Bad Axe 10" Luthier's Fret and Carcase Saw

$305.00

Shipping calculated at checkout

Extra Small
Small
Medium
Large
Extra Large

Current lead time:  4-8 weeks depending on customizations. Call or email info@badaxetoolworks.com for more accurate lead times.

Whether you're skillfully placing frets or delicately executing other luthier work, our Luthier Saw is the perfect companion. Crafted with the same .015 thick Swedish Spring Steel plate and 16 teeth per inch (ppi) as our renowned Half-Blind Dovetail Saw, it ensures impeccable control and precision. The addition of a depth guard specifically tailored for fret work guarantees consistent and accurate cuts for fret slots, enabling you to achieve the highest standards in instrument craftsmanship.

We designed an open-handled, thin (.015) plate 10" long saw with just enough plate below the back to accommodate a depth stop for making delicate fret-wire cuts on a guitar neck.

Precise, hammer-set toothline with a combined set that delivers a .022-.023 kerf, which promotes a compressive fret-wire fit.

Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight (UHMW) Polyethylene Depth Stop with knurled thumbscrews. The high lubricity of this particular synthetic provides a friction-free depth stop for your work that won't mar your exotic woods.

Traditional 1876-Wheeler-Pattern open handle, available in standard quartersawn White Oak, Cherry, Walnut, & Maple. Five sizes--from XS up to XL will fit virtually any hand.

The bottom line upfront:

  • 16 ppi 
  • Filed Cross Cut
  • Plate Thickness .015"
  • Kerf of .0225"
  • Depth of cut with depth guard - up to 3/4", Without Depth stop - 2 1/4"
  • Perfect for luthier work
  • Great for cutting frets and other delicate work

Filing Types: Hybrid filing is a term that refers to a filing pattern used to achieve a balance between two primary cutting techniques: rip cuts and crosscuts.

To achieve clean crosscuts, a specific filing pattern is used on the teeth of the saw. This pattern is designed to slice cleanly through the wood fibers, minimizing tearout.

The crosscut pattern is optimized for cutting across the grain and is adept at reducing tearout. However, it may not be the most efficient for ripping cuts along the grain. On the other hand, the rip cut pattern is optimized for ripping along the grain, making it faster for such cuts but not as effective for crosscuts.

Hybrid filing seeks to combine the benefits of both patterns. It's a compromise between the aggressiveness of rip cuts and the cleanliness of crosscuts. The hybrid pattern is designed to provide a good balance, allowing for relatively fast rip cuts while still maintaining cleaner crosscuts compared to pure rip filing.

Folded Sawback: Delve into the craftsmanship behind our traditional folded sawbacks, a hallmark of excellence that sets Bad Axe's saws apart from the rest. Unlike milled static backs commonly found in mainstream offerings, our folded backs embody a heritage of meticulous artistry and functional superiority.

Crafted through time-honored techniques, our folded backs undergo a precise process, resulting in a seamless, robust construction. This method not only enhances the structural integrity of the saw but also allows for dynamic adjustments and retensioning of the toothline, crucial for maintaining optimal cutting performance over time.

In contrast, milled static backs lack the versatility and resilience of our traditional folded backs. Their uniformity limits the ability to adjust tension, rendering them prone to premature wear and diminishing cutting efficiency, especially under rigorous use.

At Bad Axe, we stand by the enduring tradition of folded sawbacks for their unparalleled durability, versatility, and craftsmanship. Each saw embodies a legacy of excellence, meticulously crafted to deliver precision and reliability for generations to come. Experience the difference that traditional folded backs make in the world of woodworking – where precision meets heritage, and craftsmanship knows no compromise.

Handle: Inspired by the timeless design of the 1876 Disston-pattern open handle, each Bad Axe handle is meticulously crafted from full-heart quartersawn stock in a selection of premium hardwoods including Cherry, White Oak, Hard Maple, and Walnut.

Why choose quartersawn wood? Despite being the priciest option, quartersawn stock offers unparalleled stability, minimizing the effects of seasonal wood movement that can compromise the accuracy of the saw plate alignment. At Bad Axe, we prioritize the use of quartersawn wood to ensure the longevity and reliability of our handles. All handles are dipped in natural Watco Danish oil with the exception of Walnut, which is dipped in black walnut Watco, followed by Tripoli and finish buffed with carnuba wax.

Furthermore, we are committed to sustainability and environmental responsibility. All our handle stock is sourced from a trusted family-owned business known for their sustainable lumber harvesting practices. This partnership, established from the inception of Bad Axe, underscores our dedication to supporting North American hardwoods and promoting eco-conscious manufacturing processes.

Check out our hand size chart and measuring graphic in order to get the best fit on your new saw.

Handle Size Length
Extra Small Less than 3 1/8"
Small 3 1/4" - 3 1/2"
Regular 3 5/8" - 3 7/8"
Large 4" - 4 1/4"
Extra Large More than 4-3/8"