Westcoast Saw | Springboard History
002: Westcoast Saw History of the Springboard
There's a wealth of knowledge in the forestry community. We're here to share it!
When we recently released our line of Springboard Toes, customers asked, "What is this?" and "Why would I need this product?"
Although not that common today, you can still find evidence of Springboard use in stumps in the Pacific Northwest region. And a small set of our customers still use a springboard today.
"The springboard was invented because the terrain in the Northwest is uneven...Certain species of trees, such as the western red cedar, are wide at the base of their trunks, so loggers would set their springboards up to twenty feet off the ground to get at the narrowing portion of the trunk for a quicker cut." - Kevin Johnson, "Early Logging Tools"
The typical springboard is four to five feet long, seven inches wide, and two inches thick. It uses a triangular metal iron on its end.
"What's with the name, Springboard?" The term springboard came from the fact that the boards would bounce up and down like a spring when in use.
"Where can I find an authentic springboard?" Aside from making your own, you can find this authentic tool in many Oregon and Washington State historical museums. Tips are available to purchase on www.WestcoastSaw.com.
Westcoast Saw springboard toes are made from 3/16" Corten Steel. This type of weathering steel is designed to rust on the surface but not all the way through. This item is sold uncoated but may be painted if desired. If left uncoated, the natural rusting of the surface metal will result in a vintage appearance.
Comes with square nuts and 3/8" bolts. *Note - Bolts are extra long and can be cut down depending on your final board thickness.
Westcoast Saw springboard toes are made from 3/16" Corten Steel. This type of weathering steel is designed to rust on the surface but not all the way through. This item is sold uncoated but may be painted if desired. If left uncoated, the natural rusting of the surface metal will result in a vintage appearance.
Comes with square nuts and 3/8" bolts. *Note - Bolts are extra long and can be cut down depending on your final board thickness.
