Hey Everybody,

I'm curious what kind of saws everyone uses for hand cutting dovetails ( if you do that kinda stuff)?

Right now I have a japanese style saw with 25 tpi. It works okay, but I'm having trouble getting repeatable results. I've read that since most of a dovetail cut is a rip, the blade should have less teeth, say 15 -18 tpi, this would make it cut faster which I think would be better. I've also read that a thin kerf saw is good because it helps guide the saw blade as you move through the cut, although it is harder to correct if you screw up.

Any Suggestions?

thanks

Dave

dave...good question..i dont like the japan saw...the teeth are very fragile and the blade is to flimsy for me..i use a 9 dollar blue blade it has a red handle...its a cool little back saw...i dont know where to get it now...i think they stopped making them...not sure though....i think your best bet is to get a simple back saw...the trick it tuning the saw so it works better for us....i learned to take the kerf out of the saw so it is not so aggressive...you put the blade in between 2 old jointer knives and crank it in a vise ...this wil flatten the blade....and some saws teeth are way too big...so i file the teeth with a triangle file...i know this sounds like a pain in the ass.....and it is....but once you have it tuned up the way it is suppose to be......its the only saw you will ever reach for......

Thanks for the advice Tommy,

I just thought I'd try the japanese but I'm finding it hard to control...I start out cutting real good.... hit the top line and the front line... but by the time I get through, the back is a little off... I think the flimsy blade isn't helping and having to make so many strokes creates a greater opportunity for error as well... I'll try finding some cheap little back saw to play with.... good tip with the jointer knives in a vise.....

catch ya later

Dave

We'll, I remembered I had bought this little backsaw a year or so ago but never really used it because it kinda sucked... so, since I didn't have any jointer knives ( or the like ) kickin' around, I took my brass hammer and a hunk of brass and tapped the set out of the teeth... and you know, it cuts great.... it was still sharp because I never used it, it cuts quick and it's much easier to run straight down the line...

So I'm stoked now... I think the thing cost about $15 and its got a orange handle - not quite 1969 Chevrolet Hugger Orange.... but cool none the less...

thanks T-Mac

Dave