Introduction
This guide demonstrates how to use Dozuki properly.
Originating in Japan, a dozuki is a saw used to make fine cuts into softer woods. Due to its thin blade construction, it allows the user to create a narrow, precise cut.
The dozuki saw is unique in its design; it only cuts on the pull stroke, as opposed to the European standard wherein the saw cuts on the push stroke. Accordingly, the woodworker uses gravity to their advantage when cutting with a dozuki, but the woodworker cannot put their weight into the cut like one could with the European saws.
This guide shows you the correct way to use a dozuki to cut a notch into a wood workpiece. All you need is the saw and a piece of soft wood for making test cuts.
You might also be interested in Mr. WoodMan's wonderful video on how to use a variety of Japanese saws, including a dozuki.
Tools
Parts
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Begin your cut by placing the bottom edge of the saw on the corner edge of the workpiece. Make sure the saw blade lines up with the cut line(s) that you made on the workpiece.
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Gently pull the saw down and towards you.
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Double-check that you are cutting in the right location, to ensure the saw did not wander off.
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Repeat the above steps for a couple of more pulls. Be sure that you take the saw out of the workpiece after each pull. This allows you to start a neat and precise cut into your workpiece.
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Once you start the cut, you may cut into the workpiece as deep as necessary.
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For these cuts, you can pass the saw through the workpiece in both directions, but make sure that you apply downward pressure only on the pull stroke.
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After you are satisfied with the depth of cut, it will look something like the second picture on this step.
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First, reposition the workpiece so you can cut out the notch.
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To make the first mark on the workpiece, align the ruler against the depth of the cut.
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Draw a straight line to the top of the workpiece.
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Draw another line across the top of the workpiece. This is the line you follow with the dozuki to create the notch in the workpiece.
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Just as before, align the dozuki blade to the edge of the workpiece and make a couple of preliminary cuts to ensure that you are on the right path.
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Continue cutting into the workpiece until the notch is created.
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That is how you use a dozuki saw to create a notch in your workpiece. If all goes according to plan, all of its teeth should still be intact, and you should have a rectangular section of wood missing from the workpiece.
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To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.
To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.
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