Adapt a tree-pruner so it can be used as a handsaw.

Step 1: Tree Pruner Is a Little Too Long

Like about eight feet too long. It's great for getting at high branches, but I have some overgrown shrubs with quite thick branches which need reduced. The branches are too close together to allow easy access for a bow saw or even a handsaw.

To adapt the blade from the pruner to hand-held use, you will need:-

Tools:-

Tenon saw
Sandpaper (say about 120 grit)
Hand drill
4mm bit (about 3/16 inch)
7mm bit (about 9/32 inch)
Small spanner

Materials:-

Thick dowel about 32mm (inch and a quarter)
Danish oil or other finish
Two M6 bolts with washers and nuts

Step 2: Remove the Blade From the Pruner

Pretty simply done by unscrewing the wing-nut, but just in case it wasn't clear.

Step 3: Measuring the Handle

I couldn't be bothered doing that, so I just grabbed the dowel and cut a reasonable chunk. I think it ended up at about six inches (150mm).

Step 4: Making the Slot for the Blade

First, I sanded off the outside of the dowel. It wasn't great quality, so this gave a much nicer finish. Holding the paper at each end and "towelling" gave a great finish really quickly.

Then I made the slit of the blade to inhabit.

Once I had that cut most of the way, I could align the drill by eye to put a 4mm hole through to reduce the chance of the wood splitting. Then I took the cut down to meet the hole.

Step 5: Making the Bolt Holes

I offered the blade to the handle, making sure that the cut was horizontal, then marked where the bolt holes needed to be.

Then I drilled the bolt holes (carefully). If you have a drill press, you'll be able to drill all the holes for this project much more accurately. Oversizing the bolt holes gave me the margin to do this quick-and-dirty.

Do a test-assembly to make sure everything is right before finishing.