New hand saws - which ones?

[mickthetree]

Hey all

Do Axminster stores let you test out hand saws before you buy? I'm after a cross cut and rip cut pair, but having used japanese saws for the last year or so I would like to try out some good western saws.

Like the look of the Pax 1776 pair, but also interested in the veritas pair (plus they are a fair bit cheaper!)

Cant try them side by side so anyone tried both and have any opinions to offer?

 

[dunbarhamlin]

I only have DT saws from each (it's a disease.)

Both saws work well, though are different styles. The Veritas has the fashionable lower blade height, which makes it feel lighter and easier to balance, but of course less readily telegraphs truth back to the user (though the handle is good, and offers good proprioceptive feedback.)

Out-of-the-box, the Veritas win hands down, both in terms of blade set up and finish. (I reduced the set and levelled a proud sharp sawnut and eased the arriss on the handle of my Pax DT.)

As you're used to very light saws, the Veritas may (again) be the better option (and the wife will agree )

Cheers
Steve

 

[mickthetree]

Cheers Steve

Thats just what I needed to know.

Think I need to get somewhere to try them out. Didnt manage to get to any tool shows this year as thaqt would have been best place I guess.

Any other shows this year?

 

[dunbarhamlin]

Harrogate next weekend (20th-22nd) https://www.ukworkshop.co.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?t=3239
CHT had a number of DT saws out on a bench for direct comparison at West Dean this year.
I'm sure if you contacted Mike he could sort something (even a trip into his lair - though it can be an expensive day out )
HTH

 

[Paul Chapman]

Hi Mick,

I reckon the Veritas saws are excellent. They now produce two rip cut dovetail saws (14 TPI and 20 TPI) and a cross cut. I tried them all at the D & M show on Sunday and they were excellent - and great value for money.

Cheers :wink:

Paul

 

[mickthetree]

cheers Paul, I (and my wallet) are leanign towards these, but I would just like to convince myself by having one of each in hand before I part with the cash. If that makes sense.

Cheers for the info on Harrogate Steve, its a bit of a trek so dont think I'll make that one this year.

To which Mike were you refering?

 

[dunbarhamlin]

Mike Hancock at Classic Hand Tools

 

[TobyB]

I was really impressed with the Veritas dovetail saw when I got hold of it - they might not be great, but cutting dovetails suddenly seemed like something I'd be able to do OK. Recommended. Another saw-choosing idea ... I'm looking for a larger crosscut tenon saw to replace the cheap'n'nasty Stanley thing I have that the teeth have been breaking off ... Matthew from Workshop Heaven is lending me one of the Atkinson Walkers to try ... you might like to contact him?