Reply To: All(most) of the new back/tenon saws I see for sale set up as Cross Cut saws

I made the bow saw and found it be tough to use at first. The blade was pretty aggressive and hard to start. I used the blade he blogged about. I think I put it in the oven for a while and then relaxed the rake a bit and it made it easier to use. I was thinking about making a smaller version, because as stated, I also find it hard to use for finer work. I did use it to cut through 3 inch maple to make my mallet and it was fantastic. I was thinking about making another one of Paul’s but much smaller, based on tools for working wood version. I would use the same blade I already have. I don’t want a turning saw but more of a joinery bow saw.

If I do it again, for the curves I will use a compass instead of a “bean can” for the curves. Maybe it was the can I used, but I had trouble reproducing the curve. Maybe would make a template also of the curve. Something I could easily reproduce the curve.

I just sharpened my dovetail saws, glad I don’t have that 20tpi veritas. That gets hard to see!