This "Thing"

And, do I sharpen it? 

outta focus picture???

Why is the tip not as wide?

Well, I could move back a bit...

Older saws had those "extra" teeth.....like someone had "nibbled on it...

Ok, I went to the shop...

Pencil pointer to show things off, better?    Saw's normal teeth are in the 7ppi range....this is one big saw..

Disston No.7, made before Disston did a line up change....about 1928.   There IS a saw in the saw made just after the line-up change..

An 8ppi D-8.    Both saws have readable etches.....I think I like the older saw's handle better...

Just something there I like......both were yard sale finds.

My dad told me it was for making a mark on the wood. He would lay he square where he was cutting and use that notch to nick a spot. Can't imagine that's the reason for it, but that's what he did. I wonder if Roy Underhill would know?

is the measurement from tip of saw to the notch, 16 0r 24 inches?

Edited December 3, 20169 yr by steamshovel

Nib is 3" in front the toe (front) and 23" from the heel.

 

 

We used that to notch the cut to start the saw without it jumping out on the start and cutting your guide finger. Sometimes worked ,sometimes didn't.

Herb

I have even seen some with fine teeth on the back to do the same thing.

Herb

I have seen several discussions about this nib and no one seems to know for sure exactly what the purpose was. Seems it disappeared either just before or after WWII. I kind of agree with what has been said, Just remember reading this somewhwere.

Some say the nib was a place to tie off a saw protector at, one string at the handle, and one at the nib

 

I think it is more like a hood ornament.....

Disston did away with them about..1928, when they made all the model changes.....