Thread: Trying hand-cut dovetails - dovetail saw western vs japanese?

Originally Posted by IanW

Dom, this is something I often blather on about, I reckon a tool that you like using because it feels right in your hand ineevitably leads to better work. It's all in your mind, of course, but that's where the control & guidance of the tool comes from, too!

you know? I reckon it's a bit more than all in the mind.
Particularly with a western saw, if the handle fits just right then you can be cutting tenons and dovetails without the mind needing to tell your wrist to cock itself just so.

Quick lid for the box.

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Figured I may as well create an opportunity to get more familiar with my shooting board and rasps.

Cheers,

Dom

I prefer western saws for dovetails for two reasons. Firstly, I believe that the shape of a well-fitted handle gives good control me without having to take a white-knuckle grip. Secondly, the weight of the brass back lets the saw do the work, rather than me having to exert any downward force on the blade. This means that I can concentrate on keeping the blade vertical and on line.
That said, I used a Japanese saw for the last set of dovetails I cut, and was quite happy with the result, so I guess it's really down to personal preference.