Ever admired the perfect, interlocking joints in a finely crafted wooden box? Those beautiful corners are often made with a special saw called a dovetail saw. But have you ever tried to make them yourself? It can be tricky! Choosing the right dovetail saw is the first step. It can feel like trying to find a needle in a haystack, with so many saws available.
Picking the wrong dovetail saw can lead to frustration. You might end up with joints that don’t fit well or a saw that’s hard to control. This is a pain point for many woodworkers, both new and experienced. Finding the right tool is key to crafting accurate and beautiful dovetails.
In this post, we’ll cut through the confusion. You’ll learn about the different types of dovetail saws. We’ll discuss key features to look for, and how to choose the perfect saw for your woodworking projects. Get ready to learn everything you need to know to make beautiful, strong dovetail joints! Let’s dive into the world of dovetail saws!
Our Top 5 Dovetail Saws Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Dovetail Saws Detailed Reviews
1. Spear & Jackson 9540B-91 Traditional Brass Back Tenon Saw
Rating: 9.4/10
The Spear & Jackson 9540B-91 Traditional Brass Back Tenon Saw is a classic hand tool. It is great for detailed woodworking. This saw is perfect for making joints and cutting small wood pieces. It has a brass back for strength and a comfortable wooden handle. The high carbon steel blade makes clean cuts. It is a good tool for both beginners and experienced woodworkers.
What We Like:
- The universal teeth work for many tasks. You can cut with and against the wood grain.
- The brass back makes the saw strong. It helps make straight cuts.
- It is good for joint cutting. You can also saw small wood pieces.
- The wooden handle feels good in your hand. It is fixed with rivets.
- The high carbon steel blade is sharp. It makes clean cuts.
What Could Be Improved:
- The saw’s size may limit it for large projects.
- Some users might prefer a more modern handle design.
This Spear & Jackson tenon saw is a reliable tool for small woodworking jobs. It is a good choice for anyone who needs a precise and easy-to-use saw.
2. Lynx Thomas Flinn Taytools British 8 Inch Dovetail Saw with Stained Beech Handle 20 TPI and Filed for Rip Cutting
Rating: 9.2/10
The Lynx Thomas Flinn Taytools British 8 Inch Dovetail Saw is a fine tool for woodworkers. This saw is made in Sheffield, England, by Thomas Flinn. They are the last traditional saw maker in the UK. It is built for accuracy and quality. The saw is designed for cutting dovetails. It has a stained beech handle and a brass spine. This saw is made to last.
What We Like:
- The saw is made in England with high-quality materials.
- The saw plate is made of Sheffield alloy spring steel. This makes it strong and easy to sharpen.
- The brass spine keeps the blade straight and strong.
- The stained beech handle feels good in your hand.
- It is filed for rip cutting, which is perfect for dovetails.
- The saw cuts smoothly and accurately.
What Could Be Improved:
- The saw might be a bit expensive for some people.
This Lynx dovetail saw is a great choice for any woodworker. It will help you make beautiful and precise dovetail joints. You will enjoy using this fine saw for many years.
3. SUIZAN Dozuki Dovetail Saw 6″ Crosscut – Professional Japanese Pullsaw Handsaw Woodworking Tools
Rating: 9.1/10
The SUIZAN Dozuki Dovetail Saw is a professional-grade Japanese pullsaw. This saw is designed for crosscutting wood. It is perfect for detailed woodworking. The saw uses a unique pulling action, unlike push saws. This design makes it lighter and more efficient. The saw is made in Japan by skilled craftsmen. It is made with high-quality Japanese steel for sharp, clean cuts.
What We Like:
- The Japanese pull saw design is very efficient.
- It’s made with top-quality Japanese steel.
- The saw is made by expert Japanese craftsmen.
- It’s great for both beginners and experienced woodworkers.
- It gives you a cleaner cut than other saws.
What Could Be Improved:
- The saw might take some getting used to if you’ve only used push saws.
This SUIZAN Dozuki Dovetail Saw is a great tool for woodworkers. It offers a unique and effective cutting experience. Try this saw today, and see the difference!
4. IRWIN Marples Dovetail Pull Saw
Rating: 9.3/10
The IRWIN Marples Dovetail Pull Saw (2011491) is a great saw for fine woodworking. It’s designed for detailed work. You can use it for interior trim and around windows. This saw helps you make precise cuts. The thin blade allows for flexibility. It is a good choice for any woodworking project.
What We Like:
- The blade is flexible and micro-thin.
- It is great for detailed work.
- You can use it for flush cuts on dowels.
- The polymer handle is comfortable and strong.
- It has a 22-pt. tooth count for smooth cuts.
- The blade is 7-1/4″ long.
What Could Be Improved:
- The saw is only for smaller projects.
