Hey everyone! I'm trying to reduce my dependency on electric tools, and I'm considering switching from my Festool Kapex to a good crosscut saw. I'm looking for recommendations on a high-quality crosscut saw that can handle boards up to 12" thick and 6/4 wide. I've been looking at the Bad Axe D8 saws, but I have some doubts about their performance in a miter box setup. I want something versatile, with good depth and length, possibly a backsaw-style. I've also seen their 20" miter saw mentioned. I don't have a miter box yet, so any advice on that would be appreciated as well!
4 Answers
For your handsaw, I’d recommend going vintage. I picked up a couple of old Disston saws from a trusted seller, and they're fantastic! For a job like yours, a saw with around 9 points per inch (ppi) should do the trick well. I also use a Veritas crosscut carcase saw for joinery, and it performs amazingly—feels almost intuitive!
If you really want to explore options, the Lie Nielsen carcass saw is a solid choice. I find track saws great for man-made materials, but for traditional woodworking, I prefer a carcass saw along with a shooting plane for refinements. I’ve never owned a power miter saw; I’ve always found them less accurate and more suitable for production work than for detailed furniture making.
Honestly, I'd skip the miter box entirely and focus on learning to cut straight. A shooting board combined with a handplane can really help you square up the ends. It’s a solid method without needing to rely on a miter box. Just practice and you'll get the hang of it!
I recommend looking for a finer-tooth crosscut saw, ideally around 11 points from a reputable vintage maker like Disston or some English brands. New saws won't necessarily offer better performance; often, an old saw is just as good or better once it’s sharpened. You want to focus on the craftsmanship rather than the latest models!
Totally agree with you! Those old Disstons really do have a quality that’s hard to beat. The sharpening makes such a difference.