A nicely preserved Simonds panel saw with an unusually clean handle, and a strong etch. The blade has a bend I couldn't fully hammer out, so I'm not sharpening it — but for a Simonds collector, the handle and etch alone make it worth the shelf space at this price.
At a glance
| Maker | Simonds, Fitchburg, Massachusetts |
| Length | 18 inches |
| Points per inch | 11, crosscut |
| Sharpened | No — sold as-is, see condition note below |
| Best suited for | A Simonds collection or parts |
Honest condition
The plate has a bend in it. I tried to hammer it out and couldn't get it straight enough to be confident in the cut, so I didn't sharpen it. It could probably be sharpened and used by someone with more patience for the bend than I have — but I'd rather price it as what it is than oversell it.
Everything else on the saw is in good shape. No splits or chips on horns, no rust or pitting on the plate, original screws all present. There is some wear that you can see in the pictures.
What makes it worth keeping
- The handle. No damage on the horns. Better than most saw handles I come across.
- The etch. Strong and legible — full Simonds wording readable.
- The maker. Simonds are high quality saws and they are harder to find that Disstons.
About Simonds
Simonds was founded in Fitchburg, Massachusetts in 1832 and competed with Disston as one of America's premier saw makers through the late 1800s and early 1900s. Their saws turn up far less often than Disstons today, which is why Simonds collectors actively hunt for clean examples. A panel saw with a in this condition isn't easy to find — even one with a bent plate is shelf-worthy if the rest of it is right.
Who this saw is for
A collector building a Simonds shelf, or a woodworker who wants the handle and medallion as a parts donor for another project. Not a saw I'd recommend if you're looking to put it to work on Saturday morning — for that, take a look at one of the sharpened panel saws shown below.
Questions about this saw? Email me at info@benchandchisel.com — I answer them all.
— Aaron, Bench & Chisel
