The Gramercy Tools Veneer Saw is based on traditional French pattern veneer saws, and is designed to be used against a straightedge. Unlike the offset handle of an English-style veneer saw, French pattern saws can be used with either hand. The placement of the handle locates the pressure from sawing directly over the cut allowing you to work quickly and with increased control.
The Gramercy Veneer Saw's most revolutionary feature is its steel backer plate. The solid steel plate improves the handling of the saw, makes for a stronger assembly, and allows for the quick change of blades. The enhanced rigidity of the saw allows you to feel positive contact between the tool and your straight edge as you slice the veneer. This feedback lets you know the saw is following the edge you wish to cut along.
The saws blade is removed by loosening the three stainless steel screws. With the blade out, you can switch to another blade, or sharpen the one you have and get back to work. A quarter turn is usually enough to snug or loosen the blade.
The Saw handle is made of American Black Walnut. The blades are etched with the Gramercy Logo, and marked in the corner with their tooth pattern for quick reference. The blades use the same 1095 spring steel used on our Gramercy Back Saws. This hard-wearing steel will hold a keen edge, but allows for resharpening. As always, Gramercy Tools saws are shipped sharp and ready to use.
We offer a selection of blades to fit your preference and application. All blades are pitched at 15 points per inch. Our blade numbering system refers first to the blades pitch, and secondly to its tooth shape. For example a 15-90 blade has 15 points per inch, and is filed with a square file that creates a 90 degree gullet between points.
15-60: |
This traditional pattern may have originated in England. It is the most common style of blade in use. It cuts well in thin veneer, and is an excellent all around blade. |
15-90: |
This modified traditional blade is a proprietary Gramercy design specifically for delicate woods. We use a square file instead of a three-corner (triangular) file to shape the teeth and the result is a relaxed rake that can cut smoothly in difficult grain. |
15-60/60: |
This blade is patterned after old-world French saws. This is a traditional pattern, but also a controversial one. Because the blade features teeth that appear to face' one another, this blade cuts with different characteristics depending on how it is held. For some this can be infuriating; for others, it's a joy to use. In the workshop here at Gramercy Tools, it's a house favorite. |
King Kong |
This blade, from the Gramercy Tools Custom Shop was developed specifically for use with hand-sawn veneer. It is sold only as a replacement blade, and is described more thoroughly below. |
Unbeveled | :
In addition to the blades above we offer unbeveled blades for special applications. The blade is filed but not beveled, and is available in 15-60, 15-90, and 15-60/60 patterns. These blades are available by request. |
From the Gramercy Custom Shop - King Kong for thicker veneers
This modified 15-60 veneer saw blade is specifically designed to meet the needs of the eboniste, marqueter or crafts-person using hand-sawn or otherwise thicker veneer. Designed using feedback from master craftsmen Patrick Edwards and Patrice LeJeune of the American School of French Marquetry, King Kong features a filing pattern similar to our Gramercy Sash Saw. The blade has no set, and only a light dusting of bevel. This allows it to cut with less drag than standard bevel veneer blades while tracking along a straightedge.
If you work with thick veneer, this blade is an excellent addition to your arsenal.
Made in the USA
One of the simplest tools in my tool chest is the veneer saw. I use it for making straight cuts either with the grain or crossgrain. The veneer saw that I have had for decades is serviceable, but hardly an implement of great precision.
I recently came into possession of a Gramercy Tools veneer saw. This is a serious woodworking tool and there was obviously a lot of thought that went into its production. They have taken the saw and looked at each individual aspect of the tool, designing it accordingly. For instance, the saw can be used comfortably by either a right or left handed person. (This is not the case with the standard veneer saw). The steel in the blades is heavy and flat (again not the case on the standard model). The blade is easily sharpened. And finally, there are three interchangeable blades, which can be switched easily depending on the task at hand.
In testing the veneer saw I have discovered that I get excellent rip cuts right off the blade, saving me time and energy in jointing the material after cutting.
I commend Gramercy for offering this fine addition to the veneer craftsman's toolkit." - Silas Kopf
"...the Gramercy veneer saw is a well-engineered, finely made tool that comes razor sharp..." - Fine Woodworking Oct. 2011
"I have used a number of veneer saws over the past eight years and have never been satisfied that it was doing what I wanted it to do. In every case I was left with something else to do for perfectly jointed edges. Yesterday I opened the box of the new Gramercy Veneer saw and made clean cuts of 28" in 12 pieces of gnarly tiger maple veneer... flawlessly. When simple things are done by simple processes in simple motions I am beside myself. Thanks for delivering such a superior user experience. A blinding glimpse of the obvious. What was I thinking fiddling about with my Kunz saw for so long?" - John B. Aug. 2011