Hey everyone! I'm trying to add to my hand tool collection and I'm considering getting a push dovetail saw. I currently own a pull saw, but it feels a bit too bulky for my needs. While browsing online, I noticed that prices vary quite a bit—from around $50 AUD to over $300. I'm assuming that all saws can cut, but I'm curious about how much I should be paying for quality versus just splurging on a brand name. How do I figure out the balance between getting a good tool and not overspending?
3 Answers
Just choose a saw that fits your budget! The very cheapest might not perform as well, but you don’t need to shell out for super expensive brands to get a good saw. You could always tweak a cheaper one with some sanding for better ergonomics or tune it up for improved performance. And if you’re interested, keep an eye out for local woodworking classes—they might have workshops on building your own dovetail saw!
Honestly, it all comes down to how the saw feels in your hand. Cheaper saws often have clunky handles, while a nicer one will be designed to fit comfortably. Steel quality isn’t a huge factor since you'll be sharpening it regularly anyway—something I do before every project!
If you’re looking to start cutting dovetails right away, I’d recommend the Veritas saw. It’s comfortable to use and comes sharp, which is great to help you understand what a sharp saw feels like. Plus, it has a good price point for the quality you get!
Totally agree! The Veritas has great ergonomics. It's worth every penny.
Exactly! Comfort is key, and sometimes more expensive tools don’t even have the best handle design. I’ve experienced that firsthand.