Good evening folks,
Ive read several posts on this in the archives and Im still struggling a bit to figure this out. Im learning to cut M&T joints by hand. I use my veritas small dovetail saw to cut the cheeks and I get a pretty decent result. But its SLOW for cutting cheeks. That dovetail saw is 14 tpi with a cut depth of about 1 9/16". I have these questions:
1) LV sells a carcass rip saw that has 12 tpi. It has a cutting depth of 2 3/8". Will 2 tpi less make a noticable difference in my cutting speed? Enough to warrant $79 for the saw?
2) LV sells a tenon rip saw with 9 tpi. Id expect that to cut much faster, but will that saw be harder to control? (Im still learning handsaw skills. This saw has a 16" blade with a 4" cutting depth.) This saw is $115.
3) Or at my skill level, should I stick with the dovetail saw (because its very controllable) and just live with the speed for now?
Im not ready to learn saw sharpening yet and so Im thinking a new, moderately priced Veritas is a better path for now than going rust hunting. I dont imagine ever needing more than a couple inches of cut depth - I dont build huge things like entertainment centers or beds.
Id appreciate your thoughts and experienced advise here.
Thanks,
Fred