[Woodcarver] Shaped edge CHAT

[George Farrell]

Hi All
   I have found that the metal of an ordinary carpenter's handsaw is 
very high grade steel.  I have found that
the best way to cut is (wearing safety glasses) cut the metal with a 
cold chisel and a hammer.  Heat the chip
of metal to red hot with a propane torch.  Plunge the hot metal into a 
bucket of wood ashes to cool -- takes
several hours.  Shape to the form that you want.  Reheat the metal to 
red hot and plunge into a bucket of
motor oil (best done outside). At this point the metal is glass hard 
and will shatter it not treated gently.
Wash the metal thoroughly and getting permission from the wife, preheat 
her oven to 450 degrees F, stick the
metal into it and bake for 30 minutes to temper to get something which 
is still hard but is resilient.

> John G
> The tool that has been sugested is called a scratch stock and I use it 
> all the time .
> It can do things a router can't. The only trouble is it is harder work.
> I would sugest you carve as much as possible and use the scatch stock 
> to finish.
> For blades I prefer an old hand saw. You can cut the size with a pair 
> of tinsnips and file to shape.
> As Joe says it is best to get a good edge. If you file to shape and 
> then rub it up with a slip.Then lay it flat and rub up both sides on 
> your stone.
>
> Peter
> Woodcarvings and Wildlife Sculptures


Happiness is a tall boat and breeze to fill her sails
Have a good day
George Farrell