Thread: Essentials for toy making

Better than a nice dovetail saw Ruddy?

Hi Grandad...
In my opinion the Japanese saws are much easier to use than even a small dovetail saw.Because its a pull saw the kerf is much thinner, you make a much finer cut and this definalety allows very accurate cuts. I have a couple of them, one is a double sided saw, one side for cross cut, one side for ripping, very handy for cutting small pieces.
I have a few tenon saws but nowadays seldom use them. You do have to be careful as the teeth are very sharp and are more brittle than standard western style saws. If you drop them or let the teeth hit metal then there is a very good chance you will chip some teeth out. They usually come with a blade guard and a plastic sleeve for storage so now I always put the saw away when I have finished using it.

Thanks Ruddy,
I'll keep that in mind.

I second what Ruddy said. A small miter box and pull saw are perfect for cutting dowel and small parts. Here is the one I use. It is called a razor saw I believe.

Attachment 186738Attachment 186739


Bret

The only Japanese saw I've ever seen was much larger than that one. That looks more conventional.
It actually looks more like the small saws we used to use in plastic scale models.
You're an ex plastic modeler aren't you Bret?
Did you bring any of your old tools from that pastime into your woodworking modeling?
Looks like I have some research to do.

What do you think about the rest of my list Bret?

Jim,

The picture I posted is not a japanese pull saw. It is a hobby scale saw. It has like 60 teeth or something. I originally bought it for my plastic models, but it works on wood as well. It only cuts in one direction which is pull.

I like your list. There are a few things I would change.

If you are building serious scale models then a planer is definately on the list. I have used everything from 1/8" all the way up to 2" on my Scania truck. Being able to run lumber through the planer and get the exact thickness makes everything so much easier.

Scrollsaw is nice but same can be done with a coping saw it just takes longer and more sanding after.

I have a dremel tool but I have never used it that much. For the task you mentioned it for I guess it could be used but I made all the exhaust by hand with small files and sanding rolls.

I think one neccessity is a good woodworking vise. I use mine all the time when shaping and filing.

I do think I would add a lathe. Not owning one myself it is the next thing on my list as it will make things so much easier, faster and more accurate than I how I am doing it. A drill press just can't do what a lathe can.

I think the biggest deciding factor on all the expensive power tools is are you doing this for a hobby and leisure time or are you going to make models or toys to sell and make money. Because you will never make money if you go slow as I do. If I were to sell my Scania truck I would have to ask at least $500-$600 and still would make no profit. But I have enjoyed every minute building it so that is where the hobby comes in.

My .02 cents. Not saying any of this is right or wrong

Bret

I second that. I have a Japanese pull saw and use it lots. They cut so easily and well. Mine is this one Japanese Pull Saws

Thinking of hand tools, another simple tool I love is the Shinto Saw Rasp. Mine is this one Shinto Saw Rasps

Mike John

Originally Posted by bj383ss

The picture I posted is not a japanese pull saw. It is a hobby scale saw. It has like 60 teeth or something. I originally bought it for my plastic models, but it works on wood as well. It only cuts in one direction which is pull.

Thanks Bret, yes I was aware of that. I also did a lot of plastic scale models back in the late 60's. I had a similar saw but without the nice handle.

If you are building serious scale models then a planer is definately on the list. I have used everything from 1/8" all the way up to 2" on my Scania truck. Being able to run lumber through the planer and get the exact thickness makes everything so much easier.

Looking at some of your work, I think the thicky I have now might be too big. I used to use it for thicknessing beams etc. I was sortof tossing around in my mind whether one of those smaller, benchtop models might be more useful at this time.

Scrollsaw is nice but same can be done with a coping saw it just takes longer and more sanding after.

Exactly what I was thinking.

I have a dremel tool but I have never used it that much. For the task you mentioned it for I guess it could be used but I made all the exhaust by hand with small files and sanding rolls.

Ditto

I think one neccessity is a good woodworking vise. I use mine all the time when shaping and filing.

I'll put that on the list. The one I currently use is for heavier work. Not really suitable for small fine pieces.

I do think I would add a lathe. Not owning one myself it is the next thing on my list as it will make things so much easier, faster and more accurate than I how I am doing it. A drill press just can't do what a lathe can.

I'll take your comments under consideration. I've never used a lathe and am a bit apprehensive about doing so, and my shop is ultra small. A very small one might be do-able and less intiminating at the same time.

I think the biggest deciding factor on all the expensive power tools is are you doing this for a hobby and leisure time or are you going to make models or toys to sell and make money.

Definitely hobby only. And something to keep my mind and hands working on something satisfying as I get older.

Thank you for your input

Originally Posted by clarence1

I second that. I have a Japanese pull saw and use it lots. They cut so easily and well. Mine is this one Japanese Pull Saws

Definitely now on my list. Thanks

Thinking of hand tools, another simple tool I love is the Shinto Saw Rasp. Mine is this one Shinto Saw Rasps

Looks like a much finer version of a Sherform (sp?)

A lathe is a must in the workshop have used mine on many a project and can see it being used a lot in the modeling side of the hobby.
As for Japanese pull saws just can't get used to the pull to cut keep forgetting and try to use as a conventional saw

Originally Posted by Diggerdelaney

A lathe is a must in the workshop have used mine on many a project and can see it being used a lot in the modeling side of the hobby.

I looked at the work you gave a link to, and it's clear you're an old hand at using a lathe.
I've never used one.
Is there any logic to my thinking that a very small one might be better for me with nil experience?
My shop is ultra small so I really don't have the room for a conventional sized one anyway, or I might be just justifying my position in my mind.

As for Japanese pull saws just can't get used to the pull to cut keep forgetting and try to use as a conventional saw

I had the opportunity years ago to attend some classes at The Australian School of Woodcraft in Fitroy or Collingwood.
They had an extensive range of Japanese saws.
You're quite right, they are a bugger at first. But like everything else, the more you use one, the more comfortable they feel.

Hmmmm I wonder if maybe I should apply that thinking to a lathe?
Probably...huh?

Pull saws can be tricky to start but once you get them moving they move along easy enough. I start the cut half way along the saw and then develop the rhythm slowly. You have the watch they don't flex as they are thin.

Mike John

This is the ideal lathe for a small workshop there are a number of companies that produce lathes of this size. It has the advantage that you can buy an extension for the bed, the only other limiting factor is the diameter that can be turned but for model work that is not an issue Buy Axminster AWVSL Woodturning Lathe from Axminster, fast delivery for the UK

Forgot to put that size of lathe does not matter when learning. But it can work out expensive considering that you need Turning chisels chucks and a few other items