GG’s,
This past weekend, I made my first turning saw.  Maple, with cherry accessories,
and shop made stainless steel and brass hardware.

https://groups.io/g/oldtools/photo/264246/3229238?p=Created,,,20,2,0,0

In general, I am happy with it, but I do have one issue.  The handle turns too
easily.  Initially, I thought maybe the issue is that I used a 1/4” bolt for the
pin, which is about .007” smaller than the 1/4” hole I drilled to house it.
Tonight I got a piece of 5/16” stainless steel rod (don’t judge me, I live in
Florida, the land of endless rust), chucked it in my metal lathe, and turned the
pin to exactly 1/4” as close as I can measure.  The handle is still loose enough
that it is not feasible to use the saw if only holding the handle.  I find the
saw works fine if I hold the frame with my thumb, index and middle fingers, and
wrap my ring finger and pinkie around the handle.

So is the issue my exceptions, and I should grip the saw as noted above, or is
there some other trick for making the handle harder to turn?  I ended up
drilling a hole in the frame for a set screw that pushes against the pin, and
that works, but is clearly not a period appropriate fix.  I have also considered
putting a high friction washer between the handle and the frame.  Also not a
period appropriate fix.  So what are your experiences?

David Sobel