When it comes to creating fine furniture and intricate woodworking joints, the dovetail stands as the hallmark of craftsmanship. Among the essential tools for achieving this iconic joint, a quality dovetail saw is non-negotiable.
In this Veritas dovetail saw review, we’ll explore the Veritas dovetail saw, a tool that has garnered significant attention in the woodworking community. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an enthusiastic hobbyist, this analysis will help you determine if this precision instrument deserves a place in your workshop.
Understanding the Veritas Legacy
Before diving into the specifics of their dovetail saw, it’s worth noting that Veritas, manufactured by Lee Valley Tools, has built a formidable reputation in the woodworking world. Known for their innovative designs and uncompromising quality, Veritas tools are engineered with the woodworker in mind.
The company’s commitment to combining traditional craftsmanship with modern engineering has resulted in tools that consistently perform at the highest level.
First Impressions: Design and Build Quality
Upon unboxing the Veritas dovetail saw, the first thing you’ll notice is its impeccable build quality. The saw features a beautifully polished brass back that not only adds aesthetic appeal but also provides the necessary weight and rigidity for precise cutting. The handle, crafted from durable hardwood, feels comfortable in the hand and is shaped to promote proper grip and control.
What sets Veritas apart from many competitors is its thoughtful ergonomics. The handle is angled to optimize your cutting position, reducing fatigue during extended use. This attention to user comfort demonstrates Veritas’s understanding that a tool’s performance is intrinsically linked to how it feels in the hand.
Technical Specifications
The Veritas dovetail saw comes in several variants, but their most popular models feature:
- Blade Length: Typically 9-10 inches.
- Teeth Per Inch (TPI): Options range from 14 to 20 TPI, with the 15 TPI being the most versatile for dovetail work.
- Blade Material: High-carbon steel that’s been heat-treated for durability.
- Plate Thickness: Approximately 0.020 inches for minimal kerf and reduced resistance.
- Tooth Configuration: Rip-cut pattern optimized for cutting with the grain.
- Back Material: Solid brass for weight and stability.
- Handle Material: Hardwood (usually maple or cherry) with a natural oil finish.
Performance in the Workshop
Where the Veritas dovetail saw truly shines is in its cutting performance. The saw starts effortlessly and tracks remarkably true to your line. The teeth geometry creates an aggressive yet smooth cutting action that removes material efficiently without binding.
When cutting dovetails, precision is paramount, and this is where the Veritas excels. The thin blade and minimal kerf allow for exceptionally accurate cuts, which is essential when creating tight-fitting joints. The balance between the brass back and hardwood handle feels just right, giving you excellent control without feeling cumbersome.
One aspect that particularly impressed me during testing was the saw’s ability to start a cut exactly where intended. Some dovetail saws tend to wander at the beginning of a cut, but the Veritas maintains its path from the moment the teeth touch the wood. This precision significantly reduces the need for paring and fitting later in the process.
Cutting Across Different Wood Species
To thoroughly test the Veritas dovetail saw, I used it on various wood species, including:
- Hard Maple: Known for being difficult to work with, the saw performed admirably, creating clean cuts without tear-out.
- Black Walnut: The saw sliced through this medium-density wood with ease, leaving smooth surfaces.
- Cherry: A joy to cut, with the saw producing almost glass-like surfaces.
- Pine: Even in this softer wood, the saw maintained control without splintering.
Regardless of the wood species, the Veritas dovetail saw consistently delivered clean, precise cuts that required minimal cleanup.
Comparison with Competitors
To provide context for this review, I compared the Veritas with several other popular dovetail saws on the market:
Veritas vs. Lie-Nielsen
The Lie-Nielsen dovetail saw is often considered the gold standard in the woodworking community. While both saws offer exceptional performance, I found the Veritas to be slightly more aggressive in its cutting action. The Lie-Nielsen has a slightly heavier feel, which some woodworkers prefer, but the Veritas offers better balance for extended use. Price-wise, the Veritas typically comes in at a more accessible price point.
