Dick: Thank you for your question, Lloyd, as well as your interest in volunteer work. The Carpenters union is deeply embedded in the community, regularly participating in volunteer endeavors that benefit nonprofit organizations. By now you should have received a personal e-mail from me, directing you to a representative with the Carpenters union who can provide detailed information.

Dick: There is no clear answer to the question, "Did the little nibs on handsaws serve any useful purpose?" We do have five possibilities, Ben:

1. Left over from a second handle at the front end of the blade on very early hand saws
2. A gauge to show when the blade is about to leave the work on the upstroke - not much use when sawing fast, but useful on a slow/careful cut
3. Used to hold a string tied to the top of the blade for a saw tooth guide
4. Decoration only
5. Makes it easy to spot an old saw at a garage sale!

I began working as a union carpenter at 17 years of age. Working on as many homes and structures as I did makes it pretty difficult to hone in on one or even a handful that I'd consider the most enjoyable or challenging. Most every project had its own unique set of challenges, but meeting those challenges and reflecting on the completed job contributed the greatest satisfaction.