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Docking Saw
The emergence of the electric handsaw in the 1920s reduced the
labour in building construction, where previously the cutting
of all wood members was done by hand. It has been estimated
that this particular technology change reduced the time to build
a family residence by two to three working days and ensured
more consistent results.
Had Frederick Taylor (author of The Principles of Scientific
Management) examined this use of the handsaw in industry,
major changes might well have been made much sooner.
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Maker's etch on blade. |
Offered
by Henry Disston & Sons, Inc., the #196 one-man docking
handsaw was described as having a tapered crucible steel blade,
ground with the thickness running from 18 gauge (.0478")
to 21 gauge (.0329"). It was tenon toothed (bevel) at 4
tpi with a malleable iron handle, held by two rivets. This saw
was offered by Disston in 24" or 30" lengths. It was
described as a saw for light work, most specifically for docking
(trimming) the ends of boards prior to piling.
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Close-up of the teeth. |
Other
saw manufacturers, such as Atkins, Simonds and Shurley Dietrich,
produced a similar product and had different interpretations
as to intended usage. Company catalogs described the saws
as useful in shipyards, car shops, lumberyards, farms and mines,
and for general contractor work.
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