A Tenon saw is a type of handsaw that uses stiff edges to keep the saw blade stable during cutting. I know you must be wondering what Tenon saw is used for. Unlike a panel saw that is used for making straight cuts in large pieces of wood, a Tenon saw is mostly used for small, accurate cuts in demanding precision works such as making joints or furniture-making.
These cuts are, however, more profound as compared to carcass saw cuts. It has a classic Henry Disston model-based design, with an edge made from metal or wood. The handles of this kind of saw are known as pistol grips and are available with open or closed grips. They are more versatile and convenient compared to a hybrid table saw or any type. The best Tenon saw has about 13 saw teeth for every inch of the saw blade.
Top 8 Tenon Saws List in the Market Ever
You are not sure which Tenon saw to buy? Well, worry no more as I am here for you. The following are the Top-rated budget-friendly Tenon saws you will find in the market. I have listed their features and even some reviews by experts.
- Spear & Jackson 9550B Traditional Brass Back Tenon Saw
- CROWN 195 12″ Tenon Saw Brass Back, 13 TPI
- Spear & Jackson 5410Y Tenon Saw Comfortable Handle
- Irwin Hardpoint Tenon Saw 10-inch/250mm
- Spear & Jackson 9540B-91 Traditional Brass Back Tenon Saw
- Spear & Jackson B9812 12-inch Predator Tenon Saw
- Lynx Thomas Flinn Taytools British 14 Inch Tenon Saw
- Footprint 256 Brass Back Tenon Saw 14in
1. Spear & Jackson 9550B Traditional Brass Back Tenon Saw
Just like many other tools in the wide range of traditional Tenon and Skew Back saws from Spear& Jackson, the 9550B Traditional Brass Back Tenon Saw features universal precision ground teeth for general use, which cut both along and across the grain. This Tenon saw comes with high carbon steel blades and comfortable traditional wooden handles that are securely fixed by rivets.
Why is Spear & Jackson Different?
The saw features universal teeth that are suitable for general use. It cuts both along and across the grain and is ideal for joint cutting and sawing small pieces of wood and wood-based materials.
Expert Opinion
“This is a very nicely built tenon saw. The heavy brass back band makes for easy-going through the oak wood that I tested it on. I will fine-tune the saw tooth set and probably re-shape the saw handle a bit for my hand, but I really can’t find anything to complain about with this saw as well as I should say this is the best tenon saw for the money,” says Roy Heimes from the United States.
Top Features of Spear & Jackson
- High carbon steel blade
- Universal teeth for general use cut along and across the grain
- Brass back for maximum rigidity
- Precision ground teeth
You will Like for
The wooden saw handle is comfortable and securely fixed by riveting for strength and durability. It also has a fine finish to it.
You might Dislike for
It might require some more sharpening to suit personal interests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does it have a crosscut tooth or rip cut? Are they crosscut with flat faces in the direction of cutting?
A: The saw comes with teeth filed for crosscutting. It is an all-purpose rip saw and crosscutting and does them both well. The teeth can easily be modified to a rip pattern if you have a saw file.
Q: What is the depth of cut for this saw?
A: It is 3 1/8 inches
Q: Are these teeth hardened, or can they be sharpened?
A: It does not have hardened teeth and is therefore designed to be resharpened once they become blunt.
2. CROWN 195 12″ Tenon Saw Brass Back, 13 TPI – Full Handle
This crown19512″ 305mm Tenon Saw is made with fine quality brass material. The saw is designed to offer you excellent performance with a stained Beachwood handle that is securely screwed to ensure no parts dissemble in the process of cutting.
Why is CROWN 195 Different?
I liked this exceptional quality hand tool from Crown Hand Tools Ltd, Sheffield, England, mainly because of the strong structure of high carbon steel and 13 teeth per inch.
Expert Opinion
Johnstone from Canada says, “This is an excellent saw. It has a heavy stiff back, nice hardwood handle, and is resharpenable. This saw is for REAL woodworkers”.
