Finish for hand saw handles?

[JimM]

I purchased an old handsaw. The blade is in good shape but the finish has chiped off the handle in many places. The finish chipped off in the direction the wood grain runs.

What is the best finish for a hand saw handle?

[Peerie Maa]

Depends on the quality of the saw. With collectable handsaws you can knock £60 off of the resale value by doing the wrong thing.

I usually give any part that would be rough on the hand a sanding with fine sand paper, then feed the wood with linseed oil and give it a coat or two of shellac.

[JimM]

Not a collectors saws. I plan to use this saw.

[Peerie Maa]

Same answer, shellac is an excellent finish for handles. Alternatively, just sand the rough bits smooth. Using the saw will keep the areas you hold comfortable.

[Wooden Boat Fittings]

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I've never used shellac, but I'd certainly sand off the existing varnish that sounds like is still there and then oil the handle. Varnish grabs your skin, and if you use the saw long enough I suspect you could wind up with a pretty sore hand (if not with blisters.) On all my tool handles (especially garden tools which can tend to get left out in the weather sometimes) I use raw linseed because of its ability to penetrate the wood. But I understand some US types prefer to use boiled oil.

Mike

[donald branscom]

BIN shellac, let dry, then lightly sand.

[JimM]

Thank you all for your answers. Looks like I need to get a little shellac.

[TerryLL]

I make hand tools for a living. Been doing it for 22 years. Shellac is the stuff. Slather it on, quickly wipe off the excess, then buff with steel wool when dry.