Replies

1. 
   Bouboubomber | May 10, 2006 02:09am | #1

   Hi Pumpkin

   I have heard that this one is really good

   http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=1&p=50663&cat=1,42884

   As well as this one

   http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=1&p=32935&cat=1,42884

   The first one is a rip saw, therefore better suited for dovetails

2. 
   douglas2cats | May 10, 2006 02:34am | #2

   This isn't normally my most favored place to shop, but I picked up the Dozuki Z saw on a sale at Woodcraft 6-7 yrs ago and have been real happy with it.

   http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?FamilyID=850

   I'd be willing to bet these guys probably have it too

   http://www.japanwoodworker.com/page.asp?content_id=2896

    

   If you build it he will come.

1. 
   SawDusted | May 10, 2006 05:19am | #3

   http://www.japanwoodworker.com/product.asp?s=JapanWoodworker&pf_id=01.117.02&dept_id=13085This one looks nice

3. 
   docotter | May 10, 2006 07:14am | #4

   I have a dozuki that I picked up from Highland Hardware that I like well enough. It supposedly was spec'ed by Toshio Odate for cutting dovetails in hardwoods.

   See

   http://www.tools-for-woodworking.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=891

1. 
   citrouille | May 10, 2006 01:41pm | #5

   Thank you all.C.

4. 
   WillGeorge | May 10, 2006 04:07pm | #6

   I just LOVE my Japan Saws..
   However they break off teeth in a "kanot'
   Kanot... as in I cannot cut it! I just put up with it...

1. 
   JMartinsky | May 11, 2006 03:40am | #7

   OK, I'm not skilled enough to cut dovetails by hand, but what are you cutting, or not cutting, with your Japanese saw that is so tough that you break the teeth? The only time I've seen that is hitting a nail or screw with them.John

1. 
   Glaucon | May 11, 2006 03:48am | #8

   I've been very happy with the LV rip Dozuki for DTs. I have broken teeth on my cross cutting Dozuki, cutting bamboo.Glaucon

   If you don't think too good, then don't think too much...

2. 
   grainwise | May 11, 2006 04:10am | #9

   I cut over 250 dovetails (not counting the pins) in soft maple a while back and didn't break a single tooth. Then I was cutting a piece of PINE, of all woods, and broke four teeth. Of course the teeth broke out of the middle, requiring a new blade for any serious work. I use the dozuki saw from rockler that comes in the light blue package. It has worked beautifully for me. One caveat...once you get started cutting with the dozuki saws, it is nearly impossible to change the trajectory of the cut like you can with a traditional backsaw. Keeping the saw, wrist, elbow, shoulder, and head inline with the intended cut is very important in accurate cutting. I use the side of my thumb riding on the side of the saw to get the cut started in position. Occasionally I will use a knife or chisel to put a notch to get the cut going, especially if cutting on a severe angle.Hope this helps...Kevin

1. 
   John_D | May 11, 2006 09:48am | #11

   One caveat...once you get started cutting with the dozuki saws, it is nearly impossible to change the trajectory of the cut like you can with a traditional backsaw.

   I just got a LN DT saw, and it does the same thing, as much as or more than my dozuki.  I guess it's a function of having very little set.  Simplifies getting a straight line, but like you say, you better start it pointing the right way, or you're gonna have trouble.My goal is for my work to outlast me.  Expect my joinery to get simpler as time goes by.

3. 
   WillGeorge | May 11, 2006 06:40pm | #12

   I use mostly Hickory, Ash, and Purpleheart..
   All I know is sometimes a tooth will break when hitting a knot.The saw still works OK.. Just missin' a tooth or two!

1. 
   JMartinsky | May 11, 2006 08:41pm | #13

   I have a Japanese saw, that I use infrequently. It's terrific and I just couldn't imagine breaking a tooth on it. I guess once I put some more miles on it!Thanks,John

2. 
   docotter | May 11, 2006 04:29am | #10

   On the tooth breakage issue. I've been cutting white oak with mine and haven't broken any teeth (yet).

   Now that I've said something, I'm sure that I'll break the teeth next time I use it...

5. 
   AdamCherubini | May 12, 2006 02:19pm | #14

   I say skip the japanese saws. Their only advantage disappeared 5 years ago when western style saw makers began offering competitive products. For years, japanese saws were the only decent saws available. No more.

   If you push your planes and work on a western style workbench, you'll be better off pushing your saws as well. I also like the advantage of being able to sharpen my saws.

   Adam

1. 
   EdHarrison | May 12, 2006 02:41pm | #15

   >I also like the advantage of being able to sharpen my saws.<

   That's the deal-breaker for me.  The western-style saws are basically infinitely adjustable.  I suppose that one could learn to sharpen Japanese-style saws but it would be on a par with Mr. Myagi catching flies with a pair of chop-sticks.

    

1. 
   pzgren | May 12, 2006 06:21pm | #16

   <<I suppose that one could learn to sharpen Japanese-style saws but it would be on a par with Mr. Myagi catching flies with a pair of chop-sticks.>>

   Ed-san, you are too funny!!

   James

2. 
   citrouille | May 12, 2006 11:20pm | #18

   Adam,I do this for a living. My dove tails are cut by hand because that is what my customers expect.
   I have very good "push" saws but I always have to pare the cut. Not with a Japanese saw.
   The time I save by not having to clean up these cuts is considerable.C.

6. 
   pzgren | May 12, 2006 06:24pm | #17

   Shark saw and Z-saw are both pretty good saws for the money ($40 - $50 ±).

   If you want to go a bit higher, Japan Woodworker has better-quality factory-made saws in the $90 ± range, or you can go for the Full Monty and get a hand-made saw for about $250.

   James