Veritas vs. Japanese Dozuki Saws
Japanese pull saws, such as the Dozuki, operate on a different cutting principle and offer their advantages. They’re exceptionally precise and leave a remarkably clean surface. However, the Western-style Veritas feels more familiar to those accustomed to push saws and offers more versatility for different joint-cutting techniques. The Veritas is also more durable for those who might be less than gentle with their tools.
Veritas vs. Gent’s Saw
Traditional gent’s saws are lighter and often less expensive, but they lack the heft and stability of the Veritas. For serious dovetail work, the Veritas’s additional weight helps maintain momentum through the cut, resulting in straighter lines with less effort.
Maintenance and Durability
One often overlooked aspect of tool ownership is maintenance. The Veritas dovetail saw requires minimal upkeep but will benefit from occasional attention. The blade should be kept clean and dry to prevent rust. A light application of camellia oil or paste wax will protect the metal surfaces.
When it comes to sharpening, the high-quality steel holds an edge well but will eventually need attention. While many woodworkers send their saws out for professional sharpening, those with the requisite skills can maintain the teeth themselves. The consistent tooth geometry makes this process relatively straightforward compared to some other saws.
Who Is This Saw For?
The Veritas dovetail saw is ideally suited for:
- Fine Woodworkers: Those who create furniture and value precision joinery.
- Hand Tool Enthusiasts: Woodworkers who prefer the control and satisfaction of hand-cut joints.
- Intermediate to Advanced Craftsmen: While beginners could use this saw, its premium price point might be better justified by those with more experience.
- Professional Woodworkers: For whom time and precision are critical factors in their work.
Price and Value Assessment
With a retail price typically ranging from $120 to $160, depending on the specific model, the Veritas dovetail saw represents a significant investment. However, when viewed as a lifetime tool that will potentially be used for decades, the value proposition becomes much stronger.
Compared to mass-produced alternatives that may cost less but lack the precision and durability, the Veritas offers excellent long-term value. For serious woodworkers, the investment in a quality tool like this pays dividends in the form of better results and increased efficiency.
Pros:
- Exceptional build quality and materials
- Precise cutting with excellent control
- Comfortable handle design reduces fatigue
- Versatile across different wood species
- Backed by Veritas’s reputation for quality and customer service
- Holds an edge well and is relatively easy to sharpen when needed
Cons:
- Premium price point may be prohibitive for beginners or occasional users
- May feel aggressive for those accustomed to finer-toothed saws
- Requires proper technique to achieve optimal results
Tips for Getting the Best Results
To maximize your experience with the Veritas dovetail saw:
- Let the saw do the work: Apply minimal downward pressure and focus on guiding the saw rather than forcing it through the wood.
- Use a proper sawing stance: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your body positioned to allow a full, natural stroke.
- Practice on scrap wood: Before cutting into your project pieces, take time to familiarize yourself with the saw’s characteristics.
- Maintain a sharp blade: A sharp saw is safer and more precise than a dull one.
- Consider a saw vise: This simple accessory holds your work securely and can significantly improve cutting accuracy.
Final Thoughts
In this Veritas dovetail saw review, we do extensive testing and comparison, and it’s clear that the Veritas dovetail saw represents an excellent choice for serious woodworkers. Its combination of thoughtful design, quality materials, and outstanding performance makes it a tool that can truly enhance your woodworking experience.
While the initial investment may be substantial, the precision and pleasure of using a well-crafted tool like this cannot be overstated. For those who take pride in hand-cut joinery and appreciate fine tools, the Veritas dovetail saw is more than worth the investment.
In the world of woodworking, where the difference between good and great often comes down to the tools in your hand and the skill with which you use them, the Veritas dovetail saw provides that extra margin of precision that can elevate your work to the next level. Whether you’re creating heirloom furniture or simply enjoying the satisfaction of hand-cut joints, this saw is a companion that will serve you well for years to come.
