Three Knew Concept Saws in a Row
Last night, I was helping out my friend, Lee Marshall, of Knew Concepts, by photographing his new saws. (For more information, go to www.knewconcepts.com)
As I gathered the saws, and prepared to photograph, I came across some of the earlier prototypes, and found it interesting to observe the how the tools developed. I thought that other people would find it intriguing, as well.
Here’s the “Back Story”: Several years ago, Lee developed a new saw system for making blanking dies (cutting dies for making multiples of a metal shape).
Knew Concept Precision Saw Guide 2
I found that I REALLY enjoyed the saw that he developed for this system, because of the blade tensioning system. No more pushing the frame against the work bench with my chest! Whoopee!
I started using this saw for ALL of my sawing, whether I was making a blanking die, or not. I liked the “feel” of the saw, even though it had all that extra aluminum at the top, which connects it to the guide-wheel. I kept telling Lee Marshall that he needed to develop this saw as a “stand-alone” tool. Finally, he got the message!
Lee started with the 5″ throat hand saw, by lopping off the extra aluminum at the top. Each new model made the saw lighter and stronger. The blade tightening and fastening mechanisms, and the handle as well, were also improved. Here’s the development of the prototypes of the first saws, with the first on the left, progressing to the right (you can click on the photo to enlarge it, and see more detail) :
Development of the 5-inch (throat depth) saw frame---first prototype on left, next prototype in middle, final version on right
Below is the development of the 3-inch-throat saw frame, from left to right. I find it interesting to note that on this scale, the trapezoid-shaped cut-out in the corners was too flexible, and needed to be changed to a circle.
Development of the 3-inch-throat saw frame first prototype on left, next prototype in middle, final version on right
I feel blessed to have Lee Marshall as a friend and colleague. It is fun and interesting to work with Lee and Phil Poirier to develop tools for jewelers and metalsmiths.
Cynthia
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Jerry Fowler 01.07.10 at 2:38 pm
Nice saws! I like the looks of the 5″ with black handle and the round cut outs. Not your every day round wood handle. Good to see a new direction in tools.
Cynthia Eid 01.07.10 at 4:43 pm
I hope it does not disappoint you, Jerrry, but the black handle/round cut-out version was one of the prototypes on the path to the final design! The final handles are RED wood! I liked that handle, too, but it is oval, and some of the other folks on the development team (Phil Poirier and Jim Binnion, I think) feel that a round handle is important to their control on fine piercing. Red is pretty cool, too, I think!
Beth Wicker 01.08.10 at 10:10 am
I have one of the new 5″ saws, and love it! Light, firm, easy to use - just a great saw! I’m thinking about asking for the 3″ version for Valentines
Jerry Fowler 01.08.10 at 8:13 pm
It’s to bad about them going with the red wood handle. I have a saw that is from the late nineteenth century and it has the same sized wood handle that a friend bought before Thansgiving. You would think after that long the industry would welcome a new handle. I have very large hands and these tiny wood handles, while I have used them for forty years, need to be changed. Still the frame is stunning in red.
lee marshall 01.08.10 at 9:03 pm
Hi Jerry…I agree with you about the size of the usual handles out there. They are not much more than large tooth picks. That is why I chose a Large One! It is 1-1/8″ in diameter and 4-1/2″ long. I too, have large hands, and wanted a comfortable handle. If you were to go to my Forum on my website, you would find a more complete statement and reasoning behind my choice.
Glad that you like the color.
Lee Marshall