Replies

1. 
   RMillard | Aug 23, 2003 05:31pm | #1

   I have no experience with the Japanese saws, but for many years I used an inexpensive Stanley dovetail saw ( $9.95). I pounded out all the set and filed the teeth to a rip configuration. Filing the teeth is a simple matter, since all it takes is a few strokes. This saw cut hundreds if not thousands of dovetails, before I replaced it with a Lie-Nielsen saw. I like the handle shape on the LN saw, but other than that, the quality of the cut and the “tracking” were similar to modified Stanley.

   Rob Millard

2. 
   AdamK | Aug 23, 2003 06:25pm | #2

   Hello,

   I've used both western and eastern saws for making dovetails.  I think the most important thing to consider is to get a true rip tooth on the saw.  The dozuki that I had (the standard from Lee Valley) worked fine for soft woods but struggled on harder woods like maple.  I have found some rip tooth dozukis but they are quite expensive.  I will probably get one in the future.  I recently purchased an Adria DT saw and it is like night and day.  Handles all of the hardwoods without difficulty and tracks straight.  Depending on your experience, the western saws may be more intuitive to use, but if you are only learning in pine then a japanese might be the route to go.  LEt me guess, I've confused the matter :)

   Adam

   My site: http://home.cogeco.ca/~akropinski

3. 
   BG | Aug 23, 2003 06:37pm | #3

   Betula,

   I started cutting dovetails last fall and practiced through the winter.  The dozuki was a fine saw...but even with a template I just could not get them quite right.  I broke down and bought the LN and Ian kirby's book.  Like day and night...the LN and a few other dovetail saws make you hold them correctly..kinda force you to do it right. Practicing with the Kirby methodology was very effective. 

   Like anything, practice is the key.  However, there are some tricks which Kirby incorporates and helps to mitigate bad outcomes.  I'm not an exceptual dovetail cutter by any means..but i do know my ideosyncracies (sp?) and therefore can include a little wiggle room in my cuts and get good outcomes. 

   Now I can use my inexpensive Stanley cross cut saw and the dozuki more effectively...the LN taught me how to do it right

   
   

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   Edited 8/23/2003 11:40:40 AM ET by BG