Hey folks, I'm working on some Krenov planes and need to shape them. I don't have a bandsaw and am considering making a turning saw to cut curves in wood since it's more budget-friendly. However, I came across some advice suggesting that using a turning saw on thicker wood might cause the blade to snap. Is that true? My planes are about 50 to 60 mm wide, and I'm mainly looking to cut classic curves. Is a turning saw a good option for this?
4 Answers
You can easily cut 50 to 60 mm with a coping saw, and if the blade happens to snap, you'll have a pack of 12 spares ready! You could also try the bow saw route. Just make sure your turns aren't too tight for the saw to handle—keep cutting steadily to avoid binding.
The turning saw should be able to cut around 6 inches deep if set up right. Just keep in mind that making relief cuts can help prevent the blade from binding. Also, Tom Fidgen has some great videos on making Krenov-style planes by hand, which might give you some useful insights on shaping the curves!
Yeah, you can definitely use a turning saw if you're careful! Just take your time, especially with harder woods. While you could manage to cut 60mm thick wood with a coping saw, it's going to be a struggle. Alternatively, consider making relief cuts with a regular saw and then clean up the shape with a chisel if you run into issues. But honestly, building the turning saw is worthwhile—you'll have it for future projects!
Totally! Cutting curves can be a bit tricky sometimes.
So, what's this turning saw exactly? Is it similar to a bow saw or a coping saw? I’m not super familiar with the term.
Yeah, turning saws are pretty much like bow or coping saws—just a different name that people use sometimes.
I think the real question is how thick the wood is, not just the saw's depth!