Knew Concepts fret saws

[James Spillman]

I thought this would be easy. All I wanted was a quality fret saw to cut dovetail and box joint waste. Knew Concepts would provide the product. Then I found out there are many variables. Titanium vs. aluminum--- screw tension vs. lever tension---fixed blade vs. angle blade--- 3",5" or 8"depth. Now what to do? Please advise me all I need is the economy $60.00 model rather than the $200.00 version.

[Tony Wilkins]

Aluminum will be fine so there’s some money saved. I would spend the extra money on lever tension and angle blade. From personal experience, they make life easier. As far as the depth of cut, that depends on the scale of your work. What size dovetails and boxes are you making? I think the smallest will do most of what you want unless you’re making Papal coffins. (I think that’s the size I have but I’ll have to double check). Of course the coping saw is available too.

ETA: double checked and mine is the three inch model. Derek Cohen has info on these saws on his inthewoodshop.com. http://www.inthewoodshop.com/ToolReviews/KnewConceptsFretsaw.html
IIRC, reading his article led me to the size I got

[Frederick Skelly]

I wouldn't get too carried away. I bought a 5" mark 4 about 6 mos ago and it does everything I need for dovetail work. It cost me about $110. The mark 4 is rock solid and the swivel feature allows you to choose an angle thatt works best for you. This was definitely a crazy expensive fretsaw, but it has been worth every dime.

And yes, you can make due with a lesser model if your budget is tight.
Fred

[Jim Koepke]

My 5" Knew Concepts with swivel to 45º changed my use habits with fret saws. My only regret is the full swivel was not on the market at the time. Maybe one day my wallet will open for one.

jtk

[Derek Cohen]

I thought this would be easy. All I wanted was a quality fret saw to cut dovetail and box joint waste. Knew Concepts would provide the product. Then I found out there are many variables. Titanium vs. aluminum--- screw tension vs. lever tension---fixed blade vs. angle blade--- 3",5" or 8"depth. Now what to do? Please advise me all I need is the economy $60.00 model rather than the $200.00 version.

Hi James

Get the 3" aluminium (red) model. Lever tension. Hey ... it's the cheapest! :)

I worked with Lee Marshall to develop the original woodworker version. He sent me these photos when we were discussing depth of cut at 45 degrees ...

3" saw:

https://s19.postimg.cc/ejv0a8zmb/KC453inch.jpg

5" saw:

https://s19.postimg.cc/dhktrnjcz/KC455inch.jpg

So, yes, the 5" model has a greater depth of cut, but the 3" is more than enough at 2". The 3" saw will be stiffer than the 5", plus lighter, so it is the one to aim for for sawing out dovetail waste.

Regards from Perth

Derek

[James Spillman]

Thanks everyone for replying. I think I will follow Derek's suggestion. The 3" saw should be just what I am looking for.

[lowell holmes]

My Knew Concepts saw is red.