Fret Saws

About Fret Saws

Fret saws are precision hand tools designed for making intricate, detailed cuts in thin materials such as wood, plastic, and soft metals. Characterised by their distinctive bow-shaped frame and fine blade, these tools excel at creating curved lines, tight corners, and delicate patterns that would be impossible with standard handsaws. The narrow blade can be rotated within the frame, allowing craftsmen to navigate complex shapes whilst maintaining excellent control and accuracy.

MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a carefully selected range of fret saws from trusted brands including Bahco, Draper, and Faithfull. These professional-quality tools feature adjustable frames to accommodate various blade lengths, comfortable handles for extended use, and robust construction that ensures longevity even with regular workshop use. Modern fret saws typically offer throat depths ranging from 130mm to 165mm, allowing you to cut well into the centre of large panels, with tensioning mechanisms that keep blades taut for clean, accurate cuts.

Applications

Fret saws are essential tools for various trades and crafts, including:

• Cabinet Makers and Joiners – creating decorative inlays, dovetails, and intricate joinery details
• Luthiers – instrument makers requiring precision cuts for soundboards, bridges, and decorative rosettes
• Model Makers – producing architectural models, prototypes, and scale replicas
• Marquetry and Intarsia Artists – crafting decorative veneered surfaces with complex patterns
• Furniture Restorers – repairing or recreating delicate components in antique pieces
• Picture Framers – cutting intricate corner details and decorative elements
• Jewellery Makers – working with soft metals and synthetic materials
• DIY Enthusiasts – home craftspeople engaged in woodworking projects requiring detailed cuts

Choosing The Right Fret Saws

When selecting a fret saw from MyToolShed.co.uk, consider these key factors:

Throat Depth: Determine the maximum distance you'll need to cut from the edge of your workpieces. A 130mm throat depth suits most general applications, whilst deeper frames provide greater versatility for larger panels.

Frame Quality: Look for rigid steel frames that resist flexing during use. Quality brands like Draper Expert and Faithfull construct their frames from hardened steel, ensuring consistent blade tension and accurate cuts.

Handle Comfort: Ergonomic wooden or composite handles reduce hand fatigue during extended cutting sessions. The grip should feel comfortable and provide good control without causing pressure points.

Blade Compatibility: Ensure your chosen fret saw accommodates standard blade sizes and accepts both pin-end and plain-end blades for greater flexibility across different applications and materials.

Tensioning Mechanism: A reliable, easy-to-adjust tensioning system is crucial for quick blade changes whilst maintaining consistent tension throughout your work.

Safety Information

Always wear safety glasses when using a fret saw, as fine particles and small offcuts can be ejected during cutting. Secure workpieces properly using clamps or vices – never hold small pieces by hand whilst cutting. Inspect blades before use and replace any that are damaged, bent, or excessively worn. Maintain controlled, steady strokes without forcing the blade, and keep your workspace well-lit and free from clutter for optimal visibility and safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a fret saw and a coping saw?
Fret saws have deeper frames allowing cuts further from edges, finer blades, and are designed for more intricate, delicate work. Coping saws have shorter, stouter frames with coarser blades and excel at heavier cutting tasks. Fret saws are the tool of choice for detailed marquetry, whilst coping saws suit general carpentry tasks.

Can I cut metal with a fret saw?
Yes, fret saws can cut soft metals such as brass, copper, and aluminium when fitted with appropriate metal-cutting blades. Use blades with higher TPI (32-48) specifically designed for metal work, apply cutting lubricant to reduce friction, and work with steady, controlled strokes.

Why does my blade keep breaking?
Blade breakage typically results from excessive tension, forcing the cut, twisted blades, or attempting to cut material too thick for the blade's specification. Ensure proper blade tension, let the blade cut at its own pace without forcing, and check you're using the correct TPI for your material.