Its nice to have all these specialty saws but the tenon saw will be your goto back saw, it can cut, small stuff to length, tenons(obviously), shoulders and even dovetails. Surprisingly a 15 + TPI tenon saw sharpened to a rip pattern will cut across the grain perfectly well, but i do understand that most people will prefer the crosscut tooth shape until it comes to sharpening, no problem if you can afford to send your saw to a saw doctor, but its better to learn how to sharpen your own saws, its not hard especially if you resharpen your saw to a rip pattern and if you use a marking knife you wont be able to tell the difference. See Paul Sellers if you doubt me. So a tenon saw if you can only afford one back saw, followed by a dovetail saw when you can afford it and the work you are doing justifies it. But what do i know, I've only been in the trade for 55 yrs and i have still got plenty to learn.
the veritas 12 tpi carcass saw in a rip cut pattern is definitely the way to go for someone looking for a single saw. it truely is the best of both worlds. Its fine enough for dovetails, and has enough to it to take care of most tenon work as well. I reach for this saw most often.
Thank you very much for your video which was made just for people like me! Who are barely getting into the wood world. My question is the following: Are these available in a set? In the world of fine cutting saws are there good entry level saws? What is the price range on each type? So many questions? Thank you very much in advance to any one that may respond.
A rip saw can do both roles and is easier for beginners to sharpen. I think rip saws are generally considered the more versatile option, crosscut saws tend to bind when ripping, making it hard work. BTW In my experience, new (and sometimes used) saws often arrive overset, so they .struggle to cut; fixing that is quick & simple [ref. Paul Sellers 2 hammer trick] but I expect many buyers struggle on until the set is reduced by use or they give up.
I haven't ever tried one of Rob's saws. He is a small manufacturer so his price is $300 for a dovetail saw vs. $125 for a Lie-Nielsen dovetail saw (also a small manufacturer, but bigger). Even custom backsaw makers (like Tom Calisto) only charge around $125. These saws are incredible, so I have no reason to drop $300 to test out one of Rob's saws. But if Rob wanted to send me a saw and I felt that it was worth spending $300, then I'd recommend it.
I actually conversed with Rob on line a few times and I told him that his saw is WAY OVER PRICED, of course, he didn't agree with me, DAH, he was polite at the whole time, so I told him I'll buy is if I win the lottery. There is also Bad Axe saws (also over priced IMHO), resembles the LN. And there is the Veritas which are really modestly priced, I wonder what's your take on those. I'll appreciate your response.
ronin4711 Yeah, I'm sure Rob's saws are top notch. I just don't have any need for a saw that expensive. I have plenty of antique backsaws that are amazing, and the Lie-Nielsen saws are amazing + the right price. But if Rob can sell those saws for $300, then I'm happy for him. There must be some features that customers find worth paying extra for. I have some very skilled friends who use Bad Axe saws, but I haven't used them either. If they want to send me some, I'll gladly try them out! I'll reach out to them. I've tried Vertitas saws. While they feel nice, I am not overly fond of their look. I really like traditional-looking tools. Roy Underhill told me a funny joke about their saws, but I can't mention it here. But finding a vintage thin plated dovetail saw and rehabbing it is also a great path.
I agree again that Rob's saws over priced, to his defense, he told me that on one of his shows Frank Klausz picked one up and tried it and he was impressed, he is not easily impressed though, but he didn't say that he bought one, probably he has enough in his collection. I made a comment to Rob: "For this price, I'd expect your saw to cut Dovetails by ITSELF". He didn't answer that. I have the 3 set from Veritas, they cut nice and don't really care for their looks (I know, they look a bit futuristic or contemporary), all I care is functionality they're very thin and they really hold good edge. I'm going to checkout your posted videos, thanks for the response. Best.
ronin4711 Have you seen my workshop tour of Frank Klausz? woodandshop.com/frank-klausz-workshop-tour/ At the 7 minute mark he talks about his favorite saws there. Yeah, I think Rob is a great fellow, although I've never met him. Anyone who can raise 10 kids must be amazing...like my parents!
