Tudor Bow Saw

[Dingus]

I have acquired the above and am attempting some restoration. In order to tension the blade, some form of rope or string is needed which loops around two top arms and then twisted with a piece of wood (is this clear?) Trouble is I dont know what rope string or whatever is authentic. - HELP

 

[bill barilko]

You mean like this?

 

[Dingus]

YES EXACTLY LIKE THAT. I'm impressed. What have you used?

 

[Dingus]

Thats great. What have you used as string isn't right for Tudor times

 

[CDNBear]

Twine.

 

[EagleSmack]

I have acquired the above and am attempting some restoration. In order to tension the blade, some form of rope or string is needed which loops around two top arms and then twisted with a piece of wood (is this clear?) Trouble is I dont know what rope string or whatever is authentic. - HELP

Dingus, unless you are a historic preservationist I would not attempt any restoration. Many folks get a piece of history and try to restore it and it actually devalues the piece.

 

[TenPenny]

I'm pretty sure hemp was used back in the Tudor era.

 

[AnnaG]

Horse hair or dried intestine; just like longbows and other bows, would be my guess.

 

[darkbeaver]

cat gut like anna says

 

[bill barilko]

YES EXACTLY LIKE THAT. I'm impressed. What have you used?

I used google images-just like anyone on earth with an internet connection.

 

[The Old Medic]

The Tudors had cord and rope, made from hemp. They also had rawhide thongs, and a variety of other materials that could have been used.

 

[Dingus]

Thanks to everyone for your feedback. I have now used 8 strands of hemp twine twisted and then rubbed with natural beeswax. It works great and looks the business. You're all stars - thanks again.

 

[Dingus]

I used google images-just like anyone on earth with an internet connection.

Thanks Bill but I meant what have you used on your saw, not what have you used to find the image. Sorry for any confusion.

 

[gopher]

I thought catgut was used for stringed instruments while hemp was used for bows as well as saws.

 

[AnnaG]

I thought catgut was used for stringed instruments while hemp was used for bows as well as saws.

Horsehair for violins and some bows, dried intestines for bowstrings, twisted vegetation was used mostly for ropes, twines, and whatnot. Hide was used for a variety of things that were not sensitive to moisture because it stretches quite a bit when wet.