Have you ever admired the perfect, interlocking joints of a fine wooden cabinet? Those beautiful corners are often made using a special saw called a dovetail saw. It’s a key tool for any woodworker who wants to create strong and stunning connections.
Choosing the right dovetail saw can be tricky. There are many different types, sizes, and brands. Getting it wrong can lead to frustration and uneven cuts. This means your project might not look as good as you want! Many woodworkers struggle with this, especially when starting out. They want a saw that’s easy to use and gives them great results.
In this blog post, you’ll learn everything you need to know about dovetail saws. We’ll cover the different parts, how to pick the best one for your needs, and how to use it safely. By the end, you’ll be confident in your ability to select the perfect dovetail saw and start making beautiful, strong joints. Get ready to take your woodworking skills to the next level!
Our Top 5 Dovetail Saw Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Dovetail Saw Detailed Reviews
1. SUIZAN Dozuki Dovetail Saw 6″ Crosscut – Professional Japanese Pullsaw Handsaw Woodworking Tools
Rating: 9.4/10
The SUIZAN Dozuki Dovetail Saw is a professional-grade Japanese pull saw. It is designed for precise crosscuts in woodworking. This saw uses a “pull” motion, unlike European “push” saws. It is lighter and needs less power to use. This results in a cleaner cut. The saw is ideal for both beginners and experienced woodworkers. It is a great tool for creating dovetail joints and other detailed work.
What We Like:
- It is a Japanese pull saw, which is lighter.
- The saw uses high-quality Japanese steel for sharp cuts.
- It is made in Japan by skilled craftsmen.
- It is great for both beginners and experienced woodworkers.
- It gives a new woodworking experience.
What Could Be Improved:
- None reported.
In conclusion, the SUIZAN Dozuki Dovetail Saw is a great tool for any woodworker. It offers precision and ease of use for various projects.
2. SUIZAN Dozuki Dovetail Saw 7″ Rip Cross Angle Cut – Professional Japanese Pullsaw Handsaw Woodworking Tools
Rating: 8.7/10
The SUIZAN Dozuki Dovetail Saw is a professional-grade Japanese pull saw. It’s designed for precise cuts in woodworking. This saw is perfect for rip, cross, and angle cuts. It features a 7-inch blade made from high-quality Japanese steel. The saw is made in Japan by skilled craftsmen with over 100 years of experience. This pull saw is lighter than push saws. It needs less power and gives you a cleaner cut.
What We Like:
- It is a Japanese-style pull saw.
- The saw is made with high-quality Japanese steel.
- It is made in Japan by master craftsmen.
- It is great for rip, cross, and angle cuts.
- The blade is sharp and precise.
- It is lighter and requires less power than push saws.
- It gives a cleaner edge.
What Could Be Improved:
- It might take time to get used to a pull saw if you are used to push saws.
This SUIZAN Dozuki Dovetail Saw is a great tool for woodworkers of all levels. It is a high-quality saw that will improve your woodworking projects.
3. RUITOOL Japanese Hand Saw 6 Inch Double Edge Sided Pull Saw Ryoba SK5 Flexible Blade 14/17 TPI Flush Cut Beech Handle Wood Saw for Woodworking Tools
Rating: 9.3/10
The RUITOOL Japanese Hand Saw is a great tool for woodworking! This 6-inch double-edged pull saw is perfect for any woodworker. It has a flexible SK5 blade and a comfortable beech handle. This saw is great for both beginners and experienced craftspeople. It’s designed to make precise cuts. You can use it for flush cuts and finish cuts. It also makes a great gift for any woodworker.
What We Like:
- The 6-inch blade is the perfect size for detailed work.
- The SK5 high-carbon steel blade is durable and flexible.
- One side has 17 TPI for hardwood. The other side has 14 TPI for softwood.
- The three-sided grinding teeth cut faster and smoother.
- The company provides great customer service. They are ready to help you.
What Could Be Improved:
- This is a great product. There are no immediate cons.
Overall, the RUITOOL Japanese Hand Saw is a fantastic tool. It’s a must-have for any woodworker’s toolbox!
4. Spear & Jackson 9540B-91 Traditional Brass Back Tenon Saw
Rating: 9.2/10
The Spear & Jackson 9540B-91 Traditional Brass Back Tenon Saw is a classic hand saw. It is great for cutting wood. This saw is perfect for detail work. You can use it for joint cutting and small projects. The saw has a brass back for strength. It also has a comfortable wooden handle.
What We Like:
- The saw has universal teeth. This means it can cut with the grain and across it.
- The brass back makes the saw strong. It won’t bend easily.
- The wooden handle feels good in your hand. It’s fixed with rivets for safety.
- It’s ideal for cutting joints and small wood pieces.
- The blade is made of high carbon steel. This makes it sharp and durable.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might prefer a saw with more teeth for very fine cuts.
This Spear & Jackson saw is a good choice for woodworkers. It’s a reliable tool for various projects.
