Hey everyone! I've recently started diving into 1"x1" wood carving, and I'm finding myself running low on bits to whittle away. I need a Japanese pull saw that's good for cutting down larger pieces of wood, around 5-6" at most. Currently, I only have larger saws or tiny coping saws, but these don't quite do the trick. Any suggestions on what to look for or specific models that would work well for my small projects?
4 Answers
For those small jobs, I'd recommend checking out a Dozuki saw. It's a Japanese-style dovetail saw that offers a nice balance of precision and control. Since it has a spine, it limits how deep you can cut, which is perfect for your needs. Plus, if you’re looking for a Western equivalent, a Gent's Saw is really similar in functionality!
If you're cutting really tiny pieces, I’ve had great luck using the Zona brand saw. It has an ultra-fine kerf and lets you make super precise cuts, even in warped wood. Just keep in mind that those blades are only about 6-8 inches long. For a solid all-rounder, you can't go wrong with the Irwin flush cut saw, which is pretty flexible and widely available for around $16-20.
When choosing a pull saw, make sure you can easily find replacement blades. It’s a bummer, but it's common to bend a tooth or two on the first try, and it can mess up the cut.
I suggest starting with a Ryoba saw. It’s versatile since one side is for ripping and the other is for crosscutting, which gives you flexibility for different cuts. If you're ever working with smaller pieces, a 6 inch Suizan Dozuki could be a great addition to your toolkit!
Thanks for the recommendations! I’ll definitely look into the Ryoba and the Suizan Dozuki for my projects.