Modified Dovetail Saw Works
on the Pull Stroke
T
AKE AN ORDINARY FINE-TOOTHEDdovetail saw, and clamp it in a
vise close to its spine. Gently tap the handle up to remove the
blade.Then reverse the handle, so the blade cuts on the pull stroke.Tap
the spine back on the blade, and clamp the spine between the vise jaws.
Sharpen as usual, but with little or no set.The result is not an authentic
Japanese saw, but it is similar to a Chinese coffin-maker’s saw and a lot
easier to sharpen.
—JOESANTAPAU,Yardley, Pa.
SHOPMADE HAND TOOLS & HAND-TOOL FIXTURES
Teeth cut on
pull stroke.
Teeth cut on
push stroke.
Replace spine with blade reversed.
Resharpen teeth with little or no
Remove spine of
dovetail or backsaw.