This is developing into somewhat of an addiction. Why? Because Spaniard woodworkers are creating items that I not only like, but are also beautiful. It might even become a series I feature on European woodworkers. And why not? I enjoy highlighting the work of fellow woodworkers overseas, as their important work might start, or even keep our creative juices flowing in the Americas.
The Flamingo bow saw
Julio Alonso Díaz is a woodworker and tool maker who lives in Toledo, Spain. He blogs about woodworking at ArtisanFlamingo (El Taller Dominical, or The Sunday Workshop). You can use the free Google Translate or, if you use the Chrome browser to read Julio’s blog; it will automatically detect the language, and will ask the reader if s/he wishes to have the blog translated into English.
Julio and I became good friends, and often consult back and forth on things of common interest. I knew Julio was working on a new bow saw, as I read the smoke signals he sent recently on one of the social networks. The final product was something not only pleasing to the eye, but also a beautiful form.
Meet the Flamingo bow saw:
More details
I have seen many other bow saws, including some that were part of a collection of saws at the Sloane-Stanley Museum in Kent, Connecticut. However, none of the saws from the past have included the curves that Julio has incorporated in his new bow saw design.
Julio uses mostly hand tools in his shop. Although I don’t know or have all the construction details about this new saw, I am certain he flattened all the wood by hand, and then patiently shaped every curve, until happy with every single detail on the frame.
For Julio: I hope you will share the build of your beautiful bow saw on your blog very soon. But I also hope you will share with everyone how well the saw works in the shop!
To my readers: I hope you will enjoy the Gallery I created using the following images, with Julio’s permission:
Now, your turn:
- Do YOU use a bow saw in your shop?
- If you do, what duties do you have for the bow saw?
Earlier relevant articles:
— Al Navas
About Al Navas
I do not use a bowsaw yet, but I plan to! I am eyeing the Gramercy saw, which I will then use to make another one someday…
You will love the Gramercy bow saw, Robert! I wrote a short article here, and show what I made in the first serious project with it, here.
The first job I tackled with it: religious symbols for an altar. I show it in use at this link.
The altar completed, with the symbols attached: