What in the Heck is This Thing?

[DanCorcoran]

I'm new to cutting/burning wood. What in the world was this used for?

(broken link removed to http://richmond.craigslist.org/grd/2075680454.html)

 

[smokinj]

LOL Thats a old bow saw. Pretty cool saw though....Its for cutting wood.

 

[Jags]

The bow saw design was thought to reduce friction in the cut and reduce the chance of pinching. It also increased your chance of cutting the heck out of body parts. The bars are still on the market, but I don't know why. Run - run while you can.

 

[DanCorcoran]

Well, yeah, it says it's a bow saw and I figured it was for cutting wood. Was it a "chain" saw, where the chain went around the circle? And was this the earlier design, before the concept of a bar resulted in the long "nose" we have on saws today? Or was this a specialty item, used for some application where a bar wasn't practical? Anybody ever used one, or seen one used? Is this pre-1950 or recent?

Just curious...

EDIT: Oops! I posted this while you were replying, Jags. That more or less answers my questions...

 

[smokinj]

Well, yeah, it says it's a bow saw and I figured it was for cutting wood. Was it a "chain" saw, where the chain went around the circle? And was this the earlier design, before the concept of a bar resulted in the long "nose" we have on saws today? Or was this a specialty item, used for some application where a bar wasn't practical? Anybody ever used one, or seen one used? Is this pre-1950 or recent?

Just curious...

EDIT: Oops! I posted this while you were replying, Jags. That more or less answers my questions...

It was a design that just faded away. You can still by a bow for new saw...(Would not know why)

 

[DanCorcoran]

Just found this on the forestry section of About.com:



The Bow was developed specifically for bucking logs laying on the ground.

Many consider it an instrument more dangerous than a Bar but the general consensus of those who use them is that they are not, if used correctly.

The Bow is used in a fairly upright position with the spur in contact with the log such that it will slide down the side of the log as the chain cuts.

This allows the operator to stand in a fairly upright position eliminating much back strain and providing much control over the saw.

The bow is a rim with an opening which allows the chain to cut through the log without the kerf closing on the bar as it passes. If the kerf closes, there is nothing for wood to contact but the wood on the other side of the kerf. It helps to alleviate binding.

For safety's sake:

Do not remove the guards. (that exposes body parts to the moving chain)
Do not use the Bow to brush with as you would a string trimmer. (a narrower brushing bow is made but its purpose is to dispose of small shrubs and not to be used in a sweeping action.
Do not use the Bow for Felling. (experienced loggers may fell small trees with one but it is not recommended.)
Do not raise a bow over your head.
Use all safety rules generally attributed to any chainsaw

A Bow cuts with the area that is of highest kickback danger, the tip. It is designed to be used that way and should never be used without a spur.

It is a specialized tool to be used in specialty situations. Used properly it is a relatively safe tool.

It's bad reputation has been caused by operators dispensing with the safety gear and rules of use.

 

[smokinj]

Just found this on the forestry section of About.com:



The Bow was developed specifically for bucking logs laying on the ground.

Many consider it an instrument more dangerous than a Bar but the general consensus of those who use them is that they are not, if used correctly.

The Bow is used in a fairly upright position with the spur in contact with the log such that it will slide down the side of the log as the chain cuts.

This allows the operator to stand in a fairly upright position eliminating much back strain and providing much control over the saw.

The bow is a rim with an opening which allows the chain to cut through the log without the kerf closing on the bar as it passes. If the kerf closes, there is nothing for wood to contact but the wood on the other side of the kerf. It helps to alleviate binding.

For safety's sake:

Do not remove the guards. (that exposes body parts to the moving chain)
Do not use the Bow to brush with as you would a string trimmer. (a narrower brushing bow is made but its purpose is to dispose of small shrubs and not to be used in a sweeping action.
Do not use the Bow for Felling. (experienced loggers may fell small trees with one but it is not recommended.)
Do not raise a bow over your head.
Use all safety rules generally attributed to any chainsaw

A Bow cuts with the area that is of highest kickback danger, the tip. It is designed to be used that way and should never be used without a spur.

It is a specialized tool to be used in specialty situations. Used properly it is a relatively safe tool.

It's bad reputation has been caused by operators dispensing with the safety gear and rules of use.

There is people still using them, Thats for sure. If I had one it would be on a shelf and bring it out only for fun!

 

[Jags]

It's bad reputation has been caused by operators dispensing with the safety gear and rules of use.

That is a bit like saying "this car is safe as long as you don't have an accident".

 

[DanCorcoran]

Golly, an hour ago I'd never heard of a bow saw. Found another article that gives a great illustrated history of the bow saw. Those things look like an amputation just waiting to happen!

http://www.arboristsite.com/showthread.php?t=109002

 

[hareball]

Looks like a cool piece for a man cave!!

 

[smokinj]

Looks like a cool piece for a man cave!!

I was thinking that to nice shelf Queen!

 

[CTYank]

Well, yeah, it says it's a bow saw and I figured it was for cutting wood. Was it a "chain" saw, where the chain went around the circle? And was this the earlier design, before the concept of a bar resulted in the long "nose" we have on saws today? Or was this a specialty item, used for some application where a bar wasn't practical? Anybody ever used one, or seen one used? Is this pre-1950 or recent?

Just curious...

EDIT: Oops! I posted this while you were replying, Jags. That more or less answers my questions...

Actually, the Swedish "Sector" saw of 1919 seems to be the first of the sort. Probably the first gas-powered chainsaw too, with engine connected to cutting assembly by flexible shaft. (1 horse engine)
One of the early pioneers that didn't pan out.
Later, overseeing German POWs in E. Texas pulpwood cutting, Claude Poulan devised a bow saw because 2-man saws of the time pinched too easily in small-diam pulpwood. Note also, that operator(s) could stand more upright.

 

[bboulier]

Golly, an hour ago I'd never heard of a bow saw. Found another article that gives a great illustrated history of the bow saw. Those things look like an amputation just waiting to happen!

http://www.arboristsite.com/showthread.php?t=109002

Thanks for the post. Very interesting history lesson. The internet is a wonderful invention.

 

[mellow]

I tried one last year, it actually was nice to use on logs sitting on the ground, it was easier on the back. Would I use it everyday, nope, but it was interesting to try out.