DIY Dovetail Saw

thingiverse

A DIY dovetail saw made with widely available hardware and 3d printed parts https://youtu.be/42p-eYzoe6I This dovetail saw model uses a printed spine which holds the saw plate and a steel rod for stiffness and weight, making it balance like a traditional back saw would. My version uses a ½" steel rod which can be bought at most hardware stores. An alternate metric design will accommodate a 12mm rod instead. The saw plate is cut from a drywall taping knife, if you do this make sure that you get one made from blue tempered steel, not the stainless kind. This is the one I used: https://www.homedepot.ca/product/marshalltown-10-inch-taping-knife-molded-handle/1000152346 The handle is made in 3 pieces, there are two versions one meant to be glued together, and another which has screw holes to be put together with either M3 or #4-40 screws, which will self tap into the opposite handle piece. I used ½" long screws, anything 12-16mm will work (½"-5/8") A 0.5mm (~.020") centre spacer allows clearance for the saw plate. The larger screws that clamp the spine and plate are ¼"-20 in my version, but I've included a handle with the hex cutouts sized for M6 bolts too. There are holes for locating dowels, which are optional but would add strength even in the screwed together version. I usually design to avoid supports, but with this there was no ideal way to avoid them. I suggest printing with the inner face of each handle half touching the build plate, and use supports, just for the socket where the spine inserts. I made mine with PETG and that made cleaning out that socket a bit tedious, but it only takes a few minutes to get it cleared out.