Author Topic: Drag Saws (Read 10671 times)

Stephen_Wiley · « **on:** September 14, 2004, 09:04:30 pm »

Anyone have or operated a drag saw?

They were a little before my time, but I remember one fella back in the 80's who had three of them in the Milwaukie OR area. I often wondered what became of them.

For those of you who have an interest here are a few web sites of interest:

www.americanartifacts.com/smma/dragsaw/0516.gif

www.americanartifacts.com/smma/dragsaw/0514.gif

www.herculesengines.com/hercules/hercnews0299.html

sprucebunny · « **Reply #1 on:** September 15, 2004, 05:02:52 am »

None of the links worked for me

Stephen_Wiley · « **Reply #2 on:** September 15, 2004, 06:41:30 am »

Sorry, I tried and had problems as well

Try this:http://www.americanartifacts.com/smma/dragsaw/dragsaw.htm

Then click on the names on the left hand side in the blue column, scroll down to Lalonde and Giles

D._Frederick · « **Reply #3 on:** September 15, 2004, 03:30:55 pm »

Steve,

I have a WADE LightWeight drag saw. The frame is wood and it has a 2cycle water cooled engine. It has a "mag" for ignition, some of the early ones needed a drycell battery. I would guess that it was made in the forties, just before the chain saw started to show up. They would keep up with a chain saw in sawing fir from 30inch and up when making 16 inch fire wood.

There are a few around that appear at fairs and at the Steam UP at Brook, Ore.

Jeff · « **Reply #4 on:** September 15, 2004, 07:37:35 pm »

I love my drag saws!

I have two. a folding saw machine and an Ottawa. I have a line on a Harris saw machine that in a week or two Harold and I are going to go scout up.

Here is the ottawa

Here is the folding saw machine, in its honored spot on our mantle. Its sharp and cuts well.

Duane had acquired a dragsaw for me out west but was never able to get it to me. Don't know what happened to it. I hope it goes somewhere where it will be appreciated.
Here is a link to the picture of it from the auction where he purchased it.
http://www.letshaveanauction.net/consign060504/gallery/sawDSC00139.jpg

Stephen_Wiley · « **Reply #5 on:** September 16, 2004, 12:41:36 am »

D. Frederick - as soon as I can I will have to make another visit, would like to see your saw. Not certain how I missed talking or seeing it on the last visit. BTW, RMwade.com is the address for the Wade saw which is still in business.

Jeff - Would you like me to inquire about the saw?

Jeff · « **Reply #6 on:** September 16, 2004, 03:03:49 am »

Not really sure if thats the right thing to do. I do wish I knew whether his family would be interested in visiting and see some of what Duane left us here. They might not know that there is a record here of quite a few things from Duane and a record of how many friends he made across the world. I thought about trying to call or send a note but cant figure out what to say. I am worried instead of them getting any comfort, it would just stir up still settling emotions.

Ianab · « **Reply #7 on:** September 16, 2004, 03:34:34 am »

Jeff
I think sending a note just to say that Duane was a valued member of the forum and a great friend is a good idea. Mention that all his posts are still here, they can choose to visit or not. He may have written things here that he never mentioned even to his close family. I had a similar thing a few years back when another online friend died of leukemia in her late 20s

Things she had told her close friends online that she had never mentioned to her own family. You are right it's a tough one, but a brief thoughtfull note should not go amiss, and gives them the option of making more contact.

Ian

D._Frederick · « **Reply #8 on:** September 16, 2004, 10:58:54 am »

Steve,

That saw that Jeff has a link to is tha exact saw that I have, stop by if you want to see it.

Stephen_Wiley · « **Reply #9 on:** September 16, 2004, 11:02:59 am »

Jeff,

I do think a letter is appropiate and I am certain would be welcomed by the family.

The letter explaining the many that Duane's life influenced while on the forum would serve as a further honor and memorial to his family. Often after a loss we find comfort in knowing the importance that our loved one had upon others especially ones we personaly do not know.

