Tool of the Month June 2016

Welcome to Junes Tool of the Month blog post.
​
This month it's the Dozuki-me (Japanese tenon saw)!

The Dozuki-me is a Japanese type of tenon saw, used for precise joint cutting.

The main difference between a Japanese saw and a traditional western saw is the blade. On a western saw the teeth are formed for a pushing stroke cutting action, the Japanese saw is the reverse cutting on the pull stroke.

Showing the difference between Japanese (left) and western (right) saw blades.

Cutting on the pull stroke allows the blade to be a lot thinner than that of a western saw as there is no compression force required.

Showing how thin the blade is.

This particular saw has a replaceable blade, because the teeth are so fine it would be very difficult to re-sharpen them.

To remove the blade you tap the back of the blade against the bench until to becomes loose enough to pull out. To secure a new blade in place you tap the folded steel saw back/guide against the bench until the blade is firmly in place.

The Dozuki-me is excellent for fast accurate cuts. While the pulling action takes a little getting used to, the reduction in energy required and the fineness of the saw marks left behind are well worth the effort!

That is it for June, look out for next month's 'Tool of the Month' post soon!