In order to make more progress on my cross-saw project, I made an augmented copy of an existing saw handle on the pattern shop’s lathe. Jim, in the Pattern Department, got me started with an appropriate piece of round wood stock and made a template of my existing handle to get the curves just right.
I learned a lot just by watching Jim work with his tools and was impressed with his facility and experience. I picked up some valuable tips just watching him lay out the pattern and how to check the progress on attaining the right curve while turning the piece.
I used the shop’s lathe after Jim got me set up and it was a lot of fun. It is a good quality Craftsman’s industrial model from the 1970s -- very smooth and stable. I got a great result with a steady supply of sandpaper and advice from Jim, and ended up with exactly what I’d hoped for.
Gregory and I consulted with Tim in Service Machine and kicked around a few ideas on how to cut a slot into the saw handle in order to ease the installation.
