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Old Wood & Rubber Balls keep Saws well-Hung!

17K views 82 replies 28 participants last post by  BarnOwl  
#1 ·
I wanted to make a rack for my saws and found a guy on the internet who kinda butchered his attempt of this one. I loved how it worked and made the proper modifications to get it right. The key to success here is to get the proper angle so the balls sit just above center. When you slide the saw in upwards then let it down the ball locks it in. The more you pull down the stronger the hold.

I squared up a piece of 4×4 scrap and sliced the proper angle on the band saw. I chopped my 4×4 loaf of wood on the miter saw into 1 5/8” slices. I glued and brad nailed the slices onto one of the sides then glued and nailed on the other side. I made the kerfs for the saws on the miter saw, setting the stop on the saw so it would not cut into the other side. I screwed on the top just in case I have any trouble down the road with the balls. I removed the balls, screwed the top back on, and went back to the miter saw to cut the kerfs for the saws into the top. I replaced the balls and mounted it onto a piece of plywood and hung it up.

This rack works incredibly well as the saws seem to just magically hang. I got the rubber balls at Walmart for $1.99 and salvaged the wood from scrap.
 

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#11 ·
yup...
 
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#7 ·
Now that's just too clever! Someday I'll have time to do neat stuff like that! But I'll have to get my ideas from folks like you . . .
 
#13 ·
I've got some 1/2" lexan kicking around . I'd be tempted to use it on the front so people can see how it works . But maybe that's giving it away
 
#17 ·
The novelty factor was not intended but I love the idea of a see-through front. I was looking for the best way to house my handsaws & this seemed to be the best way. It really works great, saves space, & makes all my saws easily accessible. I look forward to seeing someone make the new & improved transparent model.
 
#30 ·
Thanks to All

I thank everyone for your compliments on the Saw Till. It was a fun, useful, and easy project to build. I look forward to seeing other woodworker's versions of this helpful shop project. Enjoy!
 
#32 · (Edited)
I thank everyone for your compliments on the Saw Till. It was a fun, useful, and easy project to build. I look forward to seeing other woodworker's versions of this helpful shop project. Enjoy!
Nick sorry for going off topic . As you'll soon find out it's a bit of a trend on forums .

Nick my main concern is getting the front slots to line up perfectly with the main ones .
I'll probably have to build done kind of jig . Wish I had a bandsaw
 
#35 ·
I LOVE this idea!
The balls can be found in the toy section of your local Big Box store.
Also often in the "coin dispenser" (Gumball machines) area of many places. I remember them as "super balls" when I was growing up.

Until I saw the photos, I was thinking "tennis balls?" "Hand exercise balls?" "handballs?"
I would surmise that any really firm ball would work. Possibly even a home made rubber-band ball...lol!
I recently found a sandwich bag of them in an old box from decades ago...I also have a scrap piece of acrylic that would make a see-through version.

Problem is, I don't have any handsaws to use it with...lol!
But it is one of those "uber cool" projects!

Well done!
~M
 
#36 ·
A great idea, thanks. Im going to have to make this as the handles on my hand saws are getting dammaged by hanging them on nails driven in the shed wall.
We don't have a Wallmart but some one here (NZ) must sell those rubber balls.
Would the diameter of the balls you used be about 1 1/2"?
Ray
 
#39 ·
Great idea NickyP and I will surely try this sometime soon, If I may ask, what is the "Perfect Angle"?
 
#41 · (Edited)
You said the key to getting it right was the angle but you didn't give us the angle.
It's a right angle triangle, so basic algebra, a= the square root of ['C'squared, minus 'B' squared]. 'C' being the long diagonal of the square corner formed by 'A' the short side, and 'B' the long side. You then cut off the top of the triangle for the shape as photographed.
Then it just becomes how tall you want your holder to be.

Google "Right Angle Triangle," and there is a widget you can just plug in the numbers for the size wood you are using.

~M
 
#45 ·
Great project, Nick...


PS ....around 39° around here lately so shorts are 'dress of the day'.
 
#46 ·
Okay, I gotta say it,
The title for this thread ALWAYS makes me snigger the tiniest bit when I read it...
Old wood
Rubber balls
Well hung...

I can't help but envision some funny naked cartoon guy holding a hammer in one hand, and a 3' board in the other...
There's no hope for me, I know....LOL!

~M