Working the back

After flattening and straightening the back, it's time to do something about its shape. The back is a tapered one in this saw, so I mark a line and cut it with a hacksaw.

Then filing to remove the saw marks and straightening the cut. Finally everything needs to get sanded to remove all the hammer marks and dents. I use a handheld bandsander, clamped upside down in the vise. Going slow, not too much pressure, cooling in a bucket of water when my fingers get hot. And not being too skimpy with the sandpaper rolls.

Slowly they are starting to look nice!