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

A tenon saw is 10″ or more and has 10 to 14 tooth points per inch and is typically set as a crosscut saw. A dovetail saw is usually 8″ long and has 18 to 22 tooth points per inch and usually set as a crosscut but may also be obtained as a rip tooth to give a smoother cut along the grain.

What’s a dovetail saw used for?

What is a tenon saw best used for?

Tenon saws are mostly used for short, accurate cuts in demanding precision jobs such as joinery or furniture-making. 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 a tenon saw not used for?

A tenon saw is a kind of backsaw that is used to cut straight lines in wood. It does not cut materials such as metal.

What is a tenon saw best used for?

Tenon saws are mostly used for short, accurate cuts in demanding precision jobs such as joinery or furniture-making. Tenon saws get their name from being commonly used in cutting smaller or more intricate pieces of wood, and especially for making joints.

What are the advantages of a dovetail saw?

Particularly if you’ll be jointing a lot of carcases and the like. It will also cut your small tenons and shoulders. 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.

Should a tenon saw be rip or crosscut?

I would recommend getting a rip IF you could only have one for both types of cuts. I have both a 15tpi crosscut carcass and a 15tpi rip carcass. Despite the fact that the rip doubles as my dovetail saw, I still use the carcass way more. Crosscutting with a rip works fine, but will leave a less flattering surface.

When would you use a tenon saw?

A tenon saw is typically used for precision cutting so is used almost exclusively with wood — both softwoods and hardwoods. They are often used by carpenters and furniture makers to make short, accurate cuts.

Does a tenon saw cut straight lines?

Tenon Saw A hand saw with a stiff back that is used to cut straight lines in wood. These saws are particularly good for cutting joints such as finger joints or mortise and tenon joints. Coping Saw A hand saw that is used to cut curves and complex shapes in wood and plastic.

Do I need a tenon saw?

Unless you cut a lot of tenons by hand, you really don’t need a tenon saw. But if you do, then it’s practically essential.

Is a tenon saw a rip saw?

As the name suggests tenon saws are commonly used to make the tenons used in mortise and tenon joints. These saws can be used on hard and soft woods. As standard a tenon saw will have between 10 and 15 teeth per inch and be available in rip or crosscut tooth configuration.

Is a tenon saw the same as a back saw?

Tenon Saws (can also be known as Sash Saws, Back saws and Carcass Saws) – Often used for cutting tenon joints but can be used for a wide variety of applications. It is made up of a wooden handle with a wide blade made from thin steel. There are several different lengths of tenon saws ranging from 10-14”.

What is the meaning of dovetail saw?

: a small backsaw with thin blade, fine teeth, and straight handle used for accurate work (as in cabinetmaking and patternmaking)

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

Is a dovetail saw a rip saw?

Since dovetailing is a ripping operation, where the kerf runs with the grain, our Dovetail Saws have teeth filed to a rip profile.

Is dovetail worth it?

Making sure that you pick a drawer joint that can withstand this type of wear and tear is crucial to the longevity of your kitchen cabinets. Dovetail joints are considered one of the strongest joints used in kitchen cabinetry construction and are the best solution for a kitchen cabinet drawer box.

What is a tenon saw best used for?

Tenon saws are mostly used for short, accurate cuts in demanding precision jobs such as joinery or furniture-making. Tenon saws get their name from being commonly used in cutting smaller or more intricate pieces of wood, and especially for making joints.

What are the weaknesses of dovetail?

The disadvantages of dovetail joints are that they can be fairly difficult to mark out and cut, and if they are made badly these joints lose the advantages listed above. Depending on the project, function, and design, there are a number of different types of dovetail joints to choose from.

What does a dovetail saw look like?

How do I choose a 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.

Why is it called a tenon saw?

The tenon saw derives its name from its use in the cutting of tenons for mortise and tenon joinery. Tenon saws are commonly available with rip-filed teeth for rip cutting and cross-cut for cutting across the grain.

What angle does a tenon saw cut at?

The teeth per inch are set at 3, ensuring smooth and precise cuts every time. The cutting angle of 90 degrees allows for efficient and accurate cutting in various materials.

What is the best saw to crosscut wood is?

Tooth Saw or Hand Saw A tooth saw, often called a hand saw or crosscut saw, is what many people picture when they think of a manual saw. It has a handle at the back, traditionally made of wood, with a long protruding blade with teeth at the bottom. With a little practice, a hand saw can make quick cuts through lumber.

Do you cut the mortise or tenon first?

Always cut the mortise first and then size the tenon to fit snugly. It’s quicker and easier to adjust the dimensions of a tenon (as we’ll show later) than to change a mortise.

What is the best saw for cutting logs?

A circular log saw can be used to cut your wood down to the right length quickly and efficiently.

Which is the most suitable saw for cutting wood fast?

Bottom line: the circular saw is the best tool for fast and accurate cutting. Here at Popular Mechanics, we constantly test and use circular saws in our own projects. Our favorites below range from budget-friendly models, to pro-duty tools that a contractor could use to frame a house.

Mike Walker

Repair and Construction Expert. WoodiesDIY.tv Owner