the tension rod installs without the need for removing the wing nut.

I bought an extra blade with it so I don't think I'll need any more blades for eons. But overall I'm impressed with it. Sets up in about a minute. And is actually more sturdy once together than I had thought it would be. So for under $30.00 it's a worthwhile tool investment. Now I gotta field it and see how it holds up. If it does half as well as one of my regular saws and shows no signs for falling apart, this is gonna replace a hatchet for me. I'm just gonna combine this with a large knife and multi-tool.
 
from the looks of mine, the plastic tabs appear to be bonded though a hole in the end, so I assumed if one broke, I could just replace it with a wooden plug. havn't broken it yet.
 
I was given a Sawviver as a gift, and I really like it. Lightweight and still durable.
 
Infi-del said:
Quick Update:

I got the saw the other day and was pretty impressed with it simplicity and quality.

Couple things that were brought up about it.

The blades don't seem to be run of the mill blades that you can buy anywhere. They have no threaded end. Only two plastic tabs that seem to be specific to this saw. Might be able to make something work though.

The wing nut cannot come off. The thread at the very end are altered so that it makes removing the wing nut impossible. It would still be a good idea to keep a spare in your pack. But the tension rod installs without the need for removing the wing nut.

I bought an extra blade with it so I don't think I'll need any more blades for eons. But overall I'm impressed with it. Sets up in about a minute. And is actually more sturdy once together than I had thought it would be. So for under $30.00 it's a worthwhile tool investment. Now I gotta field it and see how it holds up. If it does half as well as one of my regular saws and shows no signs for falling apart, this is gonna replace a hatchet for me. I'm just gonna combine this with a large knife and multi-tool.
Click to expand...

Which one did you get?

Marion
 
I rather like my Trailblazer saw (the large one that packs in a tube), but I agree that for packability just making the frame and carrying the blade makes the most sense. :)
 
AmmoHouse said:
I throw in my 2 cents worth...I love my Wyoming saw.
Its strapped to my pack frame, I have a fixed saw that I carry alot also. The Wyoming saw gets used everytime we're elk hunting and has cut its fair share of wood and bones. Once the animal is quartered and strapped down, we go and cut a couple of walking sticks with it. Makes walking out with a heavy pack so much easier.
It breaks down easy and puts together easy.
So...my vote is for the Wyoming saw
Click to expand...

My father in law has one, very useful, heavy duty piece of equipment. Like you said, with the different blades it will cover a lot of bases. He uses his to clear shooting lanes around stands and quartering whitetail. I've been wanting to try the smaller version, he has the original.
 
I second the Wyoming saw. I have both sizes. The smaller one is great for hunting, the larger for camping.
Scott
 
Just made mine today..not too bad, but there was a bit of work involved.
I got the "plans" from http://selfsufficienturbanite.blogspot.com/2008/12/how-to-make-folding-camp-saw.html

I changed things up a bit and used a oak 1/2" dowel I had laying around.
I like the idea of using para cord up top to apply tension to the blade.
Just a cheap old 21" bow saw blade from Home Depot and I had the rest.
2- 3/4" x 1 1/2" x 10 1/2" pine, 2 - 1/4-20 bolts and 2 wing nuts.

When I remake the saw (because I know better now) I will use 3/4" x 2" wood for the handles. I noticed that when I cut the slots in the handles to accept the saw blade for transport, I got more than half way through the handle.
Not too worried though, as I sawed through 3 pieces of 5" maple.
Worked great! and best of all it cost only $6 for the blade!

DSC_0084.jpg

DSC_0086.jpg
 
I have a nice little fold down saw that was given to me many years ago.
It is called the What A Saw. It does not cut as well as my Silky, but has been a great saw to have in the truck when we were 4X4ing it out in the brush. It has always been great. It is out in the truck or I would attach a photo.
I did find on Sportsmans Giude what must be the present incarnation.
Great saw for the money.
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/mil-tec-folding-saw.aspx?a=542409
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top