I work at a state historic site in NC and am looking for information on building a framed pitsaw
What I am looking for is type of wood to make it from, sizw of blade and best #of teeth per inch.
We don't have much $ but alot of time. We also have a blacksmith ship to build the hardware.
Any help is appreciated.
Chris

I have three books that have good discriptions of pit saws..

"Ancient Carpenters Tools" by Henry C. Mercer
it covers mant tools but has a sectiom about saws and frames in history There isn't a lot of practical info. The illistrations are from Diderot's Encyclopaedia. I havent seen it but know it has good illistrations. "The Woodwright's Shop" by Roy Underhill Excellent photos showing both a pit and a frame. The frame in the Underhill book looks good and not too difficult to build. Check your library for this one.

Ste. Marie Among the Iroquois, a reconstructed 17th century French post, in Syracuse had a pit saw set up that they used to cut any and all replacement planks, etc. I do not have an address for you but I believe it is owned by the City of Syracuse.

Doesn't Plimouth Plantation have a pit saw set-up?

Hope this might help.

Rolland

Regarding Roland's post about Ste. Marie Among the Hurons, I'm not sure, but he may be refering to the reconstructed village near Midland, Ontario, Canada. The website for this group is: http://www.saintemarieamongthehurons.on.ca/

A number of years ago (around 1992or 93?) Thistlewood Timber Frame Homes built a timber roof over an outdoor dining/service area.

I hope this helps.

Mark Gillis

Mark,

It is confusing with Ste. Marie being so popular with the Jesuits. Ste. Marie among the Iroquois is located in Syracuse, NY. The reconstructed village is still there. The first reconstructed village was built by WPA and had horizontal log cabins. It was torn down in the mid or late 80s and rebuilt the correct way.

Rolland