Japanese hand saw

tomsalwasser · Post by **tomsalwasser** » Wed Nov 24, 2010 6:05 am

Any of you folks use a Japanese hand saw in your shop? I'd enjoy hearing your thoughts, comments and recommendations. Thanks!

Tom

easterngray · Post by **easterngray** » Wed Nov 24, 2010 6:32 am

Tom - I use one at work. They leave a very thin kerf and are a pleasure to use. As a result, I bought one for the home shop and find myself reaching for it regularly. The one I use is not Japanese per se, but is a "pullsaw" in the japanese style. It is available at Grizzly for just over 20 dollars. Alec

Gene Howe · Post by **Gene Howe** » Wed Nov 24, 2010 6:47 am

I've used them for about 20 years.
My son is stationed in Japan and he sent me my 4th one last year. A Ryoba with interchangeable blades.
I have one with no set that I use to flush cut with. It's an american made tool in the Dhozuki style. My first was a double edged Ryoba with a permanent blade. They are all very enjoyable to use and serve well.

tdubnik · Post by **tdubnik** » Wed Nov 24, 2010 10:02 am

I use both a Dozuki and a Ryoba and like them both. Mine came from Highland Woodworking and I would call them mid range saws. I've used mine for dovetails and tenons in the joinery department but I reach for them often for other things.

It's amazing how often I use the Ryoba for a quick crosscut rather than setting up something bigger. I also use the Dozuki with an X-Acto miter box for small stock crosscuts and miters. Very handy.

I find that cutting on the pull stroke is easier for me to control; especially in the joinery department.

Ed in Tampa · Post by **Ed in Tampa** » Wed Nov 24, 2010 10:20 am

I love them, as someone said cutting on the pull stroke works for me.

One thing I learned:eek: was with the blade being so very thin you can get a nasty cut on th efinger without ever going near the teeth.

I always use a blade guard and one day I slide my hand over the non tooth edge removing the guard and laid my finger wide open.

This thinnest is what make the saw so great!

mckenziedt · Post by **mckenziedt** » Wed Nov 24, 2010 3:56 pm

I got one about 20 years ago. It is relatively small, with 2 different tooth sizes back to back on the blade. I find it extremely handy, fast cutting and very easy to use. I like the pull stroke concept; seems more precise than push stroke saws. I also have another large non Japanese made pull stroke with a more conventioal handle. I like it as well, but I don't reach for it near as often as the original one. The larger pull stroke one tends to compete with my motorized saws when I would use it. Don

pennview · Post by **pennview** » Wed Nov 24, 2010 4:07 pm

I learned the hard way not to let anyone use a pull saw that isn't used to the pull concept. That thin blade will buckle and develop a permanent kink before you can yell "stop."

tomsalwasser · Post by **tomsalwasser** » Wed Nov 24, 2010 7:08 pm

Wow, thanks very much to you all! I think I'll get one.

cv3 · Post by **cv3** » Wed Nov 24, 2010 8:07 pm

I have two and I use them alot also.

mgdesigns · Post by **mgdesigns** » Wed Nov 24, 2010 10:19 pm

I bought a cheapie at HF and use it a little bit for flush cutting plugs, and also was intending to use it for cutting fret slots in guitar fingerboards because of the narrow kerf. I chickened out for the frets, though, and bought an aluminum guide box and slotted scale and pull saw from Stewart-Macdonald. I am used to pull saws as I was a bench jeweler and silversmith for over 30 years. Try to use a 0000 jewelers saw blade and you'll learn to use a steady, very light touch.