Saw for cutting tenons

[Superbunny]

Hi
This is my first interest in Japanes hand tools and over the years I've been hearing more and more about them. I'm now ready to experiment with a Japanese saw. Any recommendations for a Japanese saw that would suit cutting hardwood tenons please and I'll give it ago. You never know I might be a convert to Japanese hand tools.:D:D

SB

[Claw Hama]

Hi SB
I use Japanese saws quite a bit but I would and have just finished cutting some with a good old tenon saw. I like them if the timber is not too hard, Tassie Blackwood, Tassie Oak, greenish hardwoods Blackbutt etc but if it is dry hardwood I think you realy need a push saw so you can put some weight into it. I have two Japanese saws one is a handmade double edge and the other is the replacable blade type from Bummings both work very well and have many uses.

[Des.K.]

SB

For tenons and all other fine work I use Nakaya saws bought in Japan. Carbatec seem to have a similar one to the cross-cut Nakaya that I use. The Carbatec website has it listed as the Nakaya "Dozuki 210mm Fine Precision Saw (http://www.carbatec.com.au/dozuki-210mm-fine-precision-saw_c5800)". Specifications are slightly different from mine, but I think it would be comparable. An excellent saw. I use mine on both hardwood and softwood, and they cut well in both. The key, especially with hardwood, is to let the saw do the cutting - if you try to force the cut, the thin hard Japanese blade could lose a few teeth, or even chip or snap.

Des

[rrobor]

Must admit I love the pull saw, as said lit it cut at its own pace. I had to get a new blade because I was cutting the architraves of a door for laying a new floor and cut through a nail without knowing it. For delecate work you cant beat them. You can also get a guide for them which is a strong magnet on a mobile lockable arm where you can set an angle to cut dovetails etc.

[Superbunny]

Thanks guys, I'll try the dozuki saw from carbatec. I always let the saw do the work and that's why I'm not happy with my tenon saw. When I was a boy they seemed to work better than they do now, and the tenon saw I've got at present was new but it just dosen't feel right.

SB

[Pam]

I use a single edge rip Kaneharu from Hiraide, wonderful saw but not cheap. When I started with Japanese hand tools I used the Professional Dozuki from Lee Valley, which even though it's crosscut, has worked great for tenons and dovetails and is very inexpensive. LV also has a Japanese rip tooth dozuki that Rob Lee tells me is absolutely great. I'd buy that one if purchasing a new one today. It's true that a dozuki limits your depth of cut somewhat.

It may be that your technique has changed/disappeared with the years, thus making your new saw feel inadequate; so why not work a bit on letting the saw do the work, making your shoulder the fulcrum point, and keeping your forearm steady to your elbow, all while keeping a very light grip.

Pam

Dozuki - Lee Valley Tools - Woodworking Tools, Gardening Tools, Hardware Supplies (http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=2&p=42898&cat=1,42884)

[ronbrunton]

rrobor, I am interested in your comment about a magnetic guide on a lockable arm for pull saws. What are they called and where can you get them?

Thanks
Ron

[rrobor]

Sorry I dont know. I saw them at the wood show 3 years ago when I bought my first pull saw. I made one for a special job I had. I got a magner out of a speaker and araldited it on to a piece of angle and that worked well. With google got Nobex Magnetic Saw Guide. #50502 (http://www.justtools.com.au/prod4815.htm). Now I believe the issue with them is not to let magnet and teeth come together. The one I saw was a lot smaller than the justtools one.

[ronbrunton]

Thanks for that. A few months ago I bought the 'Perfect' pull saw guide from Carbatec, but found that it doesn't live up to its name. It is not precise - at least on my one, the 45 degree mitres I cut were well off, and it is very awkward to use with thin workpieces. I will try the Nobex.

[Superbunny]

Well I got a Dozuki at the Hands on show in Brisbane but before the buy I had the chance to test one or two differnt teeth. I was impressed and now I'm pleased.:D:D

SB