tsuba cutting saw ?

john april

john april

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Feb 27, 2006
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i have seen a tool in videos used to cut out the center of a tsuba, and the decorative cutouts. it looks like a coping saw, but it has a really thin blade that almost looks like a wire or string. does anyone know the name of this tool ? thanks.
 
I'm sure there's a special Japanese version specifically for this, but it sounds like a jeweler's saw. If you get one make sure to buy LOTS of blades, you're going to go through them.

~Chip
 
Jewelers saw. It cuts on the down stroke. Blade sizes start with 8/0 ( finest- like a hair,) 7/0, 6/0, 4/0 etc. to 0, then 1,2,3,4, etc.
Buy good blades and let the saw do the work. RioGrande Jewelers supply has a great assortment.
 
Yes, it is called a jewelers saw. Get a gross of #2 and a gross of #0 blades for cutout work on brass and steel. The largest is #8 and the finest is #8/0. Get quality blades. Pike's Gold or Hercules are good ones. They cut on the down stroke (pull). You drill a small hole to insert the blade through, and "spring" the frame to put tension on the blade. Drilling a hole at every corner of a cut out will help in making turns.

You will break a lot of blades learning to use a jewelers saw, but after you get the hang of it, you will get a tsuba cut out with only one or two blades. They will go dull and cut in a curve fast if you "saw" back and forth, so slightly lift the blade on the return stroke. Using a blade lube helps, too. Paraffin wax ( candle) is fine. Going slow is how to cut fast.

Tip:
Don't worry too much about sawing to the exact line. After the cut out, a needle file can shape the cut to exact proportions. Using two grades of needle files like a #0 then a #6 will leave very smooth sides to the cutouts. Thin strips of abrasive cloth cut from broken and worn grinder belts are great for sanding inside the cut edges.
 
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