Best Back Saws
Let’s cut through the noise: In an age of laser-guided CNC routers and $5,000 track saws, the humble back saw remains the unsung hero of hand-cut perfection. This isn’t your grandpa’s rusty toolbox relic—it’s the scalpel of the woodshop, slicing dovetails, tenons, and miters with a precision that’ll make your Domino joiner blush. Whether you’re building heirloom cabinets or proving your “hand-tool purist” cred on Reddit, here’s why your bench needs a back saw—and how to wield it like a Windsor chair-making wizard.
Why Your Power Tools Can’t Replace a Back Saw (and Never Will)
Back saws combine minimalist design with brutal efficiency:
- Dead-Straight Cuts: The rigid spine eliminates flex, even in rock-hard exotics like purpleheart.
- Featherlight Control: Weighing less than your cordless drill, it’s fatigue-free for marathon joinery sessions.
- Zero Setup Time: No batteries, no jigs—just grab and slice.
- Street Cred: Nothing says “I know my stuff” like hand-cut dovetails tighter than a hipster’s jeans.
True Story: A Portland woodworker landed a 60 back saw.
Anatomy of a Back Saw: Where Steel Meets Soul
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Blade:
- Teeth: 13–16 TPI (teeth per inch) for crosscuts; 20+ TPI for dovetails.
- Material: High-carbon steel holds an edge; hardened stainless for lazy sharpeners.
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Spine:
- Brass or Steel: Adds rigidity and heft—like a katana for wood.
- Dovetailed: Premium saws have hand-fit spines (see: Veritas, Lie-Nielsen).
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Handle:
- Apple Wood: Traditional, with a pistol grip for ergonomic bliss.
- Laminate: Modern, weather-resistant for garage warriors.
Back Saw Types: From Dovetail Divas to Tenon Terminators
1. Dovetail Saw: The Finger Joint Ninja
- Teeth: 20–22 TPI for silky dovetails and box joints.
- Spine: Slim profile for tight spaces.
- Pro Tip: Pair with a marking knife for zero-clearance accuracy.
- Top Pick: Lie-Nielsen Dovetail Saw – The Rolls-Royce of joinery.
2. Tenon Saw: The Mortise-and-Tenon Maestro
- Teeth: 12–14 TPI for aggressive yet controlled cuts.
- Blade Height: 10”–14” for deep tenon shoulders.
- Hack: Score both sides of the cut line to prevent blowout.
- Top Pick: Veritas Tenon Saw – Adjustable spine for custom tension.
3. Gent’s Saw: The Delicate Detailer
- Teeth: 24+ TPI for model-making, inlay, and veneer work.
- Spine: Ultra-thin for jewelry box-level precision.
- Warning: Not for hardwoods—reserved for mahogany and ego.
- Top Pick: Crown Tools Gent’s Saw – Budget-friendly finesse.
4. Carcass Saw: The Hybrid Heavy Hitter
- Teeth: 14–16 TPI crosscut or 18 TPI rip for casework.
- Versatility: Cuts tenons, dados, and shelf pins.
- Pro Move: Use it to trim dowels flush without a chisel.
- Top Pick: Bad Axe Tool Works Carcass Saw – Hand-forged swagger.
Back Saw vs. Power Tools: The Hand-Cut Showdown
Task | Back Saw | Power Tool | Why Back Saw Wins |
---|---|---|---|
Cutting tenons | ✅ No tear-out, no jig needed | Router + jig (30+ mins setup) | Speed + precision |
Dovetailing drawers | ✅ Silent, meditative control | Dovetail jig (generic look) | Artisan appeal |
Trimming veneer | ✅ 0.3mm kerf, zero splintering | Jigsaw (tear-out galore) | Delicate materials |
On-site repairs | ✅ Fits in a tool roll | Cordless saw (dead battery) | Reliability |
5 Pro Tips to Avoid Blood, Sweat, and Tears
- Stance Matters: Stand perpendicular to the cut, elbow tucked.
- Let the Saw Sing: No death grips—two fingers on the handle.
- Score First: Use a marking knife to prevent tear-out.
- Angle the Cut: 5°–10° tilt for crosscuts; vertical for rips.
- Lubricate the Blade: Rub beeswax on teeth for smoother cuts.
Choosing Your Back Saw: Skip the Analysis Paralysis
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Project Type:
- Fine joinery: Dovetail saw (20+ TPI).
- Furniture: Tenon or carcass saw (12–16 TPI).
- Miniatures: Gent’s saw (24+ TPI).
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Budget:
- 100: Veritas or Crown Tools.
- $200+: Lie-Nielsen or Bad Axe (heirloom quality).
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Handle Feel:
- Test traditional vs. ergonomic grips—your hand will vote.
Top 5 Back Saws for Discerning Woodworkers
- Lie-Nielsen Dovetail Saw ($245): Hand-cut bragging rights.
- Veritas Carcass Saw ($139): Adjustable spine for tension tweaks.
- Bad Axe Tenon Saw ($325): Forged steel, vintage vibes.
- Crown Tools Gent’s Saw ($45): Budget-friendly finesse.
- Florip Toolworks Dovetail Saw ($180): Customizable, hipster-approved.
Maintenance: Keep Your Saw from Becoming a Wall Hanger
- Cleaning: Wipe blades with camellia oil to prevent rust.
- Sharpening: Use a Gramercy Tools Saw File every 40–50 hours.
- Storage: Hang vertically or sheath in leather (no toolbox tangos).
Pro Hack: Store in a PVC tube with silica gel packs to combat humidity.
FAQs: Solving Back Saw Nightmares
Q: Why does my saw wander on hardwood?
A: Dull teeth or improper stance. Sharpen and practice the “two-finger grip.”
Q: Can I cut aluminum with a back saw?
A: Yes, but use a 24 TPI blade and WD-40. Expect a wrist workout.
Q: Best saw for restoring antique furniture?
A: Gent’s saw (24 TPI) for delicate trim and veneer.
The Final Cut: Precision Never Goes Out of Style
Back saws are more than tools—they’re a rebellion against the “faster, cheaper” mindset. In a world of disposable gadgets, they offer a return to craftsmanship where every stroke matters. Whether you’re chasing hand-tool clout or building furniture that outlives you, a back saw is the bridge between “DIY” and “masterpiece.”