Thread: Knew Concept Fretsaw ((titanium) and Glen Drake dovetail saw

Knew Concepts 5" fretsaw in titanium!

What more can be said. This is the ultimate fretsaw for dovetails. Actually, it is even better since it comes with a custom handle in Jarrah (one I made).




This is the "Bird Cage" version, which is the latest design. It has a lever tension and swivel blade clamps.





The original handle is the only weak point to this great saw, which is why I replaced it (I make good handles ). Some may be aware that I worked with Lee Marshall to design the original fretsaw for woodworkers, and Lee would say that the cheap handle was to keep down the price. He would send interested purchasers to Elk Head Tools for replacement handles at $90 USD ($133 before postage).





This is the blade turned 45 degrees (loosen the tension level and swivel the blade to index point. It can turn to either side of the saw) ...





These saws are sold only by Lie-Nielsen in Oz, and their price is $369 (with the basic handle). I would like $285. The saw is essentially new .... really minimal use (I have 2 others - which the reason for selling this one). Postage is not included. Payment via direct deposit.

My review of this saw is here: http://www.inthewoodshop.com/ToolRev...geFretsaw.html



The Glen Drake Dovetail Saw is the product of Kevin Glen Drake, an innovative designer/maker, who is more famous for the Tite-Mark marking gauge. This is a saw I received for review some years ago, and have not used it since. Why? It does not suit my style of sawing. This is a gent saw with a variable filed blade designed to make starting a dovetail saw easy peasy. To do this, the initial couple of inches are devoid of teeth. The teeth then increase in size, and then decrease at the end of the cut to facilitate a smooth deceleration.

Kevin describes it here:



The saw is beautifully built. The blade is exchangeable for others. This one is is the "fine" blade, with a 18-14-18 tpi filing. The blade is reversible. It is set up here to cut on the push stroke, but can be reeversed for a pull stroke (ala Japanese saw). Unlike other gent saws, where the handle is straight, here the handle is canted slightly for an improved ergonomic hold on the push stroke.






Close up of the teeth ...



In use the saw needs to be set up slightly differently in that it is designed for a strongly marked (knifed) line. The saw plane will track the knife cut, and progressively engage the teeth for a gentle start. The coarser teeth then take over and cut more aggressively.

Handles are very personal. I think that this handle would benefit a larger hand, or someone who likes a wider handle.

Here is a review by Popular Woodworking magazine: New Saw From Glen-Drake Toolworks | Popular Woodworking Magazine

In the USA, the Glen Drake dovetail saw sells for 20% more than a Lie-Nielsen dovetail saw. In Australia, The LN is $269. I would like $150. Postage is not included. Payment is by direct deposit.

Regards from Perth

Derek