Advice needed - Saw for harvesting Found Wood

[Dan C]

My interest is in carving wood spirits on found wood.

I'd like to go out in the woods and find interesting pieces of found wood to carve on. The problem is that the piece I want is usually part of a larger fallen tree and needs to be cut free. I went out last week and took a small bow saw with me for that purpose.

The problem I had, was that the bow saw bound up badly in the cut. The wood was from the root of a fallen birch tree, and was still somewhat green, which didn't help. I'm hoping someone knows of a better type of saw for this purpose.

(I actually went out and bought the smallest chain saw I could find, but it's heavy and probably dangerous, and I probably won't be carrying it too far into the woods.)

What I think I need is a hand saw with a blade that has a very wide kerf (I think kerf is the correct word) so that the cut the blade makes is wide enough so that the blade won't bind up.

Does anyone know of such a hand saw? Any advice will be greatly appreciated!

Dan C.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

when I go out to cut a stick for a walking stick or cane, I take my DeWalt cordless reciprocating saw with the long blade. imo or ..I use my bow saw a lot....if you decide on a bow saw, get the large one, lot faster, more teeth,

[Claude]

Check the set on the teeth on the bow saw. You don't need a thick blade, you need a blade that has teeth with a wide set (alternate teeth stick out on opposite sides a bit. This cuts a kerf that is wider than the blade is thick, which helps prevent the binding. If the blade is fairly old and well-used, the teeth may not have much set. If it's new and still binds, you can take it to a lawmower/saw sharpening service and have them reset and sharpen the teeth.

Claude

[Just Carving]

Sounds like you need a good, sharp folding pruning saw--depending on how big the diameter of the wood is that you need. Easy to carry, and if you spend a few bucks and keep the blade sharp, it might just do the job everytime. Also, make sure you bowsaw has a super sharp blade on it--or at least buy a new one for it.

A suggestion would be to try making two cuts with the bowsaw in a "vee". Another suggestion would be knocking a thin steel or hardwood wedge into the cut might prevent the wood from binding in on the blade.

[AlArchie]

Claude has the right idea.....but if you can't re-set the teeth yourself, it's probably cheaper to just buy a new blade. Most hardware stores carry them and they are not that expensice. If you want to try to re-set the teeth and you don't have a "saw set" (ya that's a real tool), you can do it with either a long nose pliers or a small ball pien hammer. Either tap or bend alternating teeth out to the side by about 1/32" or thereabouts.
A new blade is still a good idea while you are getting the hang of that!

You may also have to sharpen the teeth. Use a small triangular file or a file specially made for saw teeth and simply follow the old bevels till the teeth are sharp. Most folks today just buy a new blade, but I'm from the oooold school!

Al

Al

[wade clark]

A folding pruning saw is perfect for this. They take a wide cut on the pull stroke. a good one will be under $20 and last a life time. Real wood eaters. The blade folds into the handle and rides fine in a back pocket. It's about a 10 to 12 inch blade; the handle's slightly longer. It is also light weight.
Wade

[Just Carving]

Here's one--might be a cheapie, but you never know. I like the wooden handle.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...uct_id=1551133

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

My experience with a pruning saw is you work yourself to death in comparison to a good bow saw!

[Hugh]

Got to jump in here, Claude and Archie have hit it right on the head, the set in the teeth are the problem. My brother in law set my little bow saw teeth just last spring, and the difference is that now it cuts. problem is, the set only stays in for a short while, and has to be re set often. Cheap blades I suppose. Chain saw, and stick close to the road so you don't have to lug the bugger too far. Lost my hand axe, bought a new one, and it won't cut worth beans. Back to the chain saw. Hey Dave, pruning saws are for pune trees arn't they.

[Kenny_S]

Bow saw. Keep it sharp and the teeth set. It will cut and cut.
Carried the same one in Scouts for 15 years and still using it.Keep the blade from rustings(oil it).

One thing else, Protect the teeth also. a cardboard piece on each side taped together will do the job.