Editor's Review: Soup up a Dovetail Saw

by Mario Rodriguez

review date: May 31, 2012

In recent years, several small companies have introduced high-end gent’s or dovetail saws with designs gleaned from antique examples. That quality is also reflected in their price, with some costing as much as $250. But by defying tradition, Veritas has managed to produce a pair of high-quality gent’s saws at the very reasonable price of $49 each.

Low-cost saws are high on quality. In designing its new gent’s saws, Veritas abandoned the traditional brass back for a polymer composite spine that is just as rigid and strong. The thin blades leave a clean, narrow kerf, making the saws ideal for cutting fine joinery.

The saws, produced as both a rip and a crosscut, have 20 and 22 tpi, respectively. They’re small (8-in. blade, 13-1⁄2 in. overall) and easy to control for delicate cuts.
The crosscut version is effective as a general cut-off saw for small parts. It cuts a clean, thin kerf and “drives” nicely, keeping to the line and leaving minimal tearout. I was equally impressed with the ripsaw. Before putting the saw to wood, I followed Lee Valley’s advice and lightly stoned the teeth on both sides to reduce the set slightly. Once tuned, it is a great dovetail saw. It’s easy to control and cuts a clean, thin kerf.

This effort by Lee Valley is worth applauding: Great tools at a great price.

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