Are Japanese saws good for dovetails?

One of the most useful (and common) Japanese saws is the dozuki. It’s great for all kinds of joinery work, with a razor-thin blade that’s superior to western backsaws in many ways. Dozuki saws are the perfect Japanese saws for dovetails. With a thin kerf and a rigid spine, it’s fast and easy to saw to your line.

Can I use a ryoba saw for dovetails?

I go back and forth on that myself, but I find that using the crosscut side of the 210 mm ryoba works well for dovetails as well. In the western saw world, the 210 mm ryoba would take on the role of the rip and crosscut tenon saws, and the dovetail saw. My 210 mm ryoba is used for cutting tenons and dovetails.

How long do Japanese saw blades last?

The replacement blades generally last me about two to three years. Replacement blades for Gyokucho RazorSaws are easy to change. Several years ago, a hardware store where I am a long time customer gave me several Japanese “style” saws to try that they just started carrying.

What does dozuki mean?

A Dozuki is a pull saw that is often used by master carpenters and woodworkers. In contrast to a traditional saw (designed for both a push and pull action) you may quickly break the teeth off of a Dozuki by applying force in the wrong direction.

What is a dozuki saw used for?

Originating in Japan, a dozuki is a saw used to make fine cuts into softer woods. Due to its thin blade construction, it allows the user to create a narrow, precise cut.

What is a kataba saw used for?

The large Kataba is designed for cross cutting of sawn wood, plywood, laminated wood, solid wood and so on. This professional saw for the workshop and building sites is a special saw with teeth designed for ripping along the grain of the wood.

Can you sharpen a Japanese pull saw?

Japanese pull saws. Unlike a western saw, the teeth of a Japanese saw are hardened, meaning that they can’t they can’t be sharpened with a regular steel file and can’t be remade completely, and you can’t buy really miniature sharpening stones that will fit between the tiny teeth of the saw.

What is the main difference between the Japanese pull saw vs the Western saw?

A Western style saw has a wide, tapering blade and a distinctively shaped wood or plastic handle that comfortably fits the hand. Whereas a Japanese saw cuts on the pull stroke, a Western saw is designed to cut on the push stroke. The two main types of Western saw are the crosscut saw and the rip or ripping saw.