The once-mighty Disston Works coming down

nuhobby · Post by **nuhobby** » Mon Apr 16, 2012 5:44 pm

Here's something interesting I stumbled on about the old Disston Works (handsaw company):

http://www.backsaw.net/index.php?option ... .php&t=269

And here's info on how the golden-age Disstons influence the best handsaw makers to this day:
http://www.disstonianinstitute.com/
http://www.badaxetoolworks.com/
http://www.wenzloffandsons.com/
(This last one shows the tribute Disston Model 77 handsaw which is sort of like a hollow-ground circular saw in geometry. Tapered spring steel plate would need those huge stone grinding wheels depicted at the old Works.)

Enjoy!

Chris

holsgo · Post by **holsgo** » Mon Apr 16, 2012 8:14 pm

This isn't that far from me. Pilly is about a 2.5 hour ride if I'm lucky. But, Disston is legendary up there. Disston had A huge campus. Such a shame. Yet another relic of an era when we actually made the best in the world. Now, we barely make anything. And yet this will be torn down.

brad_nalor · Post by **brad_nalor** » Wed Apr 25, 2012 1:41 pm

Neat reading and thanks for the link(s). One could almost say Disston built much of America.

brick1 · Post by **brick1** » Tue Jun 05, 2012 11:11 am

I was lucky enough to find three Disston hand saws at an estate sale. they were rusty, so i cleaned and waxed and they are now a regular part of my shop activities!! best hand saws i've ever had....

bill

terrydowning · Post by **terrydowning** » Tue Jun 05, 2012 11:42 am

I recently went to use a hand saw, I need to rip something quickly and didn't want to set up the table saw for 1 simple cut. I went to my Papa's old tool tote where I keep the hand saws and low and behold 2 Disston D-12 (early 50's era. They just need some light rust removal and the handles touched up. There was also another "Warranted Superior" panel saw in the mix. Nice find. I never really looked at those hand saws before. The 6 point rip saw cut beautifully (better than any other hand saw I can remember using), I'm definitely cleaning this up and putting back into use as needed. Look carefully through those old tools, you never know what you have.

brad_nalor · Post by **brad_nalor** » Wed Jun 06, 2012 3:42 pm

Did you ask for a Disston handsaw? I wish I could justify owning this beautiful machine: Disston 9 hp 2 cyl chainsaw

http://www.ebay.com/itm/251072857276?ss ... 1438.l2649

wiredone · Post by **wiredone** » Thu Jun 07, 2012 1:44 am

Thanks Brad, I am speechless.
If I was well off, I would buy that and hang it in my living room.
What a beauty.

nuhobby · Post by **nuhobby** » Fri Jan 25, 2013 10:30 am

This Just In...

An Indianapolis article mentioning the demolition of the great ATKINS Saw works back in the day:
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/a ... 3301230333

I really enjoy coming across Atkins saw trivia and relics here in Indiana; here was my funnest encounter:
http://www.shopsmith.net/forums/showpos ... stcount=27

Happy Woodworking,