Top Features of CROWN 195
- Resharpenable high-carbon steel blade
- Fagus Sylvatica Germany Handle secured with screws
- Stiffened with Brass Back
- 13 Teeth per inch Handle
You will Like for
This Tenon saw is made of exceptional quality for the best performance.
You might Dislike for
This saw may require you to have some prior experience for ease of use.
Frequently Asked Question
Q: Is the item durable?
A: Yes. The blade is made of strong steel material for durability.
Q: Is this item easy to use?
A: Absolutely. You can also adjust it to suit your interests.
Q: What are the dimensions of this item?
A: The product measures 43.18 x 15.24 x 3.05 cm
3. Spear & Jackson 5410Y Tenon Saw, Brown, and Silver
The Spear & Jackson is a gent’s saw, suitable for a variety of applications and needs. The saw is made with universal precision ground teeth for general use, which cuts along and across the grain. It also features high-carbon steel blades and comfortable traditional wooden handles that are securely fixed with screws. This saw’s teeth have not been hardened and are therefore designed to be resharpened once they become blunt.
Why is Spear & Jackson Different?
The saw is made with universal teeth that allow general use. Instead of riveting, this saw has a comfortable handle that is firmly fixed and secured with solid brass screws.
Expert Opinion
Brian Ritchey from the USA says,” It is robust, feels great in your hand, has a fantastic cut, great price, and is one good-looking saw. It now has the best spot on my tool wall. I love this tool; I can’t wait to order my next Spear & Jackson saw. The quality is equal to the best out there”.
Top Features of Spear & Jackson
- Cuts along and across the grain
- Precision cross-ground teeth
- Fine finish
- Solid brass back for maximum rigidity
- Used for joinery cutting & sawing small pieces of wood
- Comfortable wooden handle
You will Like for
I liked the fact that this saw is not hardened, meaning you can resharpen it as you wish. You will also love it.
You might Dislike for
Some users have found this saw to be a bit wider for their liking.
Frequently Asked Question
Q: What is the depth of cut of this blade?
A: The depth is cut 2.5 inches from the teeth tip to where the brass back would stop the cut. Thinner material can be cut deeper by using a steeper cut angle. Top of Form
Q: Is this saw good for cutting dovetails?
A: With a bit of trial and error, it can be done. The teeth and set are a bit aggressive for dovetail work. This saw is suitable for tenon shoulder and tenon cheek cuts.
Q: What is the measurement of the blade thickness and the TPI?
A: The blade is 10″ (250mm) long and 13 TPI Bottom of Form
4. Irwin Hardpoint Tenon Saw 10-inch/250mm
This Irwin Hardpoint Tenon Saw is a 250mm saw that is suitable for fine carpentry and can be used with a miter box. The saw plate contains 12 teeth per inch and provides super-efficient cutting performance.
Why is Irwin Hardpoint Different?
This saw evolved to provide super-efficient cutting work. The triple-ground tooth technology (TGT) not only increases efficiency but also optimizes cutting performance on both push and pull strokes.
Expert Opinion
Gugghi from the United Kingdom says “It is easy and comfortable to hold and so makes starting cuts easy and allows for nice tidy cuts. Just the right number of teeth per inch for my needs, so no tearing around cuts.”
Top Features of Irwin Hardpoint
- Xpert range of antique hand saws
- Optimizes cutting performance on both the push and pull strokes
- Soft-grip handle for user comfort
You will Like for
The hardpoint tenon saw is made with a soft-grip handle for user comfort. Compared to veritas saws, this is more affordable.
You might Dislike for
The blade is a bit weak for people looking to do some heavy work cutting.
Frequently Asked Question
Q: Where can it be used?
