Toolman Pax Handsaws
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- This topic has 11 replies, 6 voices, and was last updated 9 years, 6 months ago by Mark Armstrong.
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Hi,
I’ve been looking round for a panel/hand saw without breaking the bank but preferably new, rather than trying to recondition something from eBay. Ideally the saw should be a fine(ish) rip cut that could be easily resharpened as per Paul’s progressive rip cut technique.
I had been leaning towards the Pax handtools, which seem to be fairly well reviewed on here. In looking round I found that Toolman offer a huge choice in the Pax handsaws, which no one else seems to be offering. This includes a 10tpi rip cut saw (rather than the 4.5tpi Pax seem to offer as standard).
Does anyone have any experience buying through Toolman or with any of their Pax handsaws.
Thanks for any thoughts/advice.
Nick
18 October 2014 at 8:55 pm #119674Never used Toolman site
Pax saws are of a good quality but are fairly expensive.
I have a couple of Pax back saws and a very fine indeed.
I do not know why you want to buy new if you are new to wood working.
Its like getting your first car get an old banger first.
You will learn so much more getting an older saw.
When you tune an old saw right it will be as good as any new saw.
Also you would not want to muck up a new saw if you do not have much saw sharpening experience.
Also on many older saws the handles are worn and are normally nicer in the hand. If you did want to shape handle a little you would not worry so much.
Not trying to put you off getting a new saw but so many advantages in getting a nice old saw.Thanks for the feedback Mark,
To continue your analogy with the car – when you learn to drive you (usually) have a qualified instructor with a relatively new car teaching you, so you learn how it is meant to feel. You also book a car in for a service/MOT so someone can check it’s working properly. I hate cars not working!
My preference for buying new is to get some idea how a saw should work without the potential pitfalls of buying something off of eBay. Incidentally, I haven’t ruled out going down that route but I haven’t found anything on eBay yet I would have the confidence to buy. I’m not a big fan of buying off of eBay at the best of times. Any suggestions on where to buy vintage saws from would be appreciated.
My original comment was really driven by the fact that Toolman seem to be offering Pax tools that no one else if offering, and I was curious what anybody thought about that.
Thanks again for the input.
Nick
18 October 2014 at 9:37 pm #119676I also have a Pax dovetail saw, but have no experience with their larger saws. If the quality is anything like their smaller saws they will perform very well, the steel seems to be good, although the handles are a little clunky.
I do agree with Mark Armstrong that it might not be the best way to start. I have sharpened quite a few used saws now and I’m still dreading the day I have to sharpen my Pax. For the price of the new saw you could find a really good old saw on eBay, a quick search will turn up stacks of good Disstons for £40 or less on any day.
Buying a used saw does not have to mean buying a basket case for a pound, you just have to be careful. Check that they’ve shown the blade is straight, the condition of the teeth, the condition of the handle (i.e. not cracked) and obviously that it’s the tooth profile and size that you’re after, and buying used need not be a lottery.
That said, if you really have looked into the used market and found it wanting, I’m sure the Pax won’t disappoint.
Thanks for flagging up Toolman as well, always good to know of another hand tool vendor.
Good luck, Matt
18 October 2014 at 9:39 pm #119677Hmm, started typing that before your reply, looks a little out of date now.
Not at all Matt – your input is much appreciated. Especially the input on what to look for on eBay.
Perhaps I just need to be more patient and wait until something does appear on eBay that I would be happy with.
Thanks again to you and Mark for the input.
Nick
18 October 2014 at 10:57 pm #119680The thing I like about Ebay is that you can use it almost like a tool hire shop, if you were to buy a saw from there and didn’t get on with it then you can sell it on and get most, if not all your money back, you may even make a profit. I have bought a few saws through Ebay and like Matt said, just make sure it is straight with no cracked handles. I always go for saws with nuts so the handles can be tightened rather than just the riveted type.
I still have a lot to learn though being a complete novice but I have had a go at sharpening a couple of saws up now and am happy with the results.
Paul has a great video on sharpening saws in the video library.
Sorry that I can’t offer any advice to regarding your original question.Cheers, Jim.
18 October 2014 at 11:21 pm #119681You can go direct to Thomas Flinn & co the also carry other brans of saw. They are also new owners of Clifton planes they are quite expensive though.
I have just had a look on ebay and there are quite a few saws I would not hesitate at putting a bid for them. Just take time and look at the picture and descriptions. Try and avoid pitting on saw plate, patina is fine.
Just because a saw is new dose not mean it should be the bench mark which you should go by.
By altering the rake angle and set you can change how the saw will work in different woods.
Also when dealing cross cut saws Rake angle, set, fleam and the angle to saw to make gullet bigger all come into account.
Get an old saw and have some fun. 😉I have restored quite a few saws of late. Here some pictures very enjoyable
Attachments:
You must be logged in to view attached files.19 October 2014 at 5:52 am #119687I’m hesitant to buy a new Pax saw after at least one experience documented by Tom Fidgin with bad quality control on a brand new 28″ saw:
http://www.theunpluggedwoodshop.com/the-good-the-bad-and-the.html
That’s very disappointing because Thomas Flinn makes (used to make?) good products.
19 October 2014 at 7:38 am #119689Nick, I don’t know where you live, but last time I was in the Old Tool Store, Ray Iles had 40-50 saws to pick through. You rarely see old tool dealers advertising saws in their catalogues or on their sites because until Paul came along with his advice no one wanted old saws. There are reputable old tool dealers from Devon to Scotland, and a search on the internet should get you someone fairly close to you.A phone call before you journey is always wise, these people are dealers and often have to travel at short notice. Like you, I would be wary of buying something I couldn’t handle,but dealers stand or fall on their reputation so buying by post isn’t the same as ebay. Some would say dealers are more expensive, true maybe, but if you get what you want, and can get back to working wood, does it matter ? I wouldn’t buy a new Pax,they aren’t the company they were even 10 years ago, better to buy a fine toothed throw away,until you find a good used saw. Oh and there are usually 2 used tool stalls at the North of England show next month if you can get to it.
cheers john19 October 2014 at 12:24 pm #119691Thanks for Tom Fidgens review @delong1974.
I held Pax with quite high regard. Probably a little less so now. -
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