I couple weeks ago I was over at Allen Worsham's home and having a wonderful time looking at his projects he is involved in, he was approaching the end of his vanity build when I visited him. First off, he did a bang up job on that vanity. I got a quick tour of his family room where he is currently converting his home to a mixture of Greene and Greene and Craftsman style conversions. His fireplace wall is looking spectacular, way to go Allen! This is the second time I have visited Allen, he is as personable and friendly as he seems here on The Patriot Woodworker, he is a very wise man, he has a few more years on this planet then I , and it is a pleasure to just sit and listen as he talks about his kids and the hurdles and success's of raising children in today's fast paced world, thank you Allen for your mentor-ship, I just wanted you to know, I do listen, you have much to pass on to other dads out there. Thanks.

While there, Allen had me help him pull out an old chest that contains tools from his grandfather. At first sight it is obvious that his Grand Dad was not your typical woodworker. He was a master. This chest was one of 3 I believe, the other 2 have other stories attached to them, but his chest that Allen had, was pretty cool as well. As we were pulling the tools, and discussing their uses, Allen stealthily put 3 Disston saws to the side as we were talking. After we had our share of discussing his Grand Dads accomplishments building a local church, and other accomplishments, we started putting the tools back in their appropriate harness's in the chest. As we did this, Allen told me suddenly, pick one. I looked at him kind of confused, and he then pointed to one of the Disstons that his Grand Dad used. I was humbled and uncomfortable at the same time, I started to protest and with a slight smile Allen told me again but this time he added some color to his request, "John, just be quite and pick one". So, I had a choice of three wonderful Disstons. I needed a rip saw big time, so I picked up the one you see below and held it, it felt good, tons of character, 6 TPI and about 28" in length for the blade. The handle is well used, still with the oil from Grand Dads hands, and I am honored Allen, thank you.

I love these old saws, especially the old sway backs with the negative arch at the top. Thanks again Allen, it was a great visit, and I am forever grateful for your generosity and friendship.

 

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John Morris
The Patriot Woodworker

John,

Thanks for the kind words. Other than me pulling it out of my Great Gandfather's tool box to clean off the corrosion, it hasn't been used since the 1940's. While there is no stamp on it all of the tools that I have of my Great Grandfather are from the late 1870's through the early 1920's. It is a pleasure to pass the saw along to someone who will use and appreciate it as opposed to just sitting in a box. Just be sure that you pass it along to someone else when you finally hang up your tool belt. 

 

 

Nice saw John. Now you must learn to sharpen and set it. I have one of those to. They are just an excellent saw. Lots of good info out there. Use it and enjoy it. That was a great thing Allen did. Just shows what a good man will do. bob

 

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Bob Kloes
www.bobkloes.com

Thanks again Allen, and thanks Bob, yep, it's a great saw.

The bummer is, I had a sharpening jig a few years back for hand saws and I gave it away! Now I need to get set up again. This saw is very sharp though as is for now. Just as sharp as the day ol Grand Dad used it.

 

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John Morris
The Patriot Woodworker

Beautiful saw, John. I have a few old Disston panel saws but not a full size hand saw like that. Awesome! I am sure you know but rip saws are easy to sharpen. I use a shop made jig to sharpen mine. I got the idea from a LN video that is on there website on the subject of saw sharpening. You should check it out.

 

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Adam Welker
Red Car Construction and Fine Woodworking

Wow, what an awesome act of generosity Allen. What a great thing. Congratulations on a very fine tool to add to your arsenal John. I am sure it will be in good hands.

 

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John Moody
John Moody Woodworks
http://www.johnmoodywoodworks.com