A: This Tenon saw is a suitable choice for fine carpentry and can be used with a miter box
5. Spear & Jackson 9540B-91 Traditional Brass Back Tenon Saw
This Spear & Jackson 9540B-91 Traditional Brass Back Tenon Saw is high-quality, with universal teeth for general use, and also makes cuts along and across the grain. It features a brass back for maximum rigidity and a high-carbon steel blade. The handle is comfortable and is securely fixed by rivets. You can use it for tenon joint cutting and sawing small pieces of wood and wood-based materials.
Why is Spear & Jackson 9540B-91 Different?
The handle is riveted for extra strength. It also comes with a fine finish that gives it a nice look and also increases its working life.
Expert Opinion
“The saw is of great quality. I have no issues with it at all and am very satisfied with the tool. It cuts nicely, is easy to handle, and feels much nicer compared to other saws I have used before,” says Shannon A from the United States.
Top Features of Spear & Jackson
- Cuts along and across the grain
- Brass back for maximum rigidity
- High carbon steel blade
- Precision ground teeth
- For joint cutting & sawing, small pieces of wood
- Comfortable wooden handle secured by rivets
You will like for
It comes with universal teeth for general use and a very comfortable handle for easy handling.
You might Dislike for
The handle is a bit short. If you prefer longer, you can fix t with a new handle to suit your liking.
Frequently Asked Question
Q: Is this tool American-made?
A: No. Spear&Jackson is a British company. It is well made.
Q: What is the PPI of this saw?
A: According to the company’s website, it is 15ppi.
Q: Is this a rip-cut or crosscut saw?
A: It is sharpened for rip cut. Top of Form
6. Spear & Jackson B9812 12 inch (305mm) X 15pts Predator Tenon Saw
This is the best cheap tenon saw on the market, Spear & Jackson saw is suitable for cutting out a tenon and cutting pelmets, molding, dowelling, coving, architraves, and skirting. It is designed with a comfortable handle with a soft feel and a non-slip design for a firm hold. The saw is ideal for use along and across the grain. The blade is heat-treated to provide a fast, rapid, and clean cutting action.
Why is Spear & Jackson B9812 Different?
What I like most about this handle is the finger guide that improves accuracy and incorporates a useful 45/90 degree guide. The ergonomic soft feel Suregrip handle allows for comfortable and easy use.
Expert Opinion
Kindle from the United Kingdom says, “My husband used this saw to cut some hard plastic and 2″ x 1″ wood with no problems. It is good quality, has a nice comfy handle, and cuts well.
Top Features of Spear & Jackson B9812
- Fast cut – rapid clean-cutting action
- Rigid blade for less whip and vibration
- Comfortable handle with sure-grip soft feel ergonomic grip
- Finger guide for improved accuracy
You will Like for
With fast, efficient cutting, this saw will provide a fine cut with a smooth, clean cutting action.
You might Dislike for
The saw might be too large for your needs, especially if you want to cut small pieces of wood.
Frequently Asked Question
Q: What is the distance between the teeth and the bottom edge of the rib?
A: The blade length and thickness are 308mm x 0.67mm, respectively. The blade back supports a depth and width are 21mm x 4.7mm, and the blade distance between teeth and the blade back supports 280mm.
Q: Is there something I should purchase before using this saw?
A: You can use 3-in-1 oil to wipe the saw, especially when putting it away, to prevent rusting and to lubricate the cut. You could also get a replacement blade for later use.
7. Lynx Thomas Flinn Taytools British 14 Inch Tenon Saw
The Lynx Thomas Flinn Taytools British 14 Inch Tenon Saw is made by Thomas Flinn of Sheffield, England, the oldest remaining hand saw and plane maker in the UK. It is reasonably priced, professional-quality, and co-branded Lynx / Taytools. This old saw is made from world-renowned Sheffield allow spring steel giving you a good balance of edge durability and ease of sharpening.
The saw plate is held straight and true by a thick, solid brass spine, meaning that the blade is held under tension, offering excellent rigidity and balance. The weight of the brass back helps with the fine-cutting ability of this saw.
