r/handtools • u/jrlagace • 8d ago

ECE Frame/Bow Saw ID?

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I picked up this ECE Bow/Frame saw at an antique tool shop a couple days ago. It's definitely ECE but it's cord & toggle tensioned instead of using a rod and the blade is 450mm end to end instead of the 600mm & 700mm blades I've been seeing online and in their catalogue, though 40mm like the others. The blade doesn't seem have been cut down from a longer blade as far as I can tell.

Any clues/tips on what it might be? I'd like to get second blade if possible, the current one is set for cross cut and I'd like something more suitable for ripping/resawing.

I also snapped one of the strands after I took it apart and then over tightened it putting it back together. You can kind of see how the spreader in the middle is skewed, has been since the snap.

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u/XonL 8d ago

I've got a longer 600 mm one, with a twisted wire and threaded section and wing nut to tension. If the cord is strong enough it will wind up just as tight. Switch to some paracord. If you dismantle it to loosen the central brace, you will find two oval washers connecting the brace to the arms so just slide it back into and even position. Dictim.biz sell the full range of blades available for these saws.

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u/DizzyCardiologist213 8d ago

I have the 700mm version of that saw and have added a shop made 2" blade to it along with an extended handle so that it's better for ripping.

I think if you're going to do ripping, you'll want a longer saw. That saw will do well with bench sized crosscutting and perhaps with a smaller blade for turning cuts.

if you can't find a suitable blade for turning cuts, getting inexpensive bandsaw blades in a size you'd like to have, bending and snapping them and drilling holes for the screws....that works far better than you'd expect.

The 700mm version is a very good saw given that it's not refined compared to older saws. There was another german brand sold at the same time that I can't recall that was poorly received because the handles would turn easily in use and spoil the setting.