Hey everyone! I've been working with a 20-inch Disston crosscut saw and I'm thinking about making a longer ripcut saw since I believe my arms and posture can handle it. I'm curious if using blue tempered steel would be suitable for this project. I'm not fully up to speed on how the different Rockwell hardness levels affect manufacturing and sharpening, but I was thinking a range of 48-52 might work. I'd appreciate any tips or advice you might have! Thanks!
1 Answer
Most traditional western handsaws are around 45-55 HRC, so blue tempered steel should work just fine for you. If you're set on making a longer ripping or resawing saw, consider a frame saw instead; longer saws tend to bind and buckle, so that's why frame saws are usually a better choice for those applications.
That's a valid point, but I really like the stance and flexibility of a panel saw. I'm hoping that with the increased hardness and higher TPI I'm planning, it will be easier to sharpen and will last longer.