90º sawing by hand?

[Howie]

Howdy folks,

In some recent carvings I've found being able to achieve a use-shape carve, or two 90º corners in the middle of some wood would be greatly beneficial. What's the best way to do this? A speciality knife, saw or just slow slow progress with a roughing knife (my current method).

Thanks!

-Howie

[AlArchie]

You can use a coping saw for a lot of initial cuts on a carving. There is also a small backsaw made by (here goes that AWFULword) again X-ACTO!. The saw blade is about 6" long, has a stiffened back for straight cuts and a very thin kerf.

Sells for around 4 bucks


They also make several other small saw blades, but those are all pretty flimsey. Godd for some work though.



Al

[Claude]

You could try the appropriate size carpenter's chisels or mortising chisels, if you have them. After all, a mortise in nothing more than a square-cornered U joined to another square-cornered U.

Claude

[Eddy-Smiles]

Howie....

I keep a saw handy also but my saw of choice is a small Japanese flush cut saw as sold by Harbor Freight. It's only 12" long and fits handily in my tool box. It cuts on the pull stroke and has extremely fine and sharp teeth.

[STAR]

I second what Eddy says. Once you have one, you will find plenty of uses in carving for it.

Some times a small dovetail saw comes in handy, but get a medium priced one at least, do not go to the bottom of the barrel for you will surely be disappointed.

Pete

[Robson Valley]

I bought the little flush-cutting dowel saw from Lee Valley. (All the teeth & kerf are canted to one side.) I have surprised myself how often I have used it for carving cutoffs and very deep grooves.

If you need two deep cuts which stop at each other at 90 degrees in the middle of the wood, I can't think of any way other than a knife and go slow. Can you drill a hole, 1/16" or less, at the apex of the corner?