Thread: Hand held Fret saw

these have a good reputation Coping Saw - Lee Valley Tools
not sure where you can get them in Australia

Thanks Ian. Cost of shipping is a bugger but I've found one at a Lee Valley type dealer here in Melbourne.
I really like the fret saw they have on the lee valley site too.
Cheers

Hi Kerry

I cannot recommend the fretsaw you link to. It is super light, which is its aim, but it is also flexible and more difficult to control (unless you are very experienced with fretsaws).

I am assuming that you want a fretsaw for removing the waste from dovetails - yes? The ultimate fretsaw for this needs to have two features: firstly, be light and stiff (which adds to control) and secondly, it needs to be capable of sawing any distance (since a panel may extend 600mm in width). The latter precludes the fixed angle fretsaws, unless you bend the blade (like Rob Cosman does). Personally, I do not like bending blades as it is difficult to get an accurate 45 degrees.

So this is sounding more like a coping saw, which does turn. And it is possible to get thinner blades that will slide down a kerf, if you prefer that method. More typically, coping saws are used to cut away waste in two strokes, like this ..




My preference, however, is for a fretsaw, since a fine blade can be used - very accurately - to remove the waste in one cut ..

Yes, this is a Knew Concepts fretsaw, but the important part is that it is cutting at 45 degrees (which offers an infinite length of cutting) and is tight to the line ...





Link: http://www.inthewoodshop.com/Furnitu...ovetails3.html

The question is how to reduce the costs of one of these saws so that you buy once only? The answer is that you do not need the fancy versions. The basic aluminium one is just fine. And get the 3" version - that will offer greater stiffness and still provide all the depth of cut you want as the blade is tilted to 45 degrees.

The secret to using a fretsaw becomes evident as you become more experienced in using one: as when using a dovetail saw, the fretsaw must be held as lightly as possible. Never force the cut. Let the saw do the work. The blade should hardly deflect.

Below is a review I wrote of the original Knew Concepts fretsaw. It may offer you some insights.

http://www.inthewoodshop.com/ToolRev...tsFretsaw.html

Regards from Perth

Derek

Derek many thanks for your comprehensive explanation. Do you have a recommended retailer for a saw here in Australia? I'll check the saw you recommend on the Knew Concepts site and see what that runs out at. Thank you for your generosity of spirit.
Cheers Kerry

Hi Kerry

KC were sold by Henry Eckert, who were sold and part became Lie Nielsen Australia. This this link: https://www.lie-nielsen.com.au/index...ory&path=35_41

Regards from Perth

Derek

Hi Derek,

I have one of these but I've never found it to be that useful but I suspect the problem is the blades I've had. What blades are you using?

Hi Mark

The blades I use are Pégas #7 Skip Tooth.

Regards from Perth

Derek