Rex Krueger
patreon
Early Access Video: Hot-Rod Tenon Saw!
🕑 Added 2020-05-16 11:00:02 +0000 UTCFriends:
I promised it and now it's time to deliver!
When I reviewed the cheap Spear and Jackson tenon saw a few weeks ago, I was unimpressed (to put it mildly), but I had a feeling we could re-make this tool into something special. All the elements were there; they just needed refining.
I'll admit, this was a bigger challenge than I was expecting, but the rewards were bigger, too. The new tool is so much....hold on! I'm about to go and spoil it.
Some days, I just get ahead of myself.
Hope you enjoy the video. I posted the handle template earlier in the week, but I'll attach it to this post, too.
Have a safe and fun weekend!
--Rex
Comments
Ken
I bought the saw and made some test cuts before any changes. YUCK. I completed all of the suggested modifications no I’m very happy with the performance and the results. I just wish I could post a picture of the finished product. 😁
Rex Krueger
You totally can!
Rex Krueger
That's a good question. I really wish I knew.
Rex Krueger
It's not easy, but it sure is worth it.
Xander Madsen
Absolutely love this content!! Picked this up myself, just waiting on the triangular file! can't wait to make a sweet saw out of a cheap $aw :)
stlmch
I was looking for a backsaw lately, but all I could find in my neighborhood were either $75+ specimens or $15 in big box stores. The latter ones look much like hand saws few shelves away just smaller with higher TPI. Are they (generalization, I know) any good? Where good means: is the steel good enough to grind their hardened universal teeth and cut new ones?
John Flynn
Rex, what a cool video. This is the type of content that makes your channel unique.
Judd Coughlin
Tissue =this saw
Judd Coughlin
I actually have tissue. It is a nice weight and when it cut poorly, I thought it was on me. I am looking forward to turning this thing into a beast.
Carla D Best
Great video, as always! I'm on the hunt for a tenon saw myself!
Nic Beurskens
Yeah! I want to see a longboard build too!
John Becker
I ended up getting a cheap Husky Backsaw right before the last video. I am definitely going to try some of these things on it!
Kevin Kennedy-Spaien
Rex, thank you for this. The blade and teeth adjustments are broadly applicable, so even though I can't drop the bucks for even the Spear and Jackson right now, I can use that info to improve what I do have. You are, proverbially, the man!
Rex Krueger
Yohann just answered it every bit as well as I would have. What he said!
Rex Krueger
Man, it's so nice to hear that! I get a lot of positive feedback from Patrons, but I never get tired of hearing that I'm relevant.
Rex Krueger
Fantastic! It's a little change and easy to do. You'll get it right away, I'm sure!
Bas Cost Budde
Very good! Spending time is more valuable than spending money. Time spent on learning is an inalienable richness. I hope this takes root with "our younger audience"--I want to credit those who already learned this value though.
Yohann_M
Adrian - Most western saws (including the Spear & Jackson) will be push saws. In fact, most dovetail saws are push saws. You can get some Japanese pull backsaws that can be used for dovetailing, but you generally cannot sharpen those plates. A 14 or 16 TPI backsaw is usually what you want, as you can sharpen those easier. 20 TPI is much harder to sharpen. More teeth = smoother cut, but harder to maintain.
Adrian Abshire
Great video Rex! I made a two-hour trip on Friday to WoodCraft in Franklin (near Nashville), TN and bought one of their Veritas dovetail saws with 20tpi teeth. I got it home and opened it up only to find that it was a PUSH saw! I guess I assumed that all dovetail saws were PULL saws :-( Anyway, I made the trip back to that store on Saturday (since they usually don’t let you return things at their other stores since they are independently owned franchises). Sure enough they did not have any PULL saws in stock but lots of Veritas PUSH saws :-( So now I’m saw-less still. I will be ordering the Spear and Jackson saw today and will attempt to destroy it once it comes in :-) Thank you for making these and I’m upping my monthly donations since your videos are something I really look forward to! BTW, what TPI count do you recommend for the different types of saws and can that be changed so that there are finer teeth at the front/top of the saw to make starting easier (Cosman-style)?
Daniel Bohrer
Tough economy? Free plans? Hell, I'll just raise my patreon pledge. This is definitely the content I'm interested in, and its getting more and more interesting in the last months :)
Alan Dennis
Great one man, this is one if the best videos you have done. I restored an old saw. Thing is great, and cuts a prefect line but is slow as can be. But your explanation of the angle tells me right where I need to make the change. Thanks!
Rex Krueger
I'm delighted that you will find this useful!
Rex Krueger
Paul is a gangster. You should watch all of his videos!
Rex Krueger
It will not be a waste of time or money!
Rex Krueger
Really, once you have 2 or 3 good ones in the standard sizes, you're done. I seriously have 20 and I need to let some of them go.
Rex Krueger
I hope you post a longboard video over on the Discourse! I'd love to see it.
Rex Krueger
No problem!
Ken
I’ve been struggling with my woodworking budget for a long time now. I’m so excited to modify a new saw that actually works. Thank you!
TwoRavens
Okay, now that's a nice upgrade! I have a vintage tenon saw I need to restore, and the handle looks almost identical to yours that you used as a pattern. I'll have to check the saw nuts and see if it's of similar vintage. I also watched the Paul Sellers video you linked, and now I have someone else to watch during quarantine, so thanks for that!
Martin Hartley
I want to go out and buy one of these saws just to try it out as a project.
Yohann_M
Excellent video, Rex! I knew you'd improve this thing beyond recognition, and you did. It almost makes me want to get one, but I already have a Disston tenon saw (that I use for dovetails too). And yes, you can have too many saws. :)
Marty Ford
Rex, as always, a great video. I really need to get back into the workshop. I have a little side hustle of making longboard skateboards and now that the weather is getting nice.. I have about 8 board orders to fill. I have taken many of the basic skills I have learned making some of your earlier projects and have used that new knowledge to improve my process to make longboards. Thank you. Also, now I need a back saw LOL.
Ramin Chalili
Dude! Thanks!
