Japanese Saw for Timber Framing

[Dean Arthur]

Does anyone have any first hand experience with some of the larger, more obscure Japanese saws for timber framing? I've got a Gyokucho 655 ryoba that has worked great for general construction but I've been toying with the idea of getting a larger saw for dealing with larger cutoffs, etc. that a ryoba won't do well with.

An outfit called the Shelter Institute who builds timber frame has a good video of them using a Silky Zorin 370 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5I0qP3TaR0Y

Some say this saw is discontinued, but they appear to have some in stock.

I also came across a Willow Leaf Log Saw on the woodcraft site but they aren't in stock and may not be in the future https://www.woodcraft.com/products/1...-hikoza-hikoza

This past winter I have been using some of the folding pruning saws in the yard and I wonder if these would be an even better option. Something like the Silky Katanaboy or Big Boy 2000, etc. They come in a variety of tooth patterns and are easily available. Folding seems like a nice option for a job site as well.

Not sure what size to get - these saws go from 340mm up to 650mm. Any suggestions that I might have missed would be well appreciated.

Locally I came across an ad for the Makita 16" and 10 1/4" circular saws for a really reasonable price. I'm tempted (particularly with the 10 1/4) but I wonder how much use I would really get out of them since I don't do this professionally. I'm not planning on doing a full timber framed structure - more for architectural elements, perhaps a roof and/or pergola. I did find a good deal on a chain mortiser though, since I hate cutting mortises by hand.

[Jim Matthews]

Pruning saws are for green wood and might not track straight. The Zorin saw shown has a bent handle designed for use on low sawhorses (below knee level) and you can see in the demo he's forced to choke up on the grip.

I like to see handle slightly longer than the blades, so I can keep my hands apart for stability.

Check your PM.

[Jim Matthews]

PM sent for address confirmation.

[Mike Allen1010]

I would love to hear what you decide on and how it works. I’ve used 16” circular saw on timber framing project- works great on saw horses but way too much for me up on a ladder.

[Dean Arthur]

Mike,

Jim and I worked out a fun little 'trade'. He sent down a Nakaya R-1900 he had laying around, an obscure saw that I suppose used to be around domestically but isn't any longer.

I've run across some articles of people using the Z-saw 333 for this application too if you're looking for something to try locally. Seems similar.

Once Jim pointed out the ergonomics of the Zorin saw I couldn't help but agree, it just didn't look comfortable.

I contacted woodcraft about the willow leaf log saw but they informed me they had no plans to get them again.