Here is a what is it

[Stoney]

Here is a what is it and ScottG and Branson wait til tomorrow to answer as I'm sure you know what it is.


Looking at it from the top.


looking at it from the back.

[BRwrench]

Some type of wood plane?

[gibsontool]

For filing saws

[keykeeper]

Saw jointer. Gibson you were right on the purpose.

[Stoney]

Close Keykeeper now go for the type of saw and purpose of the tool.

[rusty]

I won't guess because I've seen it before, but it is an unusually nice one :)

[keykeeper]

Actually, I jumped a little too quick. I think it is a saw raker gauge, used to check the set of the teeth. Kind of like a go/no-go gauge if you will. Adjusts to the correct set for individual teeth, then each can be checked.

Judging by the size, I would say for a two-man crosscut or similar.

Am I getting closer??

I once had a combination gauge, wrest, and hammer tool. Sold for decent money on the net.

[john k]

It looks a little like this one doesn't it?

[Branson]

It looks a little like this one doesn't it?

Yep, though this style is less common.  The good thing about your photo, John, is that the file is in place.  That's what the tool is designed to do: hold a file so that the saw teeth can be jointed before you sharpen it.  The dullest teeth will be in the area of the saw used the most.  If the teeth are not jointed first, the saw, in time, will become concave. 

The tool is a saw jointer.

[johnsironsanctuary]

I've had these for some years now and I understand how to use it, but there are other functions that I don't understand. What is the adjustable wedge for and why is there cardboard under it?  The Atkins with the file in it has a channel cast in it that runs across the screw. what is that for? The channel is rectangular on the outer bars and half round next to the screw.

[Stoney]

Keykeeper and Branson are correct it is both a saw joiner and a drag /depth gauge for one and two man/men cross cut, take down saws.  As we used it.  Because the belly teeth got the most wear you had to join the saw.  That means to put the correct arc in the teeth.  To do that you fastened a file to the gauge (See Johnsironsanctuaty's Photos) and file the teeth to get the correct arc or using a metal template you would mark the teeth that needed filing.  File the teeth.  Now file the teeth for sharpness.  Set the teeth using a hammer and anvil or use a saw set.  For hardwoods set the teeth closer, softwoods set wider.  Now place the gauge over the raker tooth (the tooth that has a V shaped top.  If the tooth sticks up through the slot over the gauge remove the gauge and file recheck.  Continue until you can just feel the tooth.  Do this for all drags.  Now with a small dog, set  hammer pein down the ears of the drags.  Now do two more saws and then supper after a 12 hour day of dropping and trimming trees.