Dovetail saw

[Ethan]

I would like to start learning how to cut dovetails by hand and was wondering what saw you all would recommend for starting out? I can't afford anything to expensive so looking for some budget friendly options. Thank you!

[Ken Darga]

Ethan,

There are a few budget dovetail saws, on the market.

You can find them at your local home centers and wood working stores.

The Irwin saw will suffice for a beginner/novice.

This size is handy for making small dovetails.

It's about 7" long and has 22tpi.

Irwin also offers a larger model, more suited for larger dovetails, in thicker stock.

A quality dovetail saw will produce better results.

Such as the Japanese style, that features cutting on the pull stroke.

The saw teeth are a better quality, and produce better results.

I have the budget variety as well as the Japanese style.

Some feature a straight handle style and some feature a handsaw style handle.

Select what is comfortable for you.

You can do a google search for dovetail saws---there are many images for a variety & styles.

Practice making dovetails, from scrape pieces of wood, before advancing to a final project.

Learning to make dovetails by hand cutting is the way to go, before advancing to power tools.

You'll also need some basic tools:

Small square 4-6", accurate measuring scales, bevel gauge, scribe (making sharp lines), dividers, chisels,  mallet, coping saw, plane, clamps to hold the workpiece tight.

You might can make shop-made gauges for the various dovetail angles.

[Ethan]

Thank you so much for the advice.