Jeff · « **Reply #10 on:** September 17, 2004, 06:46:58 am »

Here is a video clip of my manual powered drag saw last summer.

http://www.forestryforum.com/media/mandrag.MPG

Does anyone happen to have a mailing address for Duane's Family? If so, could you send it to me? All I ever got was for the church.

Stephen_Wiley · « **Reply #11 on:** September 17, 2004, 07:06:03 am »

Jeff,

Just sent you an email, will have all the information you need for Duane.

ohsoloco · « **Reply #12 on:** September 18, 2004, 09:30:17 am »

I know it's been a LONG time since I've posted anything. I've been around quite a bit, just a "silent member." I've also been planning to start posting again soon, but definitely didn't plan on mentioning this...especially on a post about drag saws.

Jeff, it sounds like you will be contacting Duane's family, and I really hope you do. I lost one of my brothers about five months ago...he was just 33 years old

When he was in the service he spent over a year in Germany, England, and Ireland...he used to tell us about all the people he met over there. Well, about a month ago we started getting letters from some of his friends, along with pictures of Joe with all of his friends. It was really great to see those pics of him...being able to visualize the stories he used to tell us. Sure, it's really sad, and it always will be...but it's nice to remember the good aspects of it as well. I managed to read quite a few of Duane's posts, and he brought a lot of good to this forum. It would be nice to share that with his family

So, that's my really bad news...but I'll soon be talking about my really good news as well...with some questions posted right here in the forestry and logging area

It's nice to be back

Fla._Deadheader · « **Reply #13 on:** September 18, 2004, 10:26:41 am »

Been wondering where ya been, loco. Sorry to hear the bad news.

Norm · « **Reply #14 on:** September 18, 2004, 10:52:29 am »

Hey Jeff, good to see ya.

Frank_Pender · « **Reply #15 on:** September 18, 2004, 12:43:46 pm »

Yep, I have three Wade"s.

Stephen_Wiley · « **Reply #16 on:** September 18, 2004, 01:09:22 pm »

Got get em out to play with, Frank!

Haven't seen you on here most of the week, was begining to wonder if your were on a large contract, started your building project or under the weather.

Might have to get D's Vaughn to compare with your Wade's.

Frank_Pender · « **Reply #17 on:** September 18, 2004, 02:25:49 pm »

I am having one of the three, that is in better shape, being rebuilt.

I am out of the weather today.

I gave the newest house sawing job to Loren a week ago.

I hauled Big Leaf Maple and Western Red Cedar yesterday to be used in a new house in town later this Fall.

The building project is on hold for a bit.

Early this morning I hauld materials for the Watershed group I work with. They just gave up the fun due to the heavy rains this morning.

Stephen_Wiley · « **Reply #18 on:** September 19, 2004, 09:11:23 pm »

ohsoloco;

Sorry to hear about your brother's loss.

sawguy21 · « **Reply #19 on:** September 26, 2004, 09:41:03 pm »

Dave Challenger, who I had the great pleasure of meeting this summer, has some neat dragsaws at his Gunn Lake Museum. He does not have e-mail as far as I know but Mike Acre at Chainsaw Collectors Corner should have some pics. Daves collection is outstanding, over 375 pieces plus boxes of parts and literature.

Jeff · « **Reply #20 on:** October 24, 2004, 12:42:56 pm »

Run across this feller in a cracker barrel. Durn them Cracker Barrels! Ya cant buy thier stuff! My first ever glimpse of a riding drag saw!

http://www.forestryforum.com/images/drag81_opt.jpg

jgoodhart · « **Reply #21 on:** October 24, 2004, 05:11:24 pm »

Jeff, what would be the purpose of riding the saw, how would it have been driven

Jeff · « **Reply #22 on:** October 24, 2004, 06:30:53 pm »

It works lie an exercise bike. Pumping action moves the saw back and forth to buck the logs. All human powered.

Sure would have liked to have that riding drag saw, but there's no way to get that.

I aint told my secret yet. I DID find me another manual dragsaw this weekend.

I'm cleaning it up right now. Gotta do it pretty much one handed but I'm getting there.

