Comments on: A Theory of Fleam Teeth

By: Mike

Mike — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 14:52:04 +0000

Good points all, Bob.

Even today, I generally alter new tools to fit what I want to do with them. Sometimes there is radical alteration. While I seek well made tools whether vintage or new, I cannot expect the maker to have read my mind. They still need to work as intended–fit for purpose–but my purpose might be a tad different than as designed and manufactured.

Take care, Mike

By: Bob Rozaieski

Bob Rozaieski — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 12:35:49 +0000

Great discussion Mike! I agree with you. I can’t see why a saw maker in the 17th or 18th century would do the final setup of a saw for a cabinetmaker wothout knowing it’s intended use any more than a planemaker or blacksmith would try to predict and set up a plane or chisel for the end user. The cabinetmaker or joiner would purchase the tool with an intended use and therefore set it up the way he wanted prior to using it. Similar to bevel angles on a plane iron or chisel, I think saw teeth would have simply been “roughed in” and left for the craftsman to do the final set up. I don’t think tools were likely ready to go “out of the box” like so many folks expect today. I think the end user likely had to do some work to them before their first use similar to what we might do to an older tool today.

By: Mike

Mike — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 05:29:27 +0000

Hi Joel,

One of the links I use to get to the archives is:

http://nautarch.tamu.edu/portroyal/archives/research.htm

There are several links there that are tool and or probate/inventory related. I originally had links to the relavent sections on my laptop–but alas, it died.

Chris–I should have been more clear as to what you were pointing out.

I read somewhere about some Egyptian saws with teeth all set to one side. If I recall correctly, the face bevels were also all to one side as well. Could be mistaken, though. I’ll try to find the reference.

Take care, Mike

By: Greg Wisinski

Greg Wisinski — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 05:25:49 +0000

Well said.

By: Christopher Schwarz

Christopher Schwarz — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 01:54:47 +0000

Mike,

One small point on my part: I was only pointing out when fleam entered the literature big-time for backsaws.

I think fleam was likely known to early woodworkers.

Here’s one tantalizing detail. I interviewed Geoffrey Killen several years ago about Egyptian saws. He’s examined several originals and made some of his own. He said two things that were interesting to me: They were set all to one side (wedge ahoy!) and they had bevels on the fronts of the teeth.

Chris

By: joel

joel — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 01:03:52 +0000

mike,
What does it say in the records in Port Royale that prove the point. Is it on-line? Do you have a link? Not mind you that I disagree I don’t but I’m curious about the reference.

joel