Buying a Tenon Saw

Paul Sellers recommends a 12” tenon saw with 14-16 PPI. You can get brass-backed or steel-backed ones. The steel-backed saws are slightly lighter in weight, so it is down to personal preference. However, Paul says most experienced craftsman ultimately use a brass-backed. 🇬🇧/🇺🇸You can buy these new online for approximately £30-40. We found this Spear and Jackson one on Amazon which can also be ordered from the US. Paul suggests that, as a beginner, you buy a new one of these, until you feel confident enough setting up and sharpening a secondhand saw. When you are ready for that, look on eBay for brands such as Spear & Jackson, Garlick, Pax and Disston . When buying a second hand saw, both a steel back and brass back are good. Ensure there is no severe rust corrosion, such as pitting, because this can result in hole through the saw plate. Most light rust can be sanded away. Also, check that there aren’t a lot of teeth missing (more than 4 missing is too many).

We purchased this from eBay for £18.50 with £3.80 delivery.*

*Prices correct as of December 2017