Dovetail Dilemma

[craigb]

G'day folks,
Currently I don't posess a handsaw for cutting dovetail joints, so this tool is definitely high on my wish list.

The thing is, should I go with a good quality traditional (western) dovetail saw or is a Japanese saw (a dozuki I guess) a better option?

I've never used a Japanese saw, and I haven't cut a dovetail by hand (or machine for that matter) since I was in school many many moons ago.

So please, hit me with your opinions.

Cheers
Craig

[derekcohen]

Craig

I have both Western and Japanese backsaws.

The main difference is that the Western cuts on the push and the Japanese cuts on the pull. The advantage here is totally with the Japanese since pulling a blade leaves it in tension and there is less (little) danger of buckling the blade. Consequently the blades of the Japanese saws have a narrower kerf, that is, cut a finer line.

In my (limited) experience, the Western push style still feels more natural to me, but I have found that the Japanese cuts more accurately (it just tracks more easily). I am getting used to it.

A reasonable Japanese backsaw is going to cost much less in outlay than the Western equivelent. Most, if not all, Japanese backsaws have disposable blades, but it will be a long time before you use one up.

Veritas make a dovetail guide and supply a Japanese style backsaw for it. Basically, it clamps to the board,is magnetic and will hold the saw at the correct angle.

Regards from Perth

Derek

[Gino]

I'm with Derik.

I find the Jap saw gives a finer cut.

Gino

[John Saxton]

I also go along with the use of the Japanese saw's and like Derek have Western style dovetail saws.

The ease of use and the keen edge give a fine finish to the cut with no comparison in Western tools in my view.

For the main now on a small job and if reaching for a saw then my tendency is to employ a Japanese saw.
They are competitively priced so shop around if going down this track.

Cheers http://ubb.ubeaut.com.au/ubb/smile.gif

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Johnno

[Rod Smith]

For a cheapy, you can use a hacksaw with a suitable blade.
Geez that'll upset a few purists, ay?
cheers
Rod

[craigb]

Thanks chaps.
Looks like I'm shopping for a Japanese saw, although I probably won't be buying a Shindo Dragon brand. At $395 from Carba-tec it's just a tad out of my price range!
Looks like Shindo Dragon must be the Japanese version of Lie-Nielson only for saws rather than planes.

Cheers
Craig