Lie-Nielsen Dovetail saws -which one to buy?

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mattcville

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Jul 15, 2012
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Does anyone have experience with Lie-Nielsen dovetail saws? I would like to start making handcut dovetail joints
and am in need of a good dovetail saw. L-N makes 3 different versions: standard, thin kerf and a progessive pictch?
Is there a significant difference in ease of use among the 3 saws and is any one of these easier to use when just
learning how to make these joints by hand?
 
Just to be sure, I do not claim to be an expert on this, I'm sure there are others out there that know all in's and out's.

Looking at those saws a couple things do come to mind though.
The progressive pitch is relatively easy to start and then starts to cut quicker on the rest of the blade. I'm sure it will be a great saw, maybe if you plan on sharpening them yourself there is that extra challenge to consider with all those different teeth.
The standard should be great, I've read many great things about it.
The thin kerf I would leave for later. You're probably going to put the wrong pressure on the  blade in the beginning and then 25% less meat is going to make it more fragile too, that's for sure.

So I would go with the progressive I think, depending on if you want to sharpen yourself and how good you feel about that.

Cutting dovetails is loads of fun btw, enjoy!!

Cheers, Bob.
 
Well Matt, good on ya.  I love cutting dovetails by hand, really rewarding.  I have 2 Vera's saws & the Lie Nielson thin plate.  I use the Vertas saw mostly but when I want to spoil myself or am doing fine work then I always get the thin plate out.  It is really easy to use.  I don't find it flimsy at all, just let the saw do the cutting.

Happy cutting & let us know what you get.

Woodguy.
 
Thanks for the comments. I am looking forward to learning to doing this joinery using hand tools instead of relying on router and jig.
 
From your op I figured you already decided to go with Lie Nielsen BUT, those Veritas saws sure are a bargain. I have two Veritas gents saws and really like them, especially for the money. Should I ever need a second set of back saws (decided on Bad Axe myself and would def recomend those although on the pricey side compared to Veritas and even LN) I would probably surely go with the Veritas. You have to like the look but quality is like LN from what I've read.

 
I have and like the Veritas dovetail saws when I use a Western saw.  The 'dovetail' saw and '20tpi rip' are the ones I use.  The 20tpi rip is great for thinner stock.  They are a steal and work well.  Get them then when you want to get fancy, pick up a Bad Axe or Medallion Toolworks saw.

And to quote Frank Klausz, someone asked, Q: "Frank, why do you use a pencil when a marking knife leaves a much finer line for more precision"  A: "Because I use a pencil".
 
Paul, those Bad Axe saws look sweet.  Never heard of them before.  Why do you people keep doing this to me !!  There is a Woodpecker shipment waiting in customs for me, I just know they are going to be another addiction  [sad]
 
PaulMarcel said:
I have and like the Veritas dovetail saws when I use a Western saw.  The 'dovetail' saw and '20tpi rip' are the ones I use.  The 20tpi rip is great for thinner stock.  They are a steal and work well.  Get them then when you want to get fancy, pick up a Bad Axe or Medallion Toolworks saw.

And to quote Frank Klausz, someone asked, Q: "Frank, why do you use a pencil when a marking knife leaves a much finer line for more precision"  A: "Because I use a pencil".
Click to expand...

Somewhere along the line he also said he prefers the thick line (i.e. width of saw kerf) because he saws down the middle & makes it disappear.  [unsure]
 
I have a Veritas dovetail saw and Lie Nielsen crosscut and tenon saws. I have to say I was very happy with the Veritas saw...

...until I got the Lie Nielsens.

I find they cut straighter which could be a function of the saw set or just the way I cut with the lighter Veritas saw. Yes the Veritas saw is good value, but it is not in the same class as the Lie Nielsens. Lie Nielsen also has a saw resharpening service if that is of interest to you. I sharpen my own, and indeed a dovetail saw is the one to learn sharpening on.

I would also check out the Gramercy tools dovetail saw. I tried it and loved it.

 
LN thin plate is a great saw...Bad Axe are very nice but very expensive. Get the LN...in fact you could just about buy 2 for 1 Bad Axe dt saw.
If you can make it to one of the LN shows that are coming up then you can try all of their tools out.
 
I have  a standard pitch and  progressive  pitch  LN  dovetails saws.

Stunning saws  and  very easy to use  even if you have never  cut a dovetail  in your life.
 
I've heard the LN saws can be grabby and hard to start.  Has anyone here had that problem?  FWIW, I have three Bad Axe saws and love them, though they are very pricey.
 
No, I haven't had that particular problem but since I sharpen them myself, I have introduced a progressive pitch and changed the original sawtooth geometry.

They always cut very well out of the box if I recall correctly.
 
I have to agree with what Paul Marcel said. I have the Veritas Dove Tail saw but have tried the LN dovetail saws at some of their events and they work well.  However, I did not see the LN saw being a big upgrade if any from the Veritas. Don't get me wrong I love all of my LN tools but we are fortunate to be in the middle of a hand tool renaissance with several new boutique tool makers popping up all the time. I recently placed an order for my first custom saw from Blackburn Tools, its a 14" Sash Saw.
 
Get on Youtube.com and do a search for David Barron dovetailing.  He has some really good films on dovetailing and recommends a saw (Gyochucho 372) that I've been using with great results.  I really like LN stuff, but for the price, this saw is a good starter until you have the experience to know what you want.
 
Steven in Iowa said:
Get on Youtube.com and do a search for David Barron dovetailing.  He has some really good films on dovetailing and recommends a saw (Gyochucho 372) that I've been using with great results.  I really like LN stuff, but for the price, this saw is a good starter until you have the experience to know what you want.
Click to expand...

I had this saw imported from Japan...used it twice, been meaning to list it. I learned that I'm not a Japanese saw guy, eventhough I studied Aikido and love Sushi.
 
I originally bought the tapered thin plate LN dovetail saw and after a month of using it, I sent it back for the non tapered standard plate.  The tapered thin plate didn't kink or bend on me, it was just that with the tapered plate, I found myself putting too much pressure  :-\ on the blade to start a cut.  Since I got the non tapered standard plate, that issue has gone away all by itself [wink].  The LN dovetail saws just seem to fit to the hand from the moment that you pick it up.  Fit and finish on LN dovetail saws are flawless.  Very comfortable saw.
 
I've used all of them at a woodworking show. The regular thin plate was my favorite
 
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