5. Lynx Thomas Flinn Taytools British 8 Inch Dovetail Saw with Stained Beech Handle 20 TPI and Filed for Rip Cutting
Rating: 9.0/10
The Lynx Thomas Flinn Taytools British 8 Inch Dovetail Saw is a high-quality hand saw. It is made by Thomas Flinn in Sheffield, England. They are the last traditional saw maker in the UK. This saw is designed for cutting accurate dovetails. It features a sharp blade, a comfortable handle, and a solid brass spine. It is perfect for woodworking projects.
What We Like:
- The saw is made from Sheffield alloy spring steel. This makes the blade strong and easy to sharpen.
- The brass spine keeps the blade straight and true. This helps with accuracy.
- The stained European beech handle is comfortable to hold.
- It is a great saw for cutting dovetails.
- The saw is made in the UK.
What Could Be Improved:
- The maximum depth of cut is only 2-3/8 inches.
- Some users may find the saw expensive.
Overall, the Lynx Thomas Flinn Taytools Dovetail Saw is a great tool for woodworkers. It is well-made and designed for precision. You can use this saw to make beautiful dovetail joints.
Dovetail Saw: Your Guide to Perfect Joints
A dovetail saw is a special saw. It is used to make strong, beautiful joints in wood. These joints are called dovetails. They look like interlocking “tails” and are very strong. This guide will help you choose the best dovetail saw for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When buying a dovetail saw, look for these things:
- Blade Length: The blade length tells you how deep you can cut. Choose a blade long enough for the wood you use. Most saws have blades between 6 and 12 inches.
- Tooth Count: The number of teeth per inch (TPI) matters. Higher TPI means smoother cuts. Dovetail saws usually have 13-18 TPI. A higher TPI is better for hardwoods.
- Blade Thickness: A thinner blade cuts easier. It also makes a smaller kerf (the cut).
- Handle: The handle should fit your hand comfortably. It needs to give you good control. Look for handles made of wood or plastic.
- Teeth Set: This means how the teeth are angled. The set helps the saw cut without getting stuck.
Important Materials
Dovetail saws are made from different materials. These materials affect the saw’s quality and how long it lasts.
- Blade Steel: High-carbon steel is a common choice. It is strong and holds a sharp edge. Some blades are made of stainless steel. Stainless steel resists rust.
- Handle: Handles are often made from wood like walnut or rosewood. They can also be made from plastic. Wood handles feel good in your hand. Plastic handles are usually cheaper.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things impact a dovetail saw’s quality.
- Blade Hardness: A harder blade stays sharp longer. Look for saws with blades that are properly hardened.
- Tooth Quality: Sharp, well-shaped teeth make clean cuts. They should be consistent in size and shape.
- Handle Design: A well-designed handle makes the saw easy to control. Look for a handle that fits your grip.
- Manufacturing: Good saws are made with care. Check for clean lines and a well-finished blade. Poor manufacturing makes a bad saw.
- Blade Straightness: The blade needs to be straight. A bent blade won’t cut straight.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using a dovetail saw takes practice. Here’s how it works:
- Mark the wood: Use a marking gauge to mark where you want to cut.
- Start the cut: Place the saw’s back on the wood. Use your thumb to guide it.
- Cut slowly: Keep the saw straight and follow the lines.
- Make the joint: Once you cut the dovetails, you can fit them together.
You can use a dovetail saw for many projects:
- Drawers: Dovetail joints are perfect for strong drawers.
- Boxes: Build beautiful boxes with dovetails.
- Furniture: Dovetails add strength and beauty to furniture.
- Small Projects: Use it for any wood project needing strong joints.
Dovetail Saw FAQ
Q: What is a dovetail saw used for?
A: A dovetail saw is used to make dovetail joints. These joints are strong and attractive.
Q: What’s the best blade length for a beginner?
A: A blade around 8-10 inches is a good starting point. It is a versatile size.
Q: What does TPI mean?
A: TPI means teeth per inch. It tells you how many teeth are on the blade.
Q: Should I choose a saw with a wood or plastic handle?
A: Wood handles feel better. Plastic handles are cheaper.
Q: How do I keep my dovetail saw sharp?
A: Use your saw carefully. Clean it after use. You may need to sharpen it over time.
Q: What kind of wood is best for dovetails?
A: Hardwoods like oak and maple work well. But, you can use dovetails in any wood.
Q: How do I know if the blade is straight?
A: Look down the blade’s edge. It should be straight without any bends.
Q: What should I do if my saw gets stuck in the wood?
A: Try to relieve the pressure. You can use a wedge to open the kerf.
Q: How do I learn to cut dovetails well?
A: Practice makes perfect! Start with simple projects. Watch videos and read guides.
Q: Can I use a dovetail saw for other cuts?
A: You can, but it’s designed for dovetails. Using it for other cuts might damage the blade.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Tom Scalisi, and welcome to The Saw Blog! I started this blog to share my hands-on experience and insights about woodworking tools—especially saws and saw blades. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with a wide range of tools, and I’m here to help both professionals and hobbyists make informed decisions when it comes to selecting and using their equipment. Whether you’re looking for in-depth reviews, tips, or just advice on how to get the best performance out of your tools, you’ll find it here. I’m excited to be part of your woodworking journey!