The Electric Hand Saw Co. was incorporated by 1918 in the State of Washington. It took until 1926 until we hear anything from them: in that year they introduced the "Howland" circular saw, a 6 3/8" saw with aluminum frame and guard. In specs it would seem to be a modern design but the company disappeared after 1929, a casualty, perhaps, of the stock market crash and ensuing depression.

Information Sources

• 1916-18 State of Washington Biennial Report of the Secretary of State lists active corporations, including Electric Hand Saw Co., Seattle.
• 1928 patent (applied for in 1926) assigned to Electric Hand Saw Co., Seattle.
• 1929 issue of Industrial Engineering.

  THE "Howland" electric hand saw, manufactured by the Electric Hand Saw Company, Seattle, Wash., is a circular saw driven by a four-tenths horsepower motor and mounted on a flexible frame. The saw may be used for either ripping or cross-cutting operation

  It may be used free-hand or with a mitre box or saw table. The mitre box and saw table are two accessories especially designed for use with this device. A rafter gage for cutting rafters and studding, which is adjustable for bevels and double mitre and cuts at angles up to 70 deg., is also available. The combination of these accessories with flexible frame allows the woodworker to make vertical cuts, or bevel cuts up to 45°, at any angle with the timber. A mitre square and a ripping guide are supplied with each saw.

  The circular saw is 21 in. in circumference [6 5/8" diameter] and has a free running speed of 2,707 r.p.m., or a peripheral speed of 4,737 f.p.m. The frame and saw-guard are made of aluminum.

  The motor used in the saw is a Westinghouse universal type for use with either d.c. or a.c., , on voltages of 110 or 220, frequencies up to 60 cycles and running at 8,000 r.p.m. It is equipped with a built-in automatic thermostat, a protective device consisting of a simple bi-metallic element installed under the switch handle.