Timber Framers Guild Forums Tools Tool Forum Japanese saws

Hello,

I am trying to buy Japanese saws, but I am not sure what to get. The combination crosscut and ripsaw looks like what I should get, but deciding of the size is difficult. I read on a tool site that 250 mm is popular and 300 for larger timber but I would like some help. Any advise is welcome.

http://www.silkysaws.com/Silky_Saws/Wood-Working-Saws/KATANABOY-with-500-extra-large-teeth

500mm, it is in the mail. The 360mm Bigboy just won't cut 16" sticks with ease.

What are you cutting? Will you use the rip blade and how much will you use it?

I really wouldn't feel comfortable using any thing shorter than the 360mm blade for general timber work, a lot of 9"x stock up to 12 inches seem well suited. But bigger stuff....?

I like to see the blade cut all the way across the stick, to gauge the depth of the cut.

Other opinions abound.

Hello,
I'm just sorry that the people who import these saws provide us with such a limited scope compared to the possibilities. Please ask the shop owner where you buy tools to offer say a kataba in cross-cut and ripping forms with a blade length of 300 to 450 mm.

Greetings,

Don Wagstaff

Just a quick report from down east.

The Katanaboy arrived today, on the back of a yellow Ninja. Docked 9x11's in just over 2 minutes, very aggressive.

I have a 12" blade Ryoba saw (double sided) made by Gyokucho that I ordered from japanwoodworker.com, I've been pretty pleased with it. I mostly use the crosscut, but the rip is useful sometimes if I have to do a rip across a knot. Usually I prefer to split the waste of a joint with an axe or chisel, but with a knotty spot in the wood this is much more difficult.