Replies

1. 
   Jer | Dec 16, 2007 03:43am | #1

   You see them everywhere now. I know that HD sells them by Marples I think. I've been buying the Shark Saw (Ryoba type) for a number of years, they have a black handle. They have a replaceable blade for about $20, you really can't resharpen them.
   If you're just doing general carpentry work, trim, finishing etc, this is the saw to have. One side is for cross cutting and the other rips. I go through about 4 a year, and I keep the old ones for cutting things like foam insulation flush after it has hardened.

   Some of the better Japanese saws are available through the usual good catalogs like Highland Hardware, Garrett Wade, or Woodcraft and they have a selection of types. I have a Douzuki for fine shop work.

   They can be pricey but they're great to work with.

2. 
   FastEddie | Dec 16, 2007 03:51am | #2

   I bought one from Lee Valley about 2-3 years ago.  It was advertised as a gheneral purpose saw, not an heirloom, cost about $19.  One things sticks in my mind: it said it was perfect for dockinh hocking sticks.  Ok, but not in south Texas.  Anyway, has a plastic handle, but a good blade, does a great job, it's my go-to saw for trimming stuff.

   "Put your creed in your deed."   Emerson

   "When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it."  T. Roosevelt

1. 
   FastEddie | Dec 16, 2007 03:54am | #3

   Here it is.  Costs a little more than I remembered.  Great basic saw. 

   HSS Japanese Saw

   View Image

   Once you get used to using Japanese saws, they become the saws you reach for first. However, your fine dozuki may not be the best choice for the more mundane tasks, such as docking hockey sticks, cutting garden stakes, or trimming lumber to length. This saw is ideal for those tasks.

   One of the features that separates this saw from other Japanese carpentry saws is the 7/16" deep strip of high-speed steel — welded to a "normal" steel blank. The HSS provides a superior working hardness, higher wear resistance, and excellent toughness in the teeth.

   With a 265mm long blade, it has just shy of 10" of crosscut teeth, at 14 teeth per inch. Handle is a comfortable but nondescript composite material.

   Replacement blades available separately. Made in Japan.

    

    

   HSS Japanese Saw 60T57.01 View Image View Image View Image View Image

    

   $27.50

   View Image

   Repl. Blade for HSS Japanese Saw 60T57.02 View Image View Image View Image View Image

    

   $13.80

   View Image

    

    "Put your creed in your deed."   Emerson

   "When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it."  T. Roosevelt

3. 
   EricPaulson | Dec 16, 2007 03:55am | #4

   I was recently on the Lee Valley website and learned that some pull saws are "smooth" on one side so as not to mar the surface on which they are resting during the cut. Invaluable in certain work.

   Just thought you'd like to know that!

   [email protected]

    

    

    

    

4. 
   mathewson | Dec 16, 2007 04:06am | #5

   Like most tools, they come in various quality levels. You might look at Hida Tools. They are handmade & cut like a dream-but not cheap.

5. 
   Jer | Dec 16, 2007 05:41am | #6

   The double blade 9 & 17 pt/in is what I'm talking about. The last one has lasted me about 6 months & still sharp.

   http://www.coastaltool.com/cgi-bin/SoftCart.exe/hand_tools/shark_saw/pullsaws.htm?E+coastest

6. 
   RW | Dec 16, 2007 05:46am | #7

   Im not sure what exactly you're looking for quality wise but I use the heck out of those little ten dollar Irwin things. They're floppy and have almost no set to the teeth so great for trimming shims, plugs, whatever. If you want better you might check out the japan woodworker online site. They have a pile of wares which are higher quality and of course, cost a lot more to boot.

   Real trucks dont have sparkplugs

7. 
   PeterJ | Dec 16, 2007 06:37am | #8

   I have two of these Pocketboys in my bag. One extra fine and one fine. One nail will kill blade (duh), I keep spares on hand. The folding feature is great for packing around, I'd probably go fixed if looking for a bench saw.

   Lots to choose from, and I've ordered from them several times...great service.

    

   http://www.silkystore.com/Secure/ecommerce/details.asp?prdn=477

   PJ

   Everything will be okay in the end.  If it's not okay, it's not the end. 

8. 
   talkingdog | Dec 16, 2007 08:20am | #9

   Back when I did finish carpentry in New York I used to get
   the Gyokucho dozuki saws with the replaceable blades. Very
   nice cut, but the teeth have a tendency to break off, so you
   are replacing blades at $10 a pop rather frequently.

   Since I moved to Japan and got access to a wider variety of
   saws I evolved toward using a Gyokucho saw with a bamboo cutting
   blade. It looks similar to the fine dozuki, just a little bit
   coarser, but they have toughened them up immeasurably for
   use in cutting bamboo, which is hell on blades. I have yet to
   lose a tooth on one of these. Also, the blade is thicker and the
   back is shorter, so it won't bend or buckle, and you can cut
   plywood sheets or most anything else. Also cuts PVC pipe like there's no tomorrow.

   Brand is Razorsaw, and here is the manufacturer's page.
   model: TAKEHIKINOKO 240 EVAGRIP

   http://www.razorsaw.co.jp/english/

9. 
   Squash | Dec 16, 2007 10:34am | #10

   I've been using a setup from Tajima for a little over a year that I really like, actually a pair: one living in the truck and the other in the shop.  Overall cost was about 30 bucks coming with a pair of blades - 18ish TPI and 12ish TPI - and a nice canvas sleeve.  For the money I think they're a good deal. 

   There are a lot of good options out there though.  The Vaughn Bear saws aren't too bad either.

   Nick

10. 
    oldbeachbum | Dec 16, 2007 10:50am | #11

    I wouldn't be without one for any kind of trim or small jobs.  Easy to control, accurate, inexpensive.  Many good sources, dependant upon your budget and tastes.

    Warning.  I'm not in the trades.

    ...The unspoken word is capital. We can invest it or we can squander it.  -Mark Twain...

    Be kind to your children....they will choose your nursing home.

    ...aim low boys, they're ridin' shetland ponies !!

11. 
    TomT226 | Dec 16, 2007 02:28pm | #12

    I love that little cheapie Stanley with the flex blade.  Great for all the FF plugs that I've done, and the occasional through mortise in ply.

     

1. 
   DonCanDo | Dec 17, 2007 12:36am | #13

   Thanks for the suggestions.  I'm going to pick up the Irwin or the SharkSaw.  I don't want to spend too much until I have a better idea of how I'll be using it.

1. 
   zak | Dec 17, 2007 02:13am | #14

   I started with a couple of the Shark saws, now I use the Gyokochu- the price is still quite reasonable, about $25 for a ryoba (two sided) rip/crosscut saw. Much better than the Shark saw- less binding, faster cutting.
   Someone else recommended Hida tool- they don't make saws, they sell them. They have an excellent selection, from the gyokochu saws up to the handmade saws costing hundreds or thousands of dollars. They also happen to be 2 blocks away from me, so that's where I go.zak

   "When we build, let us think that we build forever.  Let it not be for present delight nor for present use alone." --John Ruskin

   "so it goes"

    

2. 
   Shep | Dec 17, 2007 04:46am | #15

   Someone else recommended the Silky saws- very nice saws.

   I have the folding ones- a back saw for fine work, and one without the back for general work. Both cut quickly and leave a good finish, but the big reason I like them is that the blade folds onto the handle, protecting the teeth.