Jeff · « **Reply #23 on:** October 24, 2004, 06:35:30 pm »

Here is a picture of the seat area of the riding drag saw. Its like an old tractor seat.

jgoodhart · « **Reply #24 on:** October 24, 2004, 07:18:25 pm »

I see it now

, it's works like one of those swings for two kids, I wouldn't trade my chain saw for it, well maybe the Echo

Jeff · « **Reply #25 on:** October 24, 2004, 07:35:22 pm »

I'd trade ALL my chainsaws for it!

Furby · « **Reply #26 on:** October 24, 2004, 07:45:28 pm »

You've got it baaaaaaaaaaaaaad Jeff!

Jeff · « **Reply #27 on:** October 25, 2004, 06:33:50 pm »

My new old toy.

Folding Sawing Machine set up in felling mode.

Jeff · « **Reply #28 on:** May 24, 2005, 05:54:45 pm »

A Hercules dragsaw. Pretty rare for around here, maybe anywhere. Went down to Saint Johns Michigan this morning and dug it out of an old barn.

crtreedude · « **Reply #29 on:** May 24, 2005, 06:06:11 pm »

Wow, these things are interesting.

I am serious thinking of starting to acquire old saws here in Costa Rica.

You see some really big two men saws here.

Jeff · « **Reply #30 on:** May 24, 2005, 07:40:37 pm »

A little Rust Reaper degreaser, and a trip to the car wash and it looks a little better. Its a shame that I am going to have to replace the wood as there is so much original paint there yet. $:-\$

Kevin_H. · « **Reply #31 on:** May 24, 2005, 07:47:32 pm »

Quote from: Jeff B on May 24, 2005, 07:40:37 pm

A little Rust Reaper degreaser, and a trip to the car wash and it looks a little better. Its a shame that I am going to have to replace the wood as there is so much original paint there yet. $:-\$

Yep, but on the up side you can saw the new boards your self...

Jeff · « **Reply #32 on:** May 24, 2005, 09:21:08 pm »

If I can ever find some pine. I think this thing is pine because of what looks like pitch ooz on one of them. Seems like it would be smarter to use ash, but I want to keep it as authentic as possible.

Greenskeeper · « **Reply #33 on:** May 25, 2005, 07:30:48 am »

Jeff glad to see you got that drag saw, I bid on it some but got busy at the end and forgot about it. I had it pegged to be an Economy,I'd like to see what I missed out on Fred.

Jeff · « **Reply #34 on:** May 25, 2005, 08:54:34 am »

Fred, I guess it certainly could be and economy or a Hercules, since Hercules made economy I beleive. Next chore will be to find a 1 3/4 horse engine. I'll have to save up awhile for that as I dont want to trade anything I already have.

Below is a link that shows what I have (middle and bottom illustration) that talks about that.
http://www.herculesengines.com/hercules/hercnews/Hercnews0299.html

Fred, where are you located? Come on over sometime!

This auction was one of those weire things. I knew the saw was in St. Johns, butafter I win I get an email with a HArrison phone number! Turns out the guy that ran the auction lives just over near Lake George and this was in his Dad's barn. He had a check in his hand and we were chatting in his garage less then an hour after the auction ended. I had to wait till Yesterday to get the saw only because I had a brak pad fail on my truck and had to get that fixed first.

Kevin_H. · « **Reply #35 on:** May 26, 2005, 10:18:06 am »

Hey Arky, when ya come up for the roast jeff needs some pine logs...

I would bring ya some jeff, but I dont know how I would get them in the motorhome.

Shotgun · « **Reply #36 on:** May 26, 2005, 10:31:41 am »

Now don't be bringing any logs from out of state into Michigan. We have enough problems with plant pests here without importing more.

Norm

Jeff · « **Reply #37 on:** May 26, 2005, 05:27:10 pm »

Yessir, I dont think that would be a good thing for the forum to get hanged with.

Jeff · « **Reply #38 on:** May 27, 2005, 05:33:21 pm »

THe restoration on the Hercules has begun.

Jeff · « **Reply #39 on:** May 31, 2005, 07:58:46 pm »

I get to blame Furby for this. He sent me an auction link last week and it just so happened it had the right engine listed for my drag saw. Furby, Tammy's looking for you....

