In their modern adaptions, saws can be divided into two categories: reciprocating (handsaws) and continuous action (circular and band saws). Reciprocating are the oldest and can further be divided into rip and cross-cut saws. The beginning of modern woodcutting dates back to the introduction of the power mill. The earliest mills were driven by wind power, but by the 14the century water power was more popular. America's first sawmill was built at the Falls of Piscatauqua on the line between Maine and New Hampshire in 1634. Other mills follows in New York and in Delaware. These first mills were all the vertical reciprocating type. Increased requirements of the mill men necessitated a constant search on the saw manufacturers for improvements in design and durability.
While the hand saw is old history, the reinvention of the circular saw was the next great progressive step in saw making. The earliest patent on a circular saw was granted to Samuel Miller in England in 1777. Other patents follows, but T. Brunel is credited with first bringing circular saws into important service by employing them for cutting ship's blocks. Brunel also patented a veneer saw in 1805.
The first circular saw in America was produced by Benjamin Cummins about 1814 at Bentionsville New York. The general use circular saws for manufacturing lumber is supposed to have originated with a patent granted to Robert Eastman and J. Jaquith of Brunswick Maine in 1820.
Early circular saws were crude with square mandrel holes and were made on special order. From 1840 the development of the inserted tooth had saw manufacturing take off. By 1859, Spaulding while experimenting in Sacramento CA discovered that curved sockets hold hold the teeth firmly and securely.
Following the developments of the circular saw, came developments in the band saw. The band saw became popular with the mill men due to its thinness which meant smaller kerf and more boards per log. (taken from The Saw in History by Henry Disston & Sons).
While the hand saw is old history, the reinvention of the circular saw was the next great progressive step in saw making. The earliest patent on a circular saw was granted to Samuel Miller in England in 1777. Other patents follows, but T. Brunel is credited with first bringing circular saws into important service by employing them for cutting ship's blocks. Brunel also patented a veneer saw in 1805.
The first circular saw in America was produced by Benjamin Cummins about 1814 at Bentionsville New York. The general use circular saws for manufacturing lumber is supposed to have originated with a patent granted to Robert Eastman and J. Jaquith of Brunswick Maine in 1820.
Early circular saws were crude with square mandrel holes and were made on special order. From 1840 the development of the inserted tooth had saw manufacturing take off. By 1859, Spaulding while experimenting in Sacramento CA discovered that curved sockets hold hold the teeth firmly and securely.
Following the developments of the circular saw, came developments in the band saw. The band saw became popular with the mill men due to its thinness which meant smaller kerf and more boards per log. (taken from The Saw in History by Henry Disston & Sons).
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