I recently received both the standard and fine-tooth Veritas dovetail saws as a birthday gift from my aunt. I already have a Japanese dozuki saw that I enjoy, but I'm curious about trying out a western-style saw. I'm a bit torn on whether to keep both saws or just one, as that seems somewhat redundant. Is there a preferred choice between the two? I would prefer not to return them if possible since my aunt was really excited about gifting them. Is it feasible to bring one to a store for credit or mail it back if needed? Unfortunately, the closest store is about two hours away, but I could make the trip if necessary.
3 Answers
Getting a nice tool as a gift is really special, and it sounds like your aunt really cares! If money is tight, you could think about returning one, but honestly, you won’t regret keeping both. They both have their own purposes and can be great assets for different tasks.
Both saws are pretty handy. The fine-tooth is great for detailed work, especially on smaller pieces, while the standard saw works well for thicker boards and general use. It might be worthwhile to keep both to complement your collection. Over time, you might find uses for them both as your skills grow!
If you’re mostly working with standard wood thickness (over 1/2"), the standard saw is likely your best option. It’s more versatile for most projects. However, if you do work with thinner wood, the fine-tooth could be beneficial. Plus, it’s always nice to have both! Lee Valley has a pretty decent exchange policy if you decide to trade one in. You might want to consider exchanging for a different type of saw, like a carcass saw.
Sounds like a solid plan! Keeping the standard while trying out a carcass saw could cover all bases.