Replies

1. 
   NOTRIX1 | Feb 23, 2003 01:40am | #1

   Hi,

   Yes!

   I have a LN Independance DT Saw ($115) and a Paragon (@$45) and the LN is just nicer all the way around. Better balance-look-feel-blade is thinner and stiffer. it's set up for rip sawing right out of the box where the Paragon has more of a crosscut set. I feel I can controll the LN much better.

   Can you cut DT's with a cheaper saw? Yes.. But I was always told "buy the best and cry once". If you don't get the LN do yourself a favor and don't ever ever try one 'cause you'll be running out and buying one plus the cost of the inferior saw. I tried one after the Paragon and luckily they are set differently enough so they are separate tools.

   HTH

   N

2. 
   BG | Feb 23, 2003 03:22am | #2

   Waltsgott,

   I finally bought the LN after trying many others, including japanese dozuki saws, if for no other reason than to see what the hoopla was all about.  It taught me how to saw correctly....period.  Not bad, I'm a stubborn learner...lol

3. 
   kennedy136 | Feb 23, 2003 03:27am | #3

   Walt,

            Before you go out and spend big bucks on a backsaw,go spend 25 bucks or so and get yourself a Japanese style saw with  rip teeth on one side and crosscut on the other. It will do just about anything you need to do.  I say that as someone who is a self-confessed tool junkie (my wife says I have a saw fetish,about 30 of them in the shop at last count) who owns several backsaws which I do use by the way.  That said I still find myself reaching for the japanese saw most of the time.  You can buy them at HD or Lowes as well as the woodworking stores.  I have had sharks tooth, and Vaughn saws which I have been very happy with.  If you designate one to the shop, it will last a long time before you need to sharpen/replace the blade.  It is taking them out on site that does them in (especially when the wrong guy gets ahold of them.)  After you become proficient with one of them, which isn't hard, then you will have a much better idea of what you want from a western saw.  Good luck

                                                                Mark

4. 
   alanplanesaw | Feb 23, 2003 06:36am | #4

   I bought a "less expensive" dovetail saw and it cut in a curved direction.  Thought maybe I didn't know how to use it. (Actually I was pretty sure I did but there was always the possibility.)  Took it back to where I got (Woodcraft), they tried it and agreed the saw had a problem.  Refunded my money.  Excellent customer service.

   Bought a L-N -- no more problems.  Since then I have bought a number of old handsaws, learned how to sharpen them and set the teeth.

   Bought an old Disston 68, sharpened it and love it.

   After several tool experiences over the years, I have learned to buy at the high quality level.  And, that is not always the most expensive.  There may well be cheaper stuff, but I try to buy the tool that reliably does what it is supposed to do. 

   Alan / Planesaw

   
   

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   Edited 2/22/2003 11:25:43 PM ET by Alan

5. 
   sailalex | Feb 23, 2003 05:03pm | #5

   The Japanese saws with crosscut and rip on each side are very nice ( I have one) but not in my opinion for cutting dovetails. They just aren't stiff enough. I bought the L-N saw after the Japanese saw and there isn't any comparison. Splurge and buy the L-N saw; you will never make a tool purchase you value more.