What makes a good dovetail saw?

Like tenon saws, these can be brass or steel-backed, the main difference is that the steel-backed saws are lighter. You also want to make sure it has 15 PPI or more (slightly smaller teeth) and has a comfortable wooden handle. Paul likes the turned (inline) handle for cutting dovetails, as found on the gent’s saw.When buying a dovetail saw you need to ensure that it has good, resharpenable steel and has a strong back. Like tenon saws, these can be brass or steel-backed, the main difference is that the steel-backed saws are lighter. You also want to make sure it has 15 PPI or more (slightly smaller teeth) and has a comfortable wooden handle.

What saw is best for dovetail joints?

You need a saw with rip teeth for dovetail work. This means the cutting edges of the teeth are approximately perpendicular to the length of the saw. Two saws that do the trick are a Japanese dozuki (top) and a Western backsaw.

What are the characteristics of a dovetail saw?

What is the best TPI for a dovetail saw?

What is the best length for a dovetail saw?

Even if you’ll use your saw mostly for run of the mill drawer dovetails, the longer length will give much straighter cuts, and be much faster. It will also help you to see square. Go for around the 10″ (250mm) mark. Maybe a little longer if you work thicker stuff.

What is the best length for a dovetail saw?

Even if you’ll use your saw mostly for run of the mill drawer dovetails, the longer length will give much straighter cuts, and be much faster. It will also help you to see square. Go for around the 10″ (250mm) mark. Maybe a little longer if you work thicker stuff.

What are the 2 types of dovetail joints?

Types of Dovetail Joints Half-Blind dovetails: In these, the pins and tails are hidden. Half-blind dovetails are only revealed when moved, opened or seen from a certain angle, like behind a drawer face. In a through dovetail, both the dovetails and pins are visible.

Can you cut dovetails with a jigsaw?

If you have a jigsaw table, a few simple angle jigs can help you create fast, precise and repeatable dovetails.

What is the difference between a gents saw and a dovetail saw?

‘Gents saws’ are similar to a dovetail saw, however they can be identified by their inline handle. Dovetail Saws – These are the smaller backsaws which are mostly used for dovetailing, these are small versions of the tenon saw.

What is the difference between a dovetail saw and a tenon saw?

The teeth on a tenon saw are crosscut as it is typically used for cutting across the grain. A dovetail saw — as the name suggests — is specifically designed for cutting dovetail joints, which are generally smaller than tenon joints, hence why they have shorter and thinner saw blades.

What is the difference between a carcass saw and a dovetail saw?

While both dovetail and carcass saws are considered “ripping”, the difference is usually in the tooth set. The dovetail has a much smaller offset.

How many teeth per 25mm does a dovetail saw have?

How many teeth does a dovetail saw have?

The first two inches of each dovetail saw is filed at 22 teeth per inch (TPI) and a 30 degree negative tooth rake, which allows you to easily start a cut. The rest of the blade is filed at 15 tpi and a 0 degree tooth rake allowing you to finish the cut with just a few strokes.

What are the rules for dovetails?

Which part of a dovetail do you cut first?

The first thing I do is use my dovetail saw to cut in the waste area, and right up next to the line. I try to leave just the pencil line, and no more. But if you’re having a hard time cutting right next to the pencil line, then just cut a little further into the waste.

What dovetail ratio is best?

Dovetail angles are usually expressed as ratios — the most common being 1:6 and 1:8 (said “one in eight,” and also written as 6:1 or 8:1). As a general rule of thumb: Use 1:6 for softwoods. Use 1:8 for hardwoods.

What saw is best for cutting wood into joints?

Tenon saws get their name from being commonly used in cutting smaller or more intricate pieces of wood, and especially for making joints.

What is the difference between a gents saw and a dovetail saw?

‘Gents saws’ are similar to a dovetail saw, however they can be identified by their inline handle. Dovetail Saws – These are the smaller backsaws which are mostly used for dovetailing, these are small versions of the tenon saw.

What tool is used to make a dovetail joint?

Woodworking Hand Tools used for Cutting Dovetails The tools I’ll be using for cutting dovetails are a dovetail saw, a crosscut saw, a coping saw, a few wood chisels, a marking gauge, a combination square, a bevel square, a pair of dividers, a marking knife, a joiner’s mallet, and a pencil.

Can you cut dovetails with a jigsaw?

If you have a jigsaw table, a few simple angle jigs can help you create fast, precise and repeatable dovetails.

Should you glue dovetail joints?

Michael Dresdner: The only areas that require glue on dovetails are the diagonal faces. All the diagonal faces are long grain, all the square faces are end grain, and all the flat faces abut end grain. Therefore, you need only apply glue to the diagonal faces on the tails or pins, or both.

How deep should a dovetail joint be?

Typically we use 1 ½” – 2” deep dovetails that are about 2” less deep than the joist, and 4” less deep than the girt – but that is just a starting point – the loads and reactions have to be calculated from there.

Are dovetail joints worth it?

Dovetail drawers are known for their durability. The joint’s design provides exceptional resistance to the stresses of heavy items, making them ideal for storing dishes, pots, and pans. The construction of dovetail drawers ensures that they will not come apart easily, even with frequent use.

What is a gentleman’s saw?

The “Gentleman’s Saw” is a western type back saw. It was generally of a smaller size and features a simple turned handle. A Gent’s saw cuts on the push stroke and has a brass spine to keep the blade straight and stiff.

What saw is best for wood joints?

A Tenon Saw is a large backsaw used for making deep, accurate cuts in furniture joinery. It should make straight, fast cuts without binding.

What saw is best for cutting wood into joints?

Tenon saws get their name from being commonly used in cutting smaller or more intricate pieces of wood, and especially for making joints.

Mike Walker

Repair and Construction Expert. WoodiesDIY.tv Owner