December 25, 2012

Daggett "Machine for Sharpening Handsaws"

This is a very different hand saw grinder, patented by Byron G. Daggett, in use at a saw shop in Oregon. It uses an abrasive wheel and does both bevels in one pass. It's amazing to watch.

YouTube of Daggett's hand saw sharpener

Byron G. Daggett 1943 patent

Byron G. Daggett 1959 patent

December 16, 2012

Early Foley Saw Filer

Recently a reader sent photos of a very early Foley filer that came from his great-grandparent's homestead in the American West around 1900.  He believes that it was used to sharpen butcher's saws in the ranch's slaughterhouse.  It will accommodate a saw blade up to 1-5/8 inch wide and uses approximately a 4 inch file.  He disassembled, cleaned, and lubricated the filer, and says it cranks smoothly.  The filer is missing part of the saw vise, but it shouldn't be difficult to make one.  As the last photo shows, the name plate lacks a model or patent number, indicating it's probably the first filer Foley produced.  Link to Google Patents for patent application for this machine.           

December 10, 2012

The Foley Hammer Saw Set

In 1932 Foley was granted US Patent No. 1,851,773 for a trip hammer saw set.   It must not have been a big seller, and appears to be have been expensive to manufacture.  Here is additional patent information: Directory of American Tool and Machinery Patents