Replies

1. 
   Dave_in_Cairns | Nov 05, 2000 02:51pm | #1

   *
   There is no way for me to know whether it's the saw or your technique. I think many people have trouble using these saws because they are used to western style saws that can be steered after the initial cut. Dozukis can't change direction after the initial few strokes , so it's important to start right. Like with all hand tools , practise makes perfect. The effort will be well worth it!
   
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1. 
   kevin_hopper | Mar 02, 2001 01:16am | #2

   *dave i think your comments where right on if you start of straight then it is unlikly that the saw will wander, i use jap saws all the time and agree with you. just keep practising Chris

1. 
   Mike_Maines | Mar 02, 2001 03:30pm | #3

   *I had a Ryoba saw that I used on a job, and brushed one side up against a nail somehow--didn't break any teeth, but afterwards I couldn't get a straight cut--turns out it dulled the set of the teeth on one side, which made the saw track off. Replaced the blade and have been more careful since. Has anyone tried those super-skinny files made for sharpening Japanese saws?

1. 
   Ludger_Hentschel | Mar 10, 2001 01:40am | #4

   *Any decent dozuki saw should track pretty straight. Unless the saw is damaged (e.g. bent), I suspect technique is at fault. To make straight cuts, make a fairly long kerf, at least initially. This usually means holding the saw handle and blade closer to parallel than perpendicular to the face being cut. Moreover, when possible line up the cut on the longer face when cutting a board. Once you have established the kerf, you can return the blade to something like 45 deg. relative to the surface being cut. (I am having a hard time making the angles unambiguous since there are three directions and angles involved, but I hope this is understandable. I know its not clear.)

1. 
   Leonard_Rock | Apr 06, 2001 11:17pm | #5

   *I've been thinking about trying out Japanese saws forquite a while and think now's the time. The trouble is that I don't know where to start. Which saws to get and where to get them. I'm what I call a serious amateur, been making furniture and cabinets for years but it's time to shake up my work and techniques.I would certainly appreciate any help I can get.Thanks

2. 
   JimGG_ | Apr 06, 2001 11:38pm | #6

   *Leonard Rock: http://www.hidatool.com and http://www.japanwoodworker.com. Check their catalogs.

3. 
   scott_murray | Apr 07, 2001 01:08pm | #7

   *Leonard,FWIW I live and work in Japan, so if there's anything you need toolwise, let me know.the rev

4. 
   Leonard_Rock | Apr 08, 2001 12:15am | #8

   *Thanks alot Jim for your quick response. I'll check those sites and let you know how I make out.Len