Disston Dovetail Saws

The purpose of a dovetail saw is, as the name implies, to cut dovetails and other fine joints. Besides its small size, the distinguishing feature of the dovetail saw that separates it from other backsaws is the thickness of its blade, about .018" (26 gauge). Other backsaws can be about .025"-.040", depending on length and intended purpose. Miterbox saws are the thickest. A thin blade and its resulting kerf allows the most accurate saw cut for a small joint like a drawer's dovetail.
No. 68 Dovetail Saw

 

No. 68 Dovetail Saw

 

Disston made three saws for dovetails and similar fine work. The backs were steel with brass plating. The No. 68 had a straight, turned handle, and is sometimes called a gent's saw today. The No. 70 had an open handle and looked like an English dovetail saw. It did not have the quality of material or finish of a No. 4 backsaw. The No. 70 is not often found today, so must not have been a popular item. No. 68 saws were offered for a longer time and are relatively easy to find.

No. 70 Dovetail Saw

The No. 71 was similar to the No. 68, but the handle was offset from the blade in order to allow the user to cut flush with a panel (cutting the extra length from the end of a dowel joint, for example). Saws close in design to the Nos. 68 and 71 still are being sold by other manufacturers today.

In the 1937 catalog, the No. 68 was available in lengths of 6, 8, 10, and 12 inches. The No. 70 was available 8" or 10", and the No. 71 was 10". In 1918, all the saws were available in 6, 8, 10, and 12" sizes. In addition there was a No. 69 saw, similar to the 68 in appearance, made for cutting non-ferrous metals, such as brass and copper.

Disston also made a small number of open-handled backsaws other than the No. 70, which were probably meant for dovetail work. The saws are generally six or eight inches in length, but some are up to 12 inches. The blades look like that of a No. 4 backsaw with handles of high quality. They were never listed in any catalog, but several examples exist and were manufactured from the 1840's until the 1890's. An article about these backsaws can be found here.

 

Information taken from Disston 1918 catalog:

Nos. 68 and 71 dovetail saw 1918 catalog illustration
Dovetail Saw No. 68                Dovetail Saw No. 71

Polished Handle, Steel back, Brass Plated, Extra Quality Spring Steel Blade, 1 1/2 inches wide under back, 26 gauge, 17 points.

The Disston No. 71 dovetail Saw is the same as the No. 68 except that the handle and blade are offset to permit work on a flat surface.

Nos. 68 and 71:      6   8  10  12  inches

 

  Dovetail Saw No. 69
Same pattern and dimensions as No. 68.
Made for cutting brass and copper in sheets or tubes.

 

No. 70 dovetail saw 1918 catalog illustration
Dovetail Saw No. 70

Apple Handle, Open Grip, Polished Edges.
Extra Quality Crucible Steel Blade, 1 1/2 inches wide under back.
26 gauge, 17 points. Steel Back brass plated.

 
6 8 10 12 inches
$7.50 8.00 9.00 9.75 per dozen

Packed one-sixth dozen in box.

 

         The No. 68 also appears in the 1906 catalog. The No. 70 makes its first appearance in the 1918 catalog.

Information taken from Disston 1932 catalog:

  No. 68 Dovetail Saw 1932 catalog Illustration
No. 68 Dovetail Saw

 
The Disston No. 68 Dovetail Saw has a round handle on straight line with the back of the saw; used for tenoning, dovetailing, ship-model building, toy-making, cog-cutting, and other fine work.

Blade of Disston steel: 26 gauge; 17 points to the inch; brass-plated back.
Hardwood handle, polished; heavy brass-plated ferrule. Rivet through handle, ferrule and tang prevents handle from working loose or turning.

 
Length
of Blade 		Number
of Screws
in handle 		Weight
per dozen 		Price
per dozen
6 inches 1 1/2 inches 5 1/2 lbs. $16.10
8 inches 1 1/2 inches 6 lbs. 18.00
10 inches 1 5/8 inches 6 1/2 lbs. 20.00
12 inches 1 5/8 inches 7 lbs. 22.00

Packed 1/6 dozen in box.

 

No. 70 Dovetail Saw 1932 catalog Illustration
No.70 Dovetail Saw

 

The Disston No. 70 Dovetail Saw has a strong, open-grip handle, fastened to blade. Back extends into handle to help support the blade. This gives better control when sawing. Used for tenoning, dovetailing and for other fine, accurate work.

Blade of Disston steel; 26 gauge, 17 points to the inch. A brass-plated back supports the blade.
Applewood handle, varnished edges, two brass screws.

 
Length
of Blade 		Number
of Screws
in handle 		Weight
per dozen 		Price
per dozen
8 inches 1 1/2 inches 5 3/4 lbs. $24.50
10 inches 1 5/8 inches 6 1/2 lbs. 26.00

  Packed 1/6 dozen in box.

 

No. 71 Dovetail Saw 1932 catalog Illustration
No.71 Dovetail Saw

 

The Disston No. 71 Dovetail Saw has an offset handle and blade, to permit cutting with blade flush to the board in floor or wall.

Blade of Disston steel, 26 gauge; 17 points to inch. Brass-plated back supports the blade, and extends into the handle.
Hardwood handle, comfortable grip; brass-plated ferrule with rivet through ferrule, tang and handle.

 
Length
of Blade 		Number
of Screws
in handle 		Weight
per dozen 		Price
per dozen
10 inches 1 1/2 inches 6 lbs. $23.55

Packed 1/6 dozen in box.

 

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