StewMac Japanese Fine Cut Saw

[Don Williams]

Has anyone tried this? How do you like it, and have you compared to the Gyros 83-16008 Brass Back Razor Saw?

Thanks.

[Steve Rolig]

I use one only for cutting fret slots and the heel tenon, hoping to prolong the life of the saw. I find it works well for me.
Steve

[Don Williams]

Thanks Steve. The StewMac saw seems kind of small to me for cutting a tenon, but after getting it, it seems just right for trimming brace ends when fitting plates to the rim. I think I like it, except that it is almost too light in weight. I wish it was a bit heavier, or had a heavier handle, or perhaps even a weighted handle. I may replace the handle with a rosewood or ebony one.

[Steve Rolig]

Don, it looks like I was referencing a different saw: http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tools/Speci ... 3&xsr=2987
I haven't tried the one you were asking about, sorry.
Steve

[Don Williams]

In the FWIW Department:

I had the chance to try it out last night in fitting the top to the rim on my current project, a Brazilian/Adi OM. (I know, terrible, unproven combo...it will probably never work) and the saw performed admirably. My rating would be an 8 out of 10, only because as I said earlier, the handle is a bit light weight feeling, but also because for the application of trimming braces, having a handle that is angled upward would be better to give clearance to the hand over the other braces and the soundboard or back. It's great that the blade is as short as it is in both length and height....perfect for this application, but the hand needs a little more room to work with and an angled handle such as on the X-Acto saw would be perfect for this. Kudos to StewMac for a generally terrific product though. The blade is very sharp and handles cutting through bracewood pretty easily.