Bow Bread Knives

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mmayo

mmayo

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Last year I had 12 of these in stock and now I have 1. Today was the day to cut 10 new blanks, bandsaw the profile, drum sand it smooth and route the edges. The unpleasant job of sanding each is next.

The blades are like bandsaw blades but much sharper and have no set. I almost always get cut with the blades no matter how careful I am when drilling the holes for the screws and during assembly.
 

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Interesting! So is the blade tensioned across the gap there?

BTW, to avoid getting cut with the blades...wrap them in masking tape, or blue tape, frogtape, etc. That way you can handle them without the teeth all exposed and bitey.
 
Go to a restaurant supply house or online and get a mesh glove. Got one after I cut my thumb to the tune of $310; $103.33 per stitch plus a penny for knowing how to stitch. I did get to keep the scissors for fly tying.
 
jrista said:
Interesting! So is the blade tensioned across the gap there?

BTW, to avoid getting cut with the blades...wrap them in masking tape, or blue tape, frogtape, etc. That way you can handle them without the teeth all exposed and bitey.
Click to expand...
When I drill the holes, I drive them a bit farther than the holes in the blade. I bow the wood to get the screws in. The blade is thus tensioned.
 
If anyone is interested I'll transfer this jig to paper and mail you a copy.
 

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I'll probably cover one with tape (yuk) and cover the rest during assembly with my card stock sleeves. Thanks
 
Nice job, Mark. I tried to find the blades for those knives a couple of years ago when I first saw them, but drew a blank ( in the UK )
Are the blades readily available for you ?

Alan
 
Here are two PDFs with my pattern. Print them, tape them together and you have my pattern. I also included a PDF from a company that makes the blades. I do not use their pattern as it it heavier, but your mileage may vary.

I sell mine for $40 and wood prices may make that go up shortly.
 

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I build these as well. To tension the knife blade, you just need to build a simple clamp jig that allows you to slightly bow the knife frame inward while attaching the blade. I use a flat board with two spacer blocks on it at either end and a block or a hole drilled into the board to allow the clamp to snug onto, then put a 'C' clamp in the inside middle of the knife frame and tighten the clamp slightly, causing an inward bow to the frame. The action of the clamps with the spacer block slightly shortens the length where the blade goes. Drill the screw holes and attach the blade, then release the clamp. Tight Blade with no cuts!!
 
Coat two of oil bases Wipe on Poly. One more and a quick sand. The buffer is next.

Walnut, cherry, maple and alder woods.
 

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