On Fri, 17 Jan 2003, Michael McCarthy wrote:

>    A question for the porch:  On small back saws (12-18)I have heard
> that no set is required.  Does this jibe with what you have heard

Having no set will work for shallow cuts, but is not a very wise thing to
do.

The amount of set depends on the task for which the saw is intended. Here
is how I set my backsaws:

- Dovetail saw: 0.003" set - lets you cut 2" deep cuts in 1" thick wood
- Small tenon saw (12"): 0.004" set - 2 1/2" deep cut in 1 1/2" thick wood
- Large tenon saw (14"): 0.005" set - 4" deep cut in 2" thick wood

These cuts will be fast and without binding. Having no set would not allow
these saws to cut half of the above sizes. The blade would be hot and the
cutting would be a frustrating experience.

Apply appropriate amount of set and saw will just float through the wood.

Eddie

Adria Toolworks Inc. - High Quality Dovetail and Tenon saws
http://www.AdriaTools.com
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