Benchmaster Senior Donkey Saw

[martin cross 1Participant @martincross1]

[martin cross 1Participant @martincross1]

I've just bought a rather sad looking Benchmaster Senior Donkey Saw for what I think is a quite reasonable price. It all works, but is in need of some TLC as it's a bit tired after years of use. It's not too big 600 x 200 but still needs two people to lift it.

The odd thing is tho, that I can't find anything on the web about the makers or the saw itself.

Just wondering if anyone has any ideas as to its origin. Certainly UK made, but that's about as far as I've got.

[BikepeteParticipant @bikepete]

No idea on the history but I have one too, well used but not quite as mucky as yours! Mine has the guard over the pulley which you are missing. Not the most sophisticated of saws. Vice is set at 90 degrees only, and there is no damper or blade lift on the return stroke.

Uses 12" blades. When the previous owner sold it to me he made a big thing of including a small stock of 12" x 5/8" blades (rather than the more usual 12" x 1/2" hacksaw type) which are a little more robust – he said they were super rare but I'm still using his stash, so never had to search out more.

Will post a picture when I get a chance.

[Chris Evans 6Participant @chrisevans6]

That looks nearly as old as my "Excaliber" donkey saw. I use 12"x1" blades in either 10 or 14 TPI

[BizibilderParticipant @bizibilder]

A swift google seems to suggest it is a Kennedy product.

[Brian GParticipant @briang]

Welcome to the donkey saw fraternity. Not as fast as a bandsaw or a cold saw, but a lot less noise, mess or flying metal. Cromwell Tools/Zoro stock 12" Kennedy all hard power saw blades in 5/8" x 18TPI and 1" in both 10 and 14 TPI, although I also use standard all-hard blades with the hole opened out in my Hexacut.

I found this picture which shows a saw with an additional plate from F. J. Edwards of Euston Road but suspect they were just acting as a dealer, their main business being "Besco" sheet metal machinery. Can't help wondering if the name "Senior" suggests there is also a Benchmaster Junior?

Brian G

[Nicholas FarrParticipant @nicholasfarr14254]

Hi, three different tooth count 12 x 5/8 blades available at Buck & Hickmah

Regards Nick.

Edited By Nicholas Farr on 09/07/2020 10:16:40

[martin cross 1Participant @martincross1]

Thankyou to all the replies. I first used a donkey saw at school back in the late 60's and finally having the room for a proper mancave slowly filling it with stuff. I've had an ML10 for the last 30yrs, I recently bought a Centec 2A mill and finally got my donkey saw. Currently it's in bits awaiting arrival of some degreaser and a paint job. I find such equipment quite therapeutic. I would love a shaper, used one at school and have been fascinated by them ever since.

[BikepeteParticipant @bikepete]

As promised here's mine:

Martin asked about belt length for the main pulley:

Looks like A1130 to me.

Many more photos in my album.

[Brian OldfordParticipant @brianoldford70365]

Posted by Bizibilder on 09/07/2020 09:24:49:

A swift google seems to suggest it is a Kennedy product.

Could you be confusing it with the Kennedy Hexacut? Or did they also do another design?

[MortyParticipant @morty]

Hi Martin!

Did a saw up recentley, this was a home built one (maybe Duplex), enjoyed doing it, came out well:-

more pics in My albums if You would like a look, good look with Your restoration!

Cheer, Pete

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