Est. 1998 — 27 years of woodworking knowledge
Dovetail Saws
SW_IOWA_SAWYER
>I am building a couple of Penn. spice boxes. I decided to try and hand dove tail at least the case together and see how that goes. I needed a dovetail saw so after some research I am buying a PAX from LV. I can return it if it doesn't work well but it looks like a well made saw. It is supposed to be hand sharpened. Since I don't normally do hand cut dovetails I didn't want to spend a ton. Is this a decent saw or am I going to be dissappointed?
Re: Dovetail Saws
Robin Frierson
>I really like the LV rip Dozuki saw for 69$. I find it much easier to get started than the Western saws and cuts straight with very little set.
Re: Dovetail Saws
dave caudill
>I have not used the Pax saws but have seen them and have handled them and find them to be very clumsy. I'm sure they work alright but it is not something I would purchase. However as a first saw it might be fine.
I always recommend getting an old saw and having it sharpened. An older Disston, Atkins, Simonds, etc. are what you might see most often out there. But I realize this takes time and if you aren't clued in to where to go and what to pay it can be a real hassle. I don't know where you live but it is likely that there is a local chapter of a tool club that has regular meetings at which there is always someone selling tools. Again this may not work in the timeframe you have planned but its worth a look.
Good Luck.
Dave
LV Dozuki vs. LN Dovetail
Jim Campbell
>Over Christmas I ended up with both the Lie Nielsen Dovetail (similar to Pax, but reputed to be a step up) and the Lee Valley Rip Dozuki, at 1/2 the price. After an evening in the shop trying them both, I sent the LN saw back. The LV rip dozuki was easier to start, easier to saw to a straight line, and faster cutting.
YMMV
Jim
Re: Dovetail Saws
Adam Cherubini, NJ
>Dear SW IOWA SAWYER,
As you know SW IOWA SAWYER, its the sawyer that makes the cut accurate, not the saw. The trick is looking at the cut and knowing how to correct (lowering the angle). If you are planning to hold your work vertically in a traditional western bench vise, you need a western push saw to see the cut as it happens.
With a japanese saw, the work is held horizontally, you are kneeling, hands under the board, eyes over the board, and you look at the cut that way.
For a spice box, you need a small saw with fine teeth. I'd recommend a 10" long saw, 14-16ppi.
Last PAX I saw needed its teeth warmed over. Like someone said earlier, its a mostly completed kit. If you have to mess about with the teeth, then a $20 crown would do just as well. Better maybe because you can buy a really small one. While I'd usually recommend an old Disston, Disstons of this size are relatively rare.
If you really don't want to touch the teeth, then I think your only option is Adria or LN.
If you want to start dovetailing today, while you develop saw filing skills, use your hack saw!
Adam Cherubini
Cinnaminson NJ