Here it is after about 12 hours of clean up and another couple fiddling around. Harold Bobo and I messed with it today and got her running, although only on a squirt can. I don't have a tank for it rigged yet, plus it needs a needle valve for the J carb and a couple new pins to replace the worn governor weight pins..

Robert R · « **Reply #40 on:** May 31, 2005, 08:21:46 pm »

I think they probably have medications to help with this now.

And folks think I am "a little touched" for using horses!

Jeff · « **Reply #41 on:** May 31, 2005, 08:42:09 pm »

I'm proclaiming right here and now there is NO CURE.

Furby · « **Reply #42 on:** June 01, 2005, 01:15:56 am »

Maybe I better not bother showing up at SAWLEX eh?

Glad ya found what ya needed!
My Uncle almost had me talked into driving back for that auction, but the lake was too much fun!

Harold · « **Reply #43 on:** June 07, 2005, 10:08:34 pm »

Jeff's got the fever real Bad! No cure as of yet, Wait till he builds a barn/garage, It only gets worse.
Harold

Tom · « **Reply #44 on:** June 07, 2005, 10:22:40 pm »

Jeff might be developing the disease, but, You have to be the carrier in the areal.

Furby · « **Reply #45 on:** June 07, 2005, 10:46:41 pm »

I sent him a link for another auction.......let's see how bad he really has it!

Jeff · « **Reply #46 on:** June 07, 2005, 11:52:11 pm »

I am proud to announce when you type in drag saws in google, we come up on the first page of results.

Furby · « **Reply #47 on:** June 08, 2005, 12:06:35 am »

Yup, he's got it baaaaaad!

Stan · « **Reply #48 on:** June 09, 2005, 07:55:34 am »

Has a lot of the symptoms of "Classic Tractor Fever". Some of those victims have hundreds. $:-\$

Jeff · « **Reply #49 on:** June 09, 2005, 11:37:20 pm »

I wonder when I'm going to get the command to do sumpthin different. I've been bringing my finished, pretty painted dragsaw parts in a couple at a time and lining them up in the living room to admire. The dogs are starting to have to look for new places to lie down.

SwampDonkey · « **Reply #50 on:** June 10, 2005, 05:47:36 am »

Jeff,

Changes, when they get dictated by the missus, are likely to be swift and wide reaching.

JimBuis · « **Reply #51 on:** June 10, 2005, 06:06:54 am »

Reminds me of one of my favorite songs..............."The Mansong!" There is a line in it that goes something like this: "I am the man of THIS house and I will do anything I want....until SHE gets home!!"

After 30 plus years of being neutered.....I...I...uh....mean tutored, I am almost housebroken.

Good luck Jeff, it only hurts a little bit.

Jim

Jeff · « **Reply #52 on:** June 14, 2005, 09:12:19 pm »

I have all of the major metal parts ready to go together on my Hercules drag saw project. Here is a look at a few of them.

here is the photo from earlier that shows how they started.

Corley5 · « **Reply #53 on:** June 14, 2005, 09:16:45 pm »

Lookin' good!

tnlogger · « **Reply #54 on:** June 14, 2005, 09:27:38 pm »

Looks like their'll be a lot of show and tell at the pig roast

jeff good job there

beenthere · « **Reply #55 on:** June 14, 2005, 09:58:46 pm »

What size drag saw blade goes with that drag saw?

I sure like the color you selected. Has the JD look of Deere.

Jeff · « **Reply #56 on:** June 15, 2005, 08:27:29 pm »

Harold was giving me a little guff tonight on picking the John Deere green, however I have found reference to the color for that era of saw being "slightly darker then John Deere green" with the wheels close to "John Deere yellow" and all the wood parts being close to "Farmall or International red" So, since I can get all those colors easy in a can almost anywhere, thats what I used. The green will darken with age, and with the unavoidable film of grease it will take on as it is used.

I think the sawblade is 60" but I have not measured it yet. could be slightly longer.

It has a VERY agressive tooth style

Jeff · « **Reply #57 on:** July 06, 2005, 08:40:49 pm »

I have my frame ready to go on my Hercules dragsaw project.