- Some users may need practice to use it well.
This IRWIN Marples Dovetail Pull Saw is a helpful tool. It is a good option for woodworkers who need a precise saw.
5. SUIZAN Dozuki Dovetail Saw 7″ Rip Cross Angle Cut – Professional Japanese Pullsaw Handsaw Woodworking Tools
Rating: 8.8/10
The SUIZAN Dozuki Dovetail Saw is a professional-grade Japanese pull saw. It is designed for precise woodworking. This hand saw is perfect for rip, cross, and angle cuts. It features a 7-inch blade and is made with high-quality Japanese steel. The saw is also made in Japan by skilled craftsmen. This tool is a great addition to any woodworker’s collection.
What We Like:
- It’s a Japanese pull saw. This means it cuts on the pull stroke. It is lighter than push saws. It also needs less power to use.
- The saw uses Japanese steel. This steel makes it very sharp.
- It is made in Japan. Japanese craftsmen make it. They have over 100 years of experience.
- It is great for both beginners and experts. You can make many different woodworking projects with it.
What Could Be Improved:
- The description doesn’t mention any cons.
This SUIZAN Dozuki Dovetail Saw is a quality tool. It is a great choice for woodworkers of all skill levels.
Dovetail Saw Buying Guide: Making the Right Cuts
Dovetail saws are special hand saws. You use them to make strong joints. These joints are called dovetails. Dovetails look like interlocking puzzle pieces. They are very strong and look beautiful. If you want to make furniture or boxes, you need a good dovetail saw. This guide will help you choose the best one.
Key Features to Look For
When you buy a dovetail saw, look for these things:
- Blade Length: Longer blades let you cut deeper joints. Shorter blades are easier to control. Most blades are between 6 to 12 inches long.
- Tooth Pitch (TPI): TPI stands for teeth per inch. More teeth mean smoother cuts. You should choose a saw with 14-20 TPI.
- Handle: The handle should fit your hand well. It should be comfortable to hold. Look for handles made of wood or plastic.
- Blade Thickness: A thinner blade cuts straighter. A thicker blade is stronger.
- Kerf: This is the width of the cut the saw makes. A thin kerf is easier to work with.
Important Materials
Dovetail saws are made of different materials. These materials affect how the saw works and how long it lasts:
- Blade Steel: High-carbon steel is common. It is strong and holds an edge well. Some saws use stainless steel.
- Handle Wood: Hardwoods like walnut or maple are good choices. They are strong and look nice.
- Handle Plastic: Plastic handles are durable and resist moisture.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a dovetail saw better or worse:
- Blade Quality: A sharp, well-made blade is important. Check the teeth for even spacing.
- Handle Quality: A comfortable handle is a must. Make sure the handle is firmly attached to the blade.
- Blade Straightness: The blade should be perfectly straight. This helps you make accurate cuts.
- Tooth Set: The teeth should be set properly. This means they angle out slightly to make the kerf.
- Overall Construction: A well-made saw will last longer. Look for quality materials and careful assembly.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using a dovetail saw takes practice. Here is what you should know:
- Use Cases: Dovetail saws are used to make dovetail joints. These joints are strong and beautiful. You can use them for drawers, boxes, and furniture.
- User Skill Level: Dovetail saws work best for people with some woodworking experience. Beginners can learn, but it takes practice.
- How to Use: You hold the saw at a slight angle. You push the saw forward to make the cut. Guide the saw along your marked lines.
- Comfort: The handle should feel good in your hand. This helps you control the saw.
- Safety: Always wear safety glasses. Be careful when using a sharp saw.
Dovetail Saw FAQs
Q: What is a dovetail joint?
A: A dovetail joint is a strong joint. It looks like interlocking pieces. It is often found in drawers and boxes.
Q: What is TPI?
A: TPI means teeth per inch. It tells you how many teeth are on the saw blade.
Q: What blade length should I choose?
A: A good starting length is around 8-10 inches. It balances control and cutting depth.
Q: What kind of wood is best for the handle?
A: Hardwoods like walnut or maple are good choices. They are strong and look nice.
Q: How do I keep the saw sharp?
A: You will need to sharpen the saw. You can use a file to sharpen the teeth.
Q: What safety gear should I use?
A: Always wear safety glasses. Gloves can also help protect your hands.
Q: Can I use a dovetail saw for other cuts?
A: Yes, you can use it for other fine cuts. You can cut tenons and other small joinery.
Q: How do I know if the blade is straight?
A: Hold the saw up to your eye. Look along the blade to see if it is straight.
Q: How do I hold the saw?
A: Hold the saw at a slight angle. Keep your wrist straight for control.
Q: Where can I buy a dovetail saw?
A: You can find dovetail saws at woodworking stores and online.
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!