Should you have a dovetail and crosscut saw for precise woodwork joints?
retired08
| Posted in Hand Tools on
I’m looking for input from some of you hand tool woodworkers. I know that typically if you ask ten woodworkers the same question you’ll probably get 12 answers but will do it anyway! I have a LN dovetail saw, rip cut which I love and use a lot. It will obviously do my crosscuts as well but notice the cut quality could be better. In your opinion, would it be worth the $130.00 to purchase LN’s small crosscut saw to enhance my work? I also do the occasional tenon’s, plus cut small stock to size on a bench hook so it’s just “opening my wallet” I’m needing some help with. Appreciate your opinions to help me spend my money! I’m essentially a minimalist but want to do the best work I can achieve — Thanks
Replies
Yes, you want a crosscut backsaw
John:
If you are serious about hand cutting as much joinery as possible you want a crosscut backsaw. I'm not a fan of trying to press a rip saw into crosscut work and vise versa. You end up with less than satisfactory results and using the wrong tool just holds you back. If you can, try out a couple of sizes before laying down your cash. I have a vintage 12" Disston that I use a lot and love the balance of the saw. A few years ago I decided to buy a 14" LN crosscut carcass saw to go with my 16" LN tenon saw since I already had the 12" Disston. The LN cuts great, but I discovered I prefer a 12" saw for crosscut work. The ergonomics of handtools is a very subjective thing.
gdblake
PS -- I also have the LN dovetail saw. If you want to press it into better crosscut work knife the line first to sever the top layer of fibers.
Tools, right and improvised
FWIW, I agree with gdblake - the right tool for the job is always desireable, even though one might have to "improvise" in some situations.
I also agree that actual tool selection is very subjective, after one gets beyond quality issues. What feels right to one person may not to another.
You've Convinced Me
Thanks for both of your replies, you've confirmed what I believed and that is to get the proper tool. I know that buying a quality tool won't automatically make a person a better woodworker but it makes the journey easier! Since I really like my LN dovetail saw I'll go with their small crosscut saw which has about the same dimensions. Always hard to spend money when you're retired and on a fixed income without a lot of side work coming in. Glad my wife sees woodwork and creativeness in a good light! Heck, folks pay more for a dinner or round of golf than this $130.00 quality saw that will last my lifetime and then go on to the grandson! I've always said that if it's not illegal or immoral and doens't put me into debt it's probably a good move.
Cross Cut Saw
If on a budget (these days who isn't?) have you considered a Japenese Pull saw? These are much cheaper but do have a learning curve, though a relatively rapid one; cutting on the pull as opposed to the push of the Western Saws. I find that they track well in a knife line if one is not too aggressive and let the saw do the work.
DAVID
Designer Firewood
Hi David, I do have a Japenese Pull saw and use it for cutting small trim pieces and moldings. Have done dovetailing with it with some degree of success but prefer the western style. I've found that if I lay my forearm along the handle on the Japenese style saw I can maintain a pretty good line!
I revieced both the LN dovetail saw and the carcass saw for christmas. Very happy with both. I'm sure the small crosscut saw will be just as enjoyable as the carcass saw.
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