Posted by
Easy WoodCraft on
May 23, 2016
A gent's saw is a special type of back saw designed for extremely fine work. A further refinement of this saw is known as an offset dovetail saw (
inset). This type of saw features an offset handle and blade that can be reversed to make it easy to saw close to a surface, such as when trimming a through tenon. Since the handle is not in line with the blade, I don't recommend this type of saw for cutting joints.
Anatomy
For the most part a gent's saw should be reserved for use on small parts that require more delicacy than a back saw offers. They're great for fine detail work like cutting small rabbets, tenons, or dovetails. Because the blade is so thin and the kerf is so tight, the saw will cut straight as long as you start it straight. The only exception to this is a saw that's not set correctly (
see Japanese Saws for more on this).
Basic use
For the most part a gent's saw should be reserved for use on small parts that require more delicacy than a back saw offers. They're great for fine detail work like cutting small rabbets, tenons, or dovetails. Because the blade is so thin and the kerf is so tight, the saw will cut straight as long as you start it straight. The only exception to this is a saw that's not set correctly (
see Japanese Saws for more on this).
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