Tom · « **Reply #58 on:** July 06, 2005, 09:04:47 pm »

Hey cool! Lavender, Green and Yellow.

Jeff · « **Reply #59 on:** July 06, 2005, 09:20:33 pm »

Thats farmall red there bucko!

Tom · « **Reply #60 on:** July 06, 2005, 09:23:51 pm »

...............Looks like Lavender to me $:-\$

tnlogger · « **Reply #61 on:** July 06, 2005, 11:10:28 pm »

wal now it sure don't look like farmall red

cause that could be that there bright sunlight

Jeff · « **Reply #62 on:** July 06, 2005, 11:46:19 pm »

Well, I guess the can says "International Harvestor Red"

Jeff · « **Reply #63 on:** July 08, 2005, 09:00:21 pm »

Latest photos. I stuck the old pitman arm on for now to test the mechanisms.

pigman · « **Reply #64 on:** July 08, 2005, 09:08:07 pm »

Looking good.

It would have looked better if you had used Farmall red instead of that International Harvester lavender.

I suppose we could repaint it for you at the piggy roast.

sprucebunny · « **Reply #65 on:** July 08, 2005, 09:10:40 pm »

Looks great, Jeff

Is it going to be too clean and shiny to use

Corley5 · « **Reply #66 on:** July 08, 2005, 09:50:18 pm »

Jeff · « **Reply #67 on:** July 08, 2005, 11:03:38 pm »

Its funny, looking at these pictures I discovered I had put something on totaly backwards by the location of two bolts. Any guesses on what I put on backwards and how you can tell? The clue is in the first of the tewo photos.

Furby · « **Reply #68 on:** July 09, 2005, 12:40:04 am »

Axel

Jeff · « **Reply #69 on:** July 09, 2005, 12:40:26 am »

And Why?

Furby · « **Reply #70 on:** July 09, 2005, 12:56:39 am »

Well first thought would be the U shape but then the bolts would point it out.
Actually it's because the actual axel shafts are set off to one side of the crossmember.
They are now towards the front and should be towards the back

Jeff · « **Reply #71 on:** July 09, 2005, 01:01:52 am »

Yep, pretty much. The axles/wheels, are attached with bolts and wing nuts. THe wheels pivot around the back when the saw is in use to A. make the saw more secure, so it does not rock on its wheels, and B. so you can move it sideways along the length of the log.

Furby · « **Reply #72 on:** July 09, 2005, 01:23:11 am »

Looking forward to seeing that thing at the roast!

Jeff · « **Reply #73 on:** July 09, 2005, 01:24:43 am »

If I can find a sprocket for the engine by then, it will be operable. Its the only piece left to the puzzle.

Furby · « **Reply #74 on:** July 09, 2005, 01:26:34 am »

I never did figure out what that sprocket was you were talking about.
Got a pic of one?

Jeff · « **Reply #75 on:** July 09, 2005, 01:31:43 am »

Nope, its just a sprocket that fits the flywheel shaft size on the engine, with the same tooth profile as that of that big clutch sprocket you see on the saw. You can still by the chain at tractor supply. I just bought a roll and have it ready. Its a small flat, square link chain.

Furby · « **Reply #76 on:** July 09, 2005, 01:35:12 am »

Could ya have one made

Bro. Noble · « **Reply #77 on:** July 09, 2005, 08:43:31 am »

Jeff,

What size of shaft and sprocket do you need? What is the chain size? Is it the old cast chain or stamped chain? We got lots of old junk around here.

Jeff · « **Reply #78 on:** July 09, 2005, 09:17:55 am »

What I found to go on it, for now, is stamped. Bought it at Tractor supply. I am pretty positive what goes on it should be cast type chain. The engine shaft is a 1 1/4 keyed. By my estimate I need a drive sprocket about 3 inches in diameter

Theoretically, the engine should run at 550 RPM. the driven sprocket is 50 tooth and about 19 inchs in diameter (18 if you measure from the bottom of the tooth across to the bottom of the opposite tooth), from what info I can find, the saws usually had a working speed of around 90 strokes (revolutions) per minute, so whatever that works out to for engine sprocket size, but I AINT PICKY.

tnlogger · « **Reply #79 on:** July 09, 2005, 09:53:56 am »

jeff do you have a farm COOP close it looks like an idler sprocket from a feed wagon or such will work
also thats what we use for dust chain on that old mill i had.

