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 answered this in the "Hand Tools" section. Probably a more appropriate item for there.

Regards

Derek

[Harry II]

Go Japanese, especially if your using softwoods, hardwoods wear them down pretty quickly but if your only cutting dovetails then you would get at least one years life before you notice dulling (is that a word?) of the teeth, at that point you could reserve that saw for softwood only and get another for hardwood (I'm talking replaceable blades). Blades costs about $35.00 which is definately comparable to having a "traditional" western type saw sharpened to keep a keen edge all the time.
Believe me the Japaneese replaceable type saws are bloody sharp but be very careful as the teeth are very thin and the set is very easily damaged. I must say I haven't really had a well tuned western dovetail saw going and it would be interesting to hear from someone who can still sharpen their own and have used both. For my needs, and age, sharpening my own is out of the question, my two Japaneese saws have served me well using them for small joining work.

Hope this helps

Harry

[craigb]

Thanks Harry.
Derek, you are right, the "handtools" forum is more appropriate. Trouble is, I don't know how to move/remove this thread from this forum. Maybe one for the administrator? http://ubb.ubeaut.com.au/ubb/smile.gif