How To Make A Bow Saw - Step By Step Guides
A bow saw or frame saw is a versatile saw that is used in woodwork. A good bow saw can be the perfect tool to make intricate cuts for joining wood or precise cuts that can be used for making grooves for meeting edges. One of the great things about a bow saw is that you can easily change the blades depending on what you are doing, and the design of the frame means you can cut from most angles around the job at hand. Not only are they an excellent tool to have access to, they are also easy to make. Follow our step by step guide of how to make a bow saw so you can make your own!
First Step, Getting The Materials
In total you will need 4 pieces of wood, any hardwood will work as it can take the pressure from the tensioner and the motion from the push and pull force of cutting.
You will need a saw blade; this can be bought online or can be recycled from an old band saw blade that has snapped. If you are buying a blade online remember that you will need to make the saw to the blade’s dimensions. Along with the blade you will need a couple of small bolts to hold the blade in place. Lastly you will need a tensioner traditionally this is made from strong twine or string but can be substituted for wire or a threaded bar with washers and nuts on either end to create the tension.
The Blade
Use the blade bought online, this will be the length of your saw. If you are repurposing an old band saw blade you can make to pretty much any length for this piece, make it close to 70cm long as these are the dimensions we will be working with.

Building The Arms
Fixing The Stretcher
The Tensioner
Put It All Together
Test It Out And The Finishing Touches
You have successfully made a bow saw, time to test it out. If you find your string snaps swap the string for a different type or wire, explore what material works best for you and enjoy your new bow saw. When your happy with your bow saw you can chamfer the edges and shape it how you like. Use a wood stain to really make it stand out and really make it your own. If it any point you find that your bow hasn’t turned out the way you expected, revisit our step by step guide to help you along the way.