Why is Lynx Thomas Flinn Different?
This great saw comes with a handle made from stained European Beech and has brass button screws. It features a 14-inch blade with a maximum depth of cut of 3-1/8 inches. It has 15 TPI and is filed for rip cutting, making it perfect for cutting tenon shoulders. The saw is hand sharpened before leaving the factory and can be resharpened.
Expert Opinion
“This saw is comfortable and well made. The balance and weight, coupled with a well-designed handle, make it enjoyable to use. It cut well and required no touch-up out of the box,” says Jed from the United States.
Top Features of Lynx Thomas Flinn
- Strong blade and handle
- The handle is stained European Beech with brass button screws
- The14 inches saw plate has 15 TPI and is filed for rip cutting.
You will Like for
You will definitely like the stable, straight, and clean cuts this saw makes. The weight is well-balanced for comfortable use. The brass back is heavyweight and helps the saw down through the work almost effortlessly.
You might Dislike for
It is more costly than standard saws.
Frequently Asked Question
Q: Is the item durable?
A: Yes. This saw from Sheffield allows spring steel and taper ground to provide a good balance of edge durability and ease of sharpening.
Q: Is this item easy to use?
A: Yes. The handle is made of a slip-resistant material that makes it easy to use and control.
Q: What is the depth of cut of this item?
A: The maximum depth of cut is 3-1/8 inches.
8. Footprint 256 Brass Back Tenon Saw 14in
This Tenon saw is made from Irwin and has evolved into a super-efficient cutting tool. It optimizes cutting performance, giving you great results with minimal struggle. The saw uses triple-ground tooth technology (TGT) that increases efficiency and optimizes cutting performance on both the push and pull stroke, thus reducing the amount of effort needed. It comes with a soft-grip handle for user comfort. It is the ideal choice for fine carpentry and can be used with a miter box.
Why is Footprint 256 Different?
Coming from a well-renown brand, this saw is super-efficient with great features that complement each other to give you trouble-free performance.
Expert Opinion
“This is a quality saw. You get what you pay for and this, well-reputed brand Irwin, is very well-made. The handle fits well when sawing, and the fine-grade multiple high teeth counts make cutting easy. It has a fine line cut, and the build quality is fantastic,” says a UK-based saw fanatic.
Top Features of Lynx Thomas Flinn
- Good-quality materials
- Soft-grip handle for user comfort
- Size: 300.2mm (13 in)
- Teeth 13 TPI
You will Like for
The saw optimizes cutting performance on both the push and pull strokes.
You might Dislike for
The handle is some kind of plastic molded, half-backed concoction and might loosen with time.
Frequently Asked Question
Q: How would this perform as a dovetail saw?
A: You can get good results making a dovetail joint with this.
Q: What are the dimensions of this product?
A: It measures 19.29″ x 5.91″ x 0.98″
Best Tenon Saw Frequently Asked Question
Are Tenon Saws Rip or Crosscut?
Tenon saws come in both rip and crosscut versions. This is because when you cut tenons, cutting the cheeks is a rip cut while cutting the shoulders is a crosscut. They are easier to control, more precise, and leave a smoother finish than other saws used in carpentry.
Are Tenon Saws Good?
Tenon saws are suitable for cutting small pieces of wood. They are best used for woodworking across the grain, as opposed to along it.
Can a Tenon Saw Cut Metal?
A tenon saw is used for woodworking. It does not have a steel spine that is useful when making cuts in materials like metal
Conclusion
Just like many other saws in the market, it is important to know what kind of woodworking you intend to use the saw for before purchasing. This will help you make an informed choice on the best Tenon saw. In case the cut you intend to make is complicated, you can opt for a coping saw or fret saw instead. These are used to remove curves and have the teeth faced backward. Whether it is a Japanese saw or a western saw, make sure to get what best suits your needs. Feel free to try the products featured in this review.