HANDSAWS for cutting railway sleepers

Overview

RAGING AGAINST THE MACHINE!
We live in a world increasingly frequented by machines. From tooth brushes to coffee machines. Washing machines to robotic lawn mowers. Self parking cars to automated commercial aircraft. It feels sometimes like there is a machine for almost every human activity. In the middle of this onslaught of mechanisation, there bravely stands the humble hand saw.

A bit of history...
Crude flint saws appeared in the Stone Age, evolving to copper and bronze saws in ancient Egypt, and later improved by the Romans who invented the bow saw. By setting the teeth to the left and right, they widened the cut and made it easier to remove sawdust. A major leap occurred in the 17th century with the development of rolled steel which led to the creation of handsaws that didn't need a frame to maintain tension. Mass production in the 1800's made them a common tool in most household. With the advent of powered saws in the 20th century handsaws could have become a dying tool however they have stubbornly remained a vital part of the modern toolkit for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts.

THE DIMENSIONS OF OUR 20" (500mm) HANDSAW 
1)The SK5 blade is made from high quality carbon steel, for flexibility and durability. Fast and clean cutting 3D teeth (9 teeth per inch) sweep out fibres of the wood. 
2) Soft-grip ergonomic handle prevents slipping and increases overall comfort when in use.
3) Polished and lacquered blade enables smooth cutting and corrosion resistance.
4) Ideal for cutting softwood and hardwood timber, as well as board and plastic etc...

LUNA'S TOP TIPS
1) Mark your cut line clearly with a pencil. The handle and the blade form precise 90° and 45° angles, allowing them to be used as a quick, impromptu square for marking lines on wood.
2) Let the saw teeth do the work rather than forcing the blade through the material. If you grip too hard, you're going to twist the saw and cause the cut to wander.
3) Always wear safety glasses or goggles and a dust mask.

DID YOU KNOW?
1) The oldest existing handsaw made of metal is a copper Egyptian saw dated around 2700 BC. This was discovered in a Pharaoh's tomb. 
2) The largest retail handsaw in the world is the Silky Katanaboy 1000, which is a folding saw with a blade that is 1000mm (1 meter) long. 

FUN MUSICAL FACT 
Some musicians use handsaws as instruments - creating a unique, melodic sound in folk and blues bands. 'Playing the saw' was used in theme music for films such as  'One flew over the cuckoo's nest' and 'Delicatessen', and by musicians such as Tom Waits and Marlene Dietrich, and electronic bands such as 'Kraftwerk'. 

Extra Info