Jeff · « **Reply #80 on:** July 10, 2005, 09:37:11 am »

Sorry, I can't help it. I love my dragsaws.

Here is a a photo after bolting the saw on for the first time. I dont have a clue how many decades it has been since the saw had its saw. This is the original blade, found with the saw. It was in amazing condition considering the condition of the rest of the machine.

Here is a close up of the clutch sprocket mechanism. THe new Hercules put the clutch on the big driven sprocket rather then the small sprocket on the engine. I think this is a poor idea as the big sprocket and its drive chain will turn when ever the engine is running. Not as safe as thier first design.

Here is a photo of the blade guide, stand. slide portion of the saw.

Jeff · « **Reply #81 on:** July 19, 2005, 05:02:09 pm »

Well, here she is!

Here is a short clip of it running. (LARGE FILE SIZE)
http://www.forestryforum.com/media/hercules.mpg

KILROY · « **Reply #82 on:** July 19, 2005, 05:10:08 pm »

Jeff,
Excellent job refurbishing your drag saw.

Tom · « **Reply #83 on:** July 19, 2005, 05:14:01 pm »

If that Red and Green, going-back-and-forward thingy was my arm, it wouldn't take long before I was bear caught.

sprucebunny · « **Reply #84 on:** July 19, 2005, 05:16:27 pm »

That's great, Jeff

I love the noise....

......puckeda-puckeda-whack ....

Jeff · « **Reply #85 on:** July 19, 2005, 05:19:04 pm »

Just wait til you hear it in person. It sounds great. It really sounds different then the video though.

Mike_P. · « **Reply #86 on:** July 19, 2005, 05:32:04 pm »

Jeff:

Congratulations! It looks great. Now you're ready to go to shows.

Mike

Jeff · « **Reply #87 on:** July 19, 2005, 05:40:50 pm »

Mike, thank you for Rust Reaper! There were several very important parts to the saw that were seized that I dont know how I would have gotten apart undamaged if it had not been for "The REAPER".

beenthere · « **Reply #88 on:** July 19, 2005, 11:03:24 pm »

That looks great Jeff. Anxious to see it run in a 'live' demo in a couple weeks.

My wife just doesn't understand me re-running that video over and over.

I could mention something about her quilting hobby, but don't.

We'll be coming across on the ferry from Manitowoc to Ludington. That should be more relaxing than driving around the south end of Lake Michigan.

UNCLEBUCK · « **Reply #89 on:** July 19, 2005, 11:15:25 pm »

Hey thats really cool ! Good job boss !

Furby · « **Reply #90 on:** July 20, 2005, 12:15:35 am »

Pretty DanG cool alright!

Good job!

MULE_MAN · « **Reply #91 on:** July 20, 2005, 07:32:36 am »

That's really neat Jeff !!

I can't wait till the Pig Roast to see it !!

Looks like you done a real good job

OneWithWood · « **Reply #92 on:** July 20, 2005, 10:02:05 am »

Looks pretty cool alright.
Have you cut anything with it yet?

SwampDonkey · « **Reply #93 on:** July 21, 2005, 01:26:40 pm »

Wish I had broadband. $:-\$ Would like to have seen her in action.

RMay · « **Reply #94 on:** July 21, 2005, 09:59:59 pm »

That is one Nice saw

Jeff · « **Reply #95 on:** January 13, 2006, 10:47:19 am »

Quote from: Jeff B on September 15, 2004, 07:37:35 pm

Here is the folding saw machine, in its honored spot on our mantle. Its sharp and cuts well.
(Image hidden from quote, click to view.)

If anyone is interested, there is a dragsaw similar to this one on ebay right now.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=6243764998

News:

Author Topic: Drag Saws (Read 10671 times)