Great job! This is an idea I've had in the back of my mind for a very long time. This thread jolted that idea back to the present. So many thanks to Forginhill.
As said, it is well worth tinkering with an idea to get what you want, do what you want at a fraction of the cost. Like many, I have used a laplander saw blade to death, but I don't want to pay silly prices for blades. I know they last a while, if you don't use them much, but if you do use them very frequently, then the price of the blades sting a little.
So, today I hacked at some pieces of ash and made a saw too. As you can see, its rough and ready, but it cuts brilliantly. Very sturdy, and when using, there's no need for another bolt at the other end as my grip holds it firmly. The bolt only needs to be hand tight too. Very much like a japanese trimsaw I guess.
I was aiming at something that can be stowed in a sack without damaging kit. So the blade, nut & bolt, washer get stowed between the two pieces of ash. It was only when I assembled it and was in the process of hand tightening, that I noticed it could also be adapted to be like a sort of balisong affair, for very quick deployment. So the saw blade is stored between the two bits of wood, both bolted. There would be a issue with damage to kit from the bolts, but they could be sunk into the wood. Another hole would have to be drilled in the blade too of course.
Hope folks understand what my waffling is getting at. I will be adding two leather socks, one for each end of the saw when folded, to keep it all snug when stowed. I will also trim the handle to a slight curve along the length. The blades were much cheaper, working out at only £3 each. As you can see, they are coarser than the laplander, but will cut faster.
Sorry about the poor images too.
Many thanks to Forginhill again, for the memory jolt.
