dovetail saw

American  

noun

1. a backsaw for fine woodworking, as dovetailing.

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dovetail saw British  

noun

1. building trades a saw similar to a tenon saw but of smaller size

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Etymology

Origin of dovetail saw

First recorded in 1805–15

Example Sentences

The side is held in position on the end, and the dovetail saw is inserted and drawn out of the saw kerf, thus leaving the exact mark on the drawer-back.

From Woodwork Joints How they are Set Out, How Made and Where Used. by Fairham, William

With a fine tenon or dovetail saw, cut the saw kerf as at Fig.

From Woodwork Joints How they are Set Out, How Made and Where Used. by Fairham, William

He bought a dovetail saw and made several cardboard templates for the joints.

From O+F by Wetterau, John Moncure

Failure to observe this condition will result in faulty dovetailing, and it will also prove the necessity for using a finely-toothed and thin-bladed dovetail saw.

From Woodwork Joints How they are Set Out, How Made and Where